Table of Contents
According to global research from Kalsec, 81% of consumers enjoy spicy food at a medium heat level or above. This growing demand for heat is evident in the fact that 95% of restaurants offer at least one spicy menu item. As consumers seek to recreate restaurant experiences at home, the popularity of bold and spicy consumer packaged goods (CPG) products is on the rise. In fact, over three-quarters of global consumers now opt for spicy options when cooking, marking a significant increase since 2019.
For CPG manufacturers looking to meet this demand, simply increasing the heat level is not enough. Brands must strike a balance between bold, distinctive flavors and the technical expertise required to produce consistent products at scale.
According to Chef Anna Cheely, Senior Culinary Innovation Manager at Kalsec, brands are striving to differentiate themselves in the market by creating products that consumers will talk about, share with friends, and showcase on social media platforms.
At-Home Dining Drives Spicy Innovation
The trend towards “experience dining” has shifted towards dining at home, with consumers eager to socialize, entertain, and experiment with adventurous dishes in their own kitchens. As consumers seek authenticity and explore regional pepper varieties and global cuisines, CPG brands are challenged to deliver products that offer layered heat experiences rather than just focusing on extreme spiciness.
Kalsec’s research reveals that 86% of consumers enjoy experimenting with heat at home, but convenience remains a priority. Sixty percent of consumers prefer to purchase premade spicy foods, presenting an opportunity for manufacturers to offer sauces, spice blends, and DIY meal kits that make it easy for consumers to enjoy spicy flavors at home.
Creating Intentional At-Home Heat Journeys
While extreme heat was once the main focus of product innovation, today’s consumers are seeking more nuanced spice profiles. Cheely emphasizes that CPG brands should consider heat in a broader context, focusing on how it enhances the overall dish rather than overpowering it. Consumers expect products that deliver flavor, authenticity, and balance alongside heat.
Heat perception goes beyond just intensity or Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Factors such as how quickly the heat builds, its duration, where it is perceived, and how it complements the dish’s overall profile all play a role in the consumer experience.
Understanding consumers’ varying heat preferences and perception is crucial for CPG manufacturers. Factors such as acidity, fat content, moisture, and viscosity can influence heat perception, highlighting the importance of consistent product delivery across production runs.
Connecting Science and Sensory Experience
Kalsec serves as a bridge between the science of heat and enjoyable dining experiences, providing CPG brands with the technical expertise needed to develop products that meet consumer expectations. By understanding how different heat ingredients interact with other flavors, Kalsec helps manufacturers create products that deliver the right sensory profile.
Ready to Embrace the Heat?
Kalsec’s expertise in agriculture and heat ingredients enables manufacturers to design products that offer layered heat experiences for consumers. By moving beyond simply making products hotter, brands can intentionally craft products that allow consumers to enjoy restaurant-inspired flavor adventures at home. Explore Kalsec’s HeatSync System to discover more about the world of heat innovation.