The hotter and spicier foods get, the hotter their popularity. Prepared Foods’ David Feder interviews Frito Lay’s Jody Denton for an expert look behind the hot and spicy trend.

Caffeine with added benefits, going back to basics in the plant-based category, complex heat from global peppers, and water conservation and stewardship are all among the food trends expected to rise in popularity across the industry in the next year.

Whole Foods Market’s summer condiment trends predictions come at a time when customers are turning to condiments to elevate their meals more than ever before. According to Mintel, sales for the condiment, marinade and dressing category are expected to hit $2.9 billion by 2024, showing growth of more than 5% since 2020.

In 2021, the Specialty Food Association (SFA) Trendspotter Panel virtually assembled at three separate digital SFA shows to research thousands of specialty food and beverage products from around the world. After recording their extensive findings, Denise Purcell, vice president, content and education for the SFA, pored over the data and deciphered five trends that will drive the growth of the $170.4 billion specialty food industry in 2022.

Seemore Meats & Veggies, a women-owned and led sausage company on a mission to make it easier and more fun for people to eat well, launched Chicken Chili Verde Sausage. 

Last October saw New York City’s indie pop band, AJR, turn one of its 2020 hit songs into a sauce. AJR partnered with Small Axe Peppers, a mission-based hot sauce company also based in New York, to create BANG!, which features a medley of locally-sourced peppers from more than 30 community gardens throughout the Bronx and Queens.