KANSAS CITY — Whether they are tapping into childhood nostalgia or the latest flavor trends, condiment makers continue to innovate.
Several companies are hopping onto the dill pickle flavor trend. Both Bitchin’ Sauce, an almond-based condiment company, and The Kraft Heinz Co. said they would be adding dill pickle condiments to their portfolios.
“Increased desire for tasty, yet unexpected condiments has served as our innovation north star for the last several years,” said Katie Peterson, director of Heinz innovation at The Kraft Heinz Co., when the product was announced. “The current pickle craze in America mirrors the irrational love Heinz fans have for the brand, so it only made sense for our newest ketchup to blend these two beloved tastes together.”
Other companies are launching their takes on nostalgic foods. Nostalgic foods are forecast to be a significant driver for flavor and product development in 2024, according to the foodservice category market research firm Datassential.
Noble Made launched a Sloppy Joseph Skillet Sauce, which it developed after identifying a need for better-for-you products in the space, and its formulation contains no high-fructose corn syrup and less sugar than traditional sauces, according to the company. The product marks the latest addition to Noble Made’s Less-Sugar sauce line, which includes varieties like tomato ketchup, original barbecue, mustard barbecue, smoky barbecue and Buffalo barbecue.
Single-origin spice company Burlap & Barrel launched its latest product in collaboration with chefs Sohla and Ham El-Waylly. The collaboration initially debuted in 2021 with a Pizza Party spice blend, followed by Nothing Hidden Ranch, and now Yo Quiero Taco Blend. The Yo Quiero Taco blend is a “fresh take on a ‘90s classic,” according to the company. It features a mix of cumin, coriander, garlic, onion, chili flakes, panela cane sugar, and more.
“As millennials, Gen X and boomers longingly look back to a rose-colored past amid continued worries, while Gen Z experiences some of these trends for the first time, brands should dive into the archives for ideas,” Datassential said. “If you have a concept that resonates with nostalgic consumers, challenge yourself to find a way to bring it back in 2024.”
