# Eccentric Seasoning Asian flavor trends turn conventional snacks into surprising experiences. By [Gil Cohen](https://www.trendhunter.com/ghaddi), SVP Client Success | Published May 23, 2017 | Category: [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/global-trends-and-hip-travel) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/eccentric-seasoning ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.4/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Eccentric Seasoning trend? **Eccentric Seasoning:** Exploring non-traditional combinations and formulations, Asian snack brands are continuously coming out with flavors that dare to create unlikely matches. Taking simple snacking products and breathing new life into them through surprising spices and seasonings draws in curious consumers hungry for change. This experimental approach to flavor pushes the boundaries for emerging trends in snacking, establishing Asia as the top destination for the truly insatiable flavor-seeker desiring exposure to extraordinary taste experiences. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: May 12, 2016 to Jan 27, 2018 - Published: May 23, 2017 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Themes within the Eccentric Seasoning trend ### Unconventional flavor combinations Exploring non-traditional combinations and formulations in Asian snack brands consistently coming out with flavors that create unlikely matches. ### Innovative packaging Nestle introduced an unusual Kitkat chocolate packaged with an image of Yasutaro Matsuki, a well-known soccer commentator, for the launch of Kitkat Nodo Ame Aji, or the Kitkat Cough Drop Flavor. ### Shift towards healthier snacks Sticky-Rice Chips from Dang Foods have about 40% less fat compared to conventional potato chips. Consumers are seeking innovative new snack options that offer more impressive health benefits. ## What the Eccentric Seasoning trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Industry The trend of unconventional flavor combinations in snacks and the innovative packaging of food products requires the food and beverage industry to keep experimenting and finding creative ways to add value to their products. ### For Packaging Industry As the packaging industry grows more innovative, it is vital to re-imagine packaging and enhance consumer experience with clever and engaging packaging designs that accurately reflect the product's features and qualities. ### For Health and Wellness Industry The shift towards healthier snacks provides opportunities to the health and wellness industry to come up with innovative ideas that align with changing consumer preferences, such as healthier snack options with low fat content and the use of organic and/or gluten-free ingredients. ## Workshop question How can your brand incorporate more diverse ethnicity into your product/service? ## Trend signals for Eccentric Seasoning Trend score 3.4 out of 10, from popularity 47%, activity 47%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 47% - Activity: 47% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Eccentric Seasoning trend 7 featured examples from May 12, 2016 to Jan 27, 2018. - [Cheesy Wine Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-candies): Puccho's 'Ajiyui' Series of Japanese Candies Includes a Wine and Cheese Flavor (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Confectionery companies have an opportunity to create innovative and unexpected candy flavors to cater to adventurous consumers. - [Savory-Sweet Seaweed Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seaweed-thins): gimMe's Seaweed Thins are Crispy, Flavorful and Protein-Rich Treats (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The gimMe Seaweed Thins contribute to the evolving snack foods industry by providing a unique and nutritious option for consumers. - [Milk-Flavored Potato Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flavored-potato-chips): This Koikeya Snack Tastes Like Dairy and is Fortified with Calcium (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for snack food companies to develop unique product offerings that stand out in the crowded market. - [Asian Flavor Tortillas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doritos-tortilla-chips): These New Doritos Tortilla Chips are Available in Taiwan and Japan Only (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The snack food industry can capitalize on the trend by experimenting with limited edition flavors to cater to evolving consumer tastes. - [Fruity Cheese Cubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fruit-and-cheese): Kyubu Combines Snack Cubes That Blend the Taste of Fruit and Cheese (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Kyubu's fruit-and-cheese cubes can be a disruptive innovation in the snack industry by creating a new subcategory of combination snacks that may appeal to a wider market. - [Lozenge-Flavored Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-kit-kat-chocolate): This Japanese Kit Kat Chocolate Bar Contains Real Cough Drop Powder (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: By introducing innovative and unusual flavors, the confectionery industry can appeal to adventurous consumers and differentiate themselves from competitors. - [Sticky Rice Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rice-chips): Dang Foods' New Sticky-Rice Chip Flavors are Aged Cheddar and Savory Seaweed (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The introduction of innovative snack flavors and healthier options presents opportunities for companies in the snack food industry to capitalize on changing consumer preferences. ## Recent trend clusters - [Layered Getaways](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/short-trip-leisure) (World) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in World - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) - [Family Rave Vacations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/family-rave) - [Free In-Flight Internet](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-in-flight-internet) - [Flexible Luxury Motorhomes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexible-luxury-motorhomes) All articles: [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world)