Clean label baking - spicy corn puffs
Consumers crave complex and varying flavors from a wide range of peppers.

More than just spicy

Heat and global flavors continue to reign for both baked goods and snacks, regardless of whether that flavor is natural or artificial.

“We’re constantly on the lookout to see what’s trending in the flavor world in general, and that doesn’t change because a flavor needs to be natural,” Mr. Lane said. “We’re obviously seeing an expanded interest in ethnic flavors, so we have a broad range of natural flavors that fit that market, whether it’s something like a Natural Asian Pear Flavor or Natural Tamarind Flavor WONF.”

Kalsec Indian curry
Kalsec recently introduced a new line of Indian curries.

Kalsec is also answering the call for more ethnic flavors with Asian profiles including a new line of Indian curries. The company is also responding to demand for more diverse heat profiles.


“Consumers continue to look for more flavor expression and specificity of the types of heat they are incorporating into their eating experience,” Mr. Augustine said. The company has expanded its specialty pepper extracts to include hatch and serrano peppers.

Land O' Lakes cheese powder
Land O’ Lakes CheddarChroma line of cheese powder and seasonings includes its 3-Pepper CheddarChroma seasoning.

Land O’ Lakes CheddarChroma line of cheese powder and seasonings includes its 3-Pepper CheddarChroma seasoning, which layers jalapeno pepper, aged cayenne, chili pepper with other spices, and sour cream.

Spicy and ethnic flavors continue to trend upward, but not just any heat will do. Consumers want complex and varying flavors from a wide range of peppers.