Every day, people are admonished to eat more healthfully. However, they also are bombarded with the coupled force of stress, plus advertisement images of tasty treats that purportedly relieve that same stress. Today’s palates are sophisticated and demanding.
Ethnic may seem like solely the domain of foreign foods, but Technomic’s Darreen Tristano explains that America has a number of regionally ethnic cuisines finding their way to menus and grocery aisles.
Grilled and smoked flavors, beans, other legumes and corn bread are typical elements of one of the ultimate examples of comfort cuisine—American campfire fare.
When salt or sugar tastants are non-homogeneously distributed in a food, taste intensity can be increased. This can lead to increased acceptability of sodium- and/or sucrose-reduced foods and beverages.
Especially in tougher economic times, consumers want and crave comfort foods. Items such as tacos, chili and meat-topped pizzas are enjoyed by many, because they are tasty and easy on the pocketbook.
Technomic research has consistently shown that comfort foods, with their nostalgic qualities and positive associations, are popular with consumers and resonate particularly strongly these days, as the economic outlook remains uncertain.