True Made Foods is introducing a trio of naturally sweetened barbecue sauces that are inspired by the Carolinas. The Eastern Carolina, Carolina Red and Carolina Gold barbecue sauces are free from added sugars and instead use vegetables like carrots and butternut squash to add sweetness.
Each of the barbecue sauce recipes developed with pitmaster and restaurateur Ed Mitchell taps into regional recipes and traditions but offers a better-for-you twist. While the Eastern Carolina barbecue sauce is based on a 100-year-old recipe from Wilson, North Carolina and contains apple cider vinegar, red pepper, sage and turmeric, the Carolina Gold barbecue sauce pays tribute to South Carolina with a mix of mustard, vinegar and apple.
As the brand describes, "In today’s ever-changing food landscape, we have cauliflower in our pizza crust and chickpeas in our pasta and now, thanks to True Made Foods, we have butternut squash and carrots in our ketchup and barbecue sauce."
Naturally Sweetened Barbecue Sauces
True Made Foods' Sauces are Sweetened with Carrots & Squash
Trend Themes
1. Naturally Sweetened Sauces - Creating naturally sweetened sauces using vegetables presents an opportunity for healthier, flavorful condiments.
2. Regional Recipe Twist - Developing barbecue sauces that offer a better-for-you option while still honoring regional recipes and traditions can tap into changing consumer preferences.
3. Innovation in Condiments - The use of alternative ingredients like butternut squash and carrots in condiments reflects the growing trend of incorporating more nutritious options into everyday foods.
Industry Implications
1. Food Manufacturing - Food manufacturers can explore the production of naturally sweetened sauces to meet the demand for healthier condiment options.
2. Restaurant and Hospitality - Restaurants can leverage the popularity of regional barbecue sauces with a healthier twist to attract health-conscious diners seeking flavorful options.
3. Health and Wellness - The health and wellness industry can embrace and promote naturally sweetened sauces as part of a nutritious and balanced diet.