At Natural Products Expo West, Ithaca Hummus previewed a dill pickle-flavored hummus created in collaboration with pickle brand Grillo's. With flavors like Everything Bagel, Buffalo Ranch, Smoked Chipotle and Kalamata Olive already in its portfolio, Ithaca Hummus is now treating customers to a different kind of experience that favors tangy, salty and slightly sour flavors over the usual savory, spicy or smoky ones.
The briny taste of pickles falls into a category of potent flavors that catches the attention of consumers and treats them to something uniquely different from the norm. Increasingly, pickle juice or brine is being included as the star ingredient in foods and beverages, tapping into a demand for experimental eating.
Pickle-Flavored Hummus Spreads
Ithaca Hummus Created a Tangy Flavor in Collaboration with Grillo's
Trend Themes
1. Pickle-flavored Foods - The trend of using pickle brine or juice as a star ingredient in food and beverage products presents opportunities for companies to tap into the demand for adventurous eating.
2. Unusual Hummus Flavors - Companies like Ithaca Hummus are disrupting the hummus industry by creating unique and unexpected flavors such as dill pickle, which appeal to consumers seeking novel eating experiences.
3. Flavor Innovation - Consumers' growing interest in experimental, bold flavors means that there is an opportunity for companies to create new and exciting flavor combinations across many product categories.
Industry Implications
1. Snack Foods - The novelty and boldness of pickle-flavored hummus and other similar products have the potential to disrupt the traditional snacking category, offering customers a novel snacking experience.
2. Dips and Spreads - Companies that create unique and unusual flavors such as dill pickle hummus have the potential to tap into the dips and spreads market by offering new and exciting eating options.
3. Beverages - The trend of using pickle brine or juice in food and beverage products presents opportunities for companies in the beverage industry to create novel and adventurous beverage products that could appeal to consumers seeking unique taste experiences.