Some Like it Hot:
In a recent survey, consumers were loud and clear: they like their condiments with a kick. One in five1 consumers prefer either a spicy balanced by sweet flavor or a mildly spicy flavor, with nearly as many saying “the spicier the better”.
The demand for spicy foods is also at an all-time high, with 34%1 of consumers using more hot sauce this year than last. With growing consumer interest, spicy condiments are one of the top three areas1 where operators are purchasing more than they were last year.
Big Demand for Bold Flavor:
There are many factors influencing the growth of hot and spicy foods. Namely, Hispanic populations, who drive demand for spicy condiments and ingredients2. Not to mention Millennials and Gen Z’s interest in spicy flavors, incorporated into unique or traditional dishes2.
With this growing demand, 93%1 of operators are now keeping some form of hot sauce in their front of house, with 41%1 of operators keeping hot sauce within reach at front of house tables. This makes hot sauce the #21 condiment on front of house tables, second only to Ketchup.
Bring the Heat (and Keep It Cool):
Spicy food may not be for everyone, but there’s a way to satisfy customers looking for a bite with some bite and make spicy condiments delicious for everyone.
The key? Balancing spicy flavors with cooling or sweet ingredients like mayo, sour cream, honey, and aioli to create unique combinations - like Chipotle Mayo sauce - that are appealing across demographics.
Get Spicy with Kraft Heinz:
With hot sauce, taco sauce, buffalo sauce and more, there’s a variety of Heinz condiments perfect for spicing things up in your restaurant and kitchen.
Keep bottles in your front of house and allow guests to customize to their own heat preferences, and stock up on portion control options - perfect for bringing heat to pizzas and wings.
With no signs of it slowing down in popularity, and increasing consumer demand, kitchens and restaurants are going to need to turn up the heat to keep diners coming back.
