Maple French toast and an iconic ‘BBQ’ condiment forecast to be next big flavour craze

SNAC International’s biennial trade show – held in Orlando, Florida, from 19-21 March – again brought together leading suppliers, producers and emerging tastemakers from across the snack supply chain. The event featured the latest in ingredients, equipment, packaging, technology and services.

Attendees also had the opportunity to savour a raft of on-trend and emerging new flavours at SNAXPO’s Flavour Showdown.

The hotly anticipated competition invites flavour producers to put their taste talents to the test. This year, the audience was invited to sample submission from 10 leading flavour suppliers – Griffith Foods, Chesapeake Spice, Carolina Ingredients, Land O’Lakes, Mane, Fuchs, Elite Spice, LifeSpice, Revela Foods and Wixon – before voting for their favourites.

Sweet

Chesapeake Spice took top spot for its French Toast flavour, which evokes the indulgent butter x maple syrup combo of a popular US breakfast cereal.

Elite Spice took second place with its Gooey Butter Cake with Chocolate Drizzle.

Revela Foods was placed third for its Strawberry Cheesecake Frosted Chow. 

Other flavour contenders included Chocolate Truffle, Salted Caramel Tres Leches, Mango Sticky Rice, Ginger Snap Cashews, Hot Honey and Hot Honey Butter.

Savoury

Getting the biggest thumbs up was the DC Signature Mambo Sauce from Elite Spice. The flavouring emulates the sauce that is popular among Washington D.C. residents, which is similar to BBQ, but somewhat sweeter, spicier and more sour.

Griffith Foods earned second place with its Aquachile Cashews flavour.

Wixon took home third place for its Pickled Sweet Onion flavour. 

The rest of the field included Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup, Birra, Smoky French Onion, Japanese Curry, Cotija & Jalapeno, Cuban Mojo and Szechuan Hot.

“The snack food industry’s leading edge is our ability to stay ahead of the trends and anticipate the next big consumer craze,” said Christine Cochran, CEO of SNAC International.

“All the entries in this year’s Flavour Showdown proved they are innovators in this space.

“Congratulations to Elite Spice and Chesapeake Spice for taking this year’s title and thank you to our incredible sponsors who made the Flavour Showdown happen.”