The craze for spicy products
Consumer tastes are constantly evolving, and one of the most notable food trends in recent years is the growing appeal of spicy products and spicy flavours. Lutosa perfectly meets this demand thanks to its range of spicy products. Find out in this article why these products have become a trend not to be missed.
A global trend
The spicy products market has experienced exponential growth in recent years. From hot sauces to spicy snacks, consumers are increasingly drawn to the bold flavours and thrills spices provide. This trend is not just a passing phenomenon, but reflects deeper cultural, demographic and gastronomic changes. According to a study by Mordor Intelligence, the global spices market is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 5.18% between 2024 and 2029. In Europe, nearly 60% of consumers say they enjoy spicy foods, and this trend continues to grow.
Growth fueled by several factors
Culinary diversification
With globalisation, once exotic cuisines are becoming more and more common. Western consumers, in particular, are adopting dishes from Asia, Latin America and Africa, regions known for their spicy flavours, into their daily lives.
Influence of social networks
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok play a crucial role in popularising spicy foods. Culinary challenges, product reviews and viral tasting videos are boosting younger generations’ interest in spicy products.
Search for new experiences
Modern consumers, particularly millennials and Generation Z, are looking for unique and memorable dining experiences. Spicy products, with their intense flavor profiles, perfectly meet this demand.
Lutosa spicy products: a unique culinary experience
Lutosa, known for the exceptional quality of its potato products, has managed to combine tradition and innovation to adapt to this trend with several creations:
Smoky Barbecue Fries
Smoky Barbecue Fries, generously seasoned, offer a perfect balance between the crunch of the potatoes and the richness of the barbecue flavours;
Spicy Fries
Spicy Fries, coated in a blend of chilli peppers and spices, offer a balanced level of spiciness that pairs perfectly with a multitude of dishes . They are ideal for consumers who want to enhance the taste of their meals without being overwhelmed by chilli;
Cajun Fries
Cajun Fries, marked by authentic Cajun spices, provide gentle heat and are flavoured with notes of paprika, garlic, and onion.
Behind the scenes of creating Lutosa spicy products
Lucile Bolle
R&D engineer at Lutosa.
To delve deeper into the creation of Lutosa’s spicy products and the craze around spicy products, we interviewed Lucile Bolle, R&D engineer at Lutosa.
She revealed to us the main criteria taken into account when developing new spicy products: “The development of spicy products can be done following a specific request from a customer, a suggestion from our salespeople due to market trends, or following a competitive analysis We must also prove that the product will work, most often according to internal tasting sessions and with customers, or by obtaining estimates of potential sales from our salespeople” explains Lucile Bolle.
When developing new products, ingredient selection is crucial to achieve the right balance of spicy flavour and overall product appeal. “Our developments are often based on a comparative study of our competitors. For example, for the barbecue coating, we analysed existing products and barbecue flavour chips available on the market to determine the necessary ingredients. Some developments are also co- created with suppliers, who offer us recipes based on their experience and research.
Challenges and trends in the spicy products market
Lucile highlights the particular challenges associated with developing spicy products: “The main challenge is to convince customers despite the inherent limitations of coating, such as the dilution of aromas and the possible degradation of certain flavours by heat. For example, for our barbecue flavoured fries, the taste is similar to barbecue chips, but in a more subtle way.”
As for current trends, Lucile informs us that the demand for very spicy, even extremely spicy, products is growing strongly: “According to Pristine Market Insights and a Cargill survey in 2022, the market for spicy potato products is expected to grow by 103% in value and 78% in volume between 2023 and 2033. Our salespeople around the world also confirm this trend towards really very spicy products.”
The appeal of spicy flavours continues to grow, and Lutosa is brilliantly positioned to meet this demand with its range of products. By combining innovation and tradition, Lutosa not only follows the trend, it actively contributes to the evolution of the spice products market. For consumers seeking novelty and intensity, Lutosa promises a vibrant taste experience full of character.
