Creative and spicy combinations
Patrons are actively seeking spicy fare as well as interesting flavor combinations that incorporate heat. Over one-third of all consumers and 43% of consumers age 18 to 34 want restaurants to offer flavor combinations, per Technomic’s report. The demand for heat may draw interest in complex spicy flavor combos, such as pickled, sour, savory or sweet flavors blended with spicy.
Fast-food chain Tim Hortons recently debuted its Buffalo Latte, made with espresso, mocha and Buffalo sauce, and topped with zesty Buffalo seasoning. The concoction is currently available at two locations in Buffalo, N.Y.—the birthplace of Buffalo wings. Stephen Goldstein, regional president of Tim Hortons U.S., told Fox News that "the unlikely pairing of sweet mocha and tangy Buffalo sauce come together to create an unexpectedly delicious sweet and spicy treat."