With the rise in popularity of spicy food and chili peppers over the past decade, it's safe to say that the love for heat and bold flavors is here to stay. In fact, according to PRNewswire, the global market for spice market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.87% from 2023 to 2030.
So what can we expect in terms of trends for spicy food and chili peppers trends in 2024?
Trends in the Spicy Food Industry
In 2024, we're expecting to see three main trends when it comes to talking about spicy foods and chili peppers.
An increase in unique spice blends and fusions
The use of more "lesser-known" cuisines
Increased use in specialty peppers and sauces
Not only are these spicy trends expected to hit this year, but we've also seen some interesting developments in the top trending ingredients and flavor pairings with chili peppers. We did see some expected ones, such as chicken, pork and broth, but we also saw tea and coffee becoming popular as well. Who knew coffee and hot sauce could be trendy?
Unique Spice Blends and Fusions
With the growing interest in global flavors, we're seeing more and more unique spice blends and fusions being used in cooking. These blends can range from traditional Indian masalas to Mexican-inspired chili rubs, providing consumers with a wide variety of flavors to choose from.
During the Global & Produce Floral Show hosted by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) in October, Crispy Green, showcased its latest dried fruit product line... Piña Picante.
They said the following about it:
“Piña Picante starts with premium pineapple from Costa Rica and infused with unique blends of spices before drying. Our first flavor, Chili Lime, is infused with the perfect combination of cayenne peppers and zesty lime with a hint of sea salt.”
Consumers want to taste different food and flavors from around the world, venturing into more diverse flavors and experiences. This evolving trend is erasing the boundaries between international and local cuisines. In America, food enthusiasts are embracing intercultural dishes that challenge conventional norms.
You can expect to see unique fusions such as:
Korean BBQ with a Mexican chili sauce
Indian curry flavored tacos
Thai or Moraccan-inspired hot sauces
Sushi Tofu Nachos
Bulgogi Beef Pizza
The possibilities are endless and we can't wait to see what creative and spicy combinations people come up with next.
"Lesser-Known" Cuisines
As consumers become more adventurous in their food choices, we're seeing a rise in popularity of "lesser-known" cuisines. These are cuisines that have yet to hit mainstream media and are not typically found in every restaurant.
Some examples of these cuisines include:
Ethiopian
Peruvian
Malaysian
Nigerian
These cuisines bring a unique set of flavors and spice profiles that are new to many people, making them even more intriguing. Although there are some cities that are known for their wide range of international food options such as Columbus, Ohio, but many still don't have access to these lesser-known cuisines. In 2024, we expect to see a rise in popularity and accessibility of these unique flavors.
And as they gain traction and recognition, we can expect to see more restaurants and food companies incorporating these cuisines into their menus and products.
Specialty Peppers and Sauces
It's no secret that chili peppers are the main ingredient in spicy foods, but did you know that there are over 50,000 varieties of chili peppers? In 2024, we're expecting to see a rise in popularity of specialty peppers and sauces made from these unique pepper varieties.
According to a report from Tastewise, 35.72% of restaurants offer Chili Pepper on their menus. This shows the popularity of chili peppers in the food industry and with consumers. However, we can expect to see a shift towards more unique and specialty peppers such as:
Scorpion peppers
Guajillo
Hungarian Goathorn peppers
Korean chili flakes
Calabrian chili peppers
These peppers not only bring intense heat but also unique flavor profiles that can add depth and complexity to dishes.
Additionally, we can expect to see an increase in specialty hot sauces made from these peppers. Consumers are looking for that extra kick and flavor in their food, making these specialty peppers and sauces a must-have.
Hot sauces such as Ghostly Garlic combine the heat of the Gost pepper with garlic and smokey flavors, making it a standout among traditional hot sauces.
By now we've probably all heard about the newest and hottest chili pepper in the world, Pepper X. So who knows, maybe in 2024 we'll be seeing Pepper X hot sauces soon!
Looking Ahead: The Spicy Future of 2024
As we head into 2024, the spicy food and hot sauce industry is expected to see an increase in unique spice blends and fusions, a rise in popularity of "lesser-known" cuisines, and a shift towards specialty peppers and sauces. With these trends, we can expect to see more diverse flavors and experiences in the culinary world. So get ready for a spicy and flavorful future ahead!