Katherine Anne Confections' Rosemary Sea Salt Caramels were awarded a gold 2019 sofi Award from the Specialty Food Association in the confection category. These treats meld salty and sweet flavors into chewy bites, specifically for those who might be dubious about fusing something sweet with herbs. As the brand describes, herbs are more commonly seen in the main course of dinner rather than the dessert that follows and this creation has the potential to "open up a whole new world of flavors."
Sweets that are accented by a variety of vegetables, spices and other savory ingredients are becoming more popular, especially as consumers are looking to avoid eating ultra-sweet, sugary flavors for the sake of better health.
Herbaceous Caramel Sweets
Katherine Anne Confections' Rosemary Sea Salt Caramels Meld Flavors
Trend Themes
1. Savory Sweets - The trend of sweets incorporating savory ingredients, like vegetables and spices, offers an opportunity to create unique and healthier confectionery options.
2. Herb-infused Treats - The rise of herb-infused sweets taps into the demand for unconventional flavor pairings and introduces a new way to experience familiar indulgences.
3. Flavor Exploration - The exploration of new flavor combinations, such as integrating rosemary and sea salt in caramels, highlights the opportunity to surprise and excite taste buds with unexpected combinations.
Industry Implications
1. Confectionery - The confectionery industry can capitalize on the trend of incorporating savory, unconventional ingredients into sweets to attract health-conscious consumers seeking unique flavor experiences.
2. Specialty Food - Within the specialty food industry, there is an opportunity to create innovative products that fuse the realms of sweet and savory, appealing to adventurous eaters seeking distinct and memorable taste sensations.
3. Food Product Development - The rise of flavor exploration in food products presents an opportunity for food developers to experiment with unconventional ingredients, like herbs, in order to create new and exciting culinary experiences for consumers.