Keeping up with consumer cravings

Diners have been gravitating toward spicier flavors over the past few years, thanks to the increased trendiness of hot sauces. This spells big opportunity for operators who are prepared to meet that need.

Boosting the flavor and heat of every dish on the menu won't satisfy every diner, however. While a majority of consumers enjoy spicy foods, according to Technomic’s 2019 Flavor Consumer Trend Report, one in four don’t want the added heat. Instead of tweaking recipes or adding new dishes to their menu, operators can effectively accommodate the flavor and heat preferences of all guests through condiments.

Convenient, easy-add options

More than half (58%) of consumers surveyed by Technomic said adding flavor to food via dips or condiments appeals to them; 34% of consumers reported they’re likely to try new flavors in delivery or carryout orders. As consumers increasingly turn to takeout and delivery—not just because of this year’s coronavirus pandemic, but also because their lifestyles are busier than ever—offering this level of customization can help you stand out from competitors. Portable, portioned condiments make this possible.

With single-serve solutions like mini-bottles and portion-control (PC) packets, TABASCO^® Brand makes it a snap for operators to offer the bold flavors customers want—whether they’re dining in or ordering food for off-premises consumption.

Interesting flavors make for an intriguing menu

Consumers aren’t looking for just any spicy food, however. In fact, Technomic found that 41% of consumers consider which sauces and condiments will be available when they decide where to eat, and 37% indicated they’re more likely to order a particular dish if it comes with a unique sauce.

TABASCO^® Brand Pepper Sauce flavors offer the unique heat that customers crave—across all dayparts and dishes. This Fired Up Cheesy Pasta, for example, uses a hint of TABASCO^® Brand Scorpion Sauce—a fiery blend of Scorpion peppers, guava and pineapple blended with a splash of TABASCO^® Original Red Sauce—to elevate the ultimate crowd-pleaser, macaroni and cheese. Or consider offering adventurous diners a Sriracha Bacon Breakfast Pizza topped with chopped bacon and sausage, cheddar and mozzarella cheese, pickled jalapeños, poached eggs, and TABASCO^® Brand Sriracha Sauce. Even dessert can be elevated: Adding TABASCO^® Brand Chipotle Sauce to rich, dark chocolate filling results in this Sweet and Smoky Cannoli—the name says it all.

For the 49% of consumers who find spicy flavors appealing or extremely appealing, these dishes will be a welcome addition. But operators don’t have to revamp their entire menu to cater to spicy cravings. Simply add a few packets of hot sauce to a diner’s tray or bag—and empower them to add as much or as little sauce as they like.

Keeping up with consumers’ preferences is easy with TABASCO^® Brand Pepper Sauces. Learn more about TABASCO^® Brand’s prepackaged solutions at TABASCOfoodservice.com/convenience.