Evolving Ethnic Cuisines & Global Flavors

Global Flavors are Thriving
Consumers are turning to food and beverage to connect with new cultures and experience new flavors. As the multicultural population continues to increase in the United States, more consumers are willing to try flavors that were once considered unique. This is especially true to millennials and younger consumers with forty-eight percent of millennials willing to try a new food simply because it sounds interesting².
64% of US consumers are interested in Asian-inspired foods
63% of US consumers are interested in Latin American foods
66% of US consumers are interested in Middle Eastern foods in restaurants
There is a desire to create these dishes at home but lack of skill has consumers visiting restaurants to fulfill their cravings. To capitalize on this movement, operators can offer a variety of concepts:
Beverages
Aguas frescas, a traditional Mexican drink, align with the better-beverage movement. They provide a versatile base to infuse a variety of ingredients from herbs and fruit, to spirits and spices.
Peach Agua Fresca - Click For Recipe
Desserts
Forty percent of consumers are interested in ethnic desserts² and options like churros and mochi are sure to hit the sweet spot.
Boysenberry Empanadas - Click For Recipe
Ethnic Condiments
From chili sauce to chutneys, globally inspired sauces and spreads are seeing an increase on menus.
Raspberry Red Chili Glaze - Click For Recipe
¹Mintel
²Datassentials