# Function-First Spice Cardamom challenges ginger for status as the go-to functional spice. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Jun 21, 2017 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/functionfirst-spice ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.5/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Function-First Spice trend? **Function-First Spice:** Boasting a versatility comparable to ginger, cardamom is quickly becoming the go-to functional spice thanks to its easy incorporation into such a wide variety of culinary staples, both sweet and savory food and beverage experiences. This shift highlights a continually evolving North American palate thanks to a world of influence in regards to flavor, as well as speaking to the mainstream desire to see subtle spice elements incorporated into familiar food and beverage experiences. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 4 to Jun 29, 2017 - Published: Jun 21, 2017 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Function-First Spice trend ### Functional Spices Cardamom has gained popularity in North America as a versatile functional spice, indicating a continually evolving palate and a desire to incorporate subtle spicy flavors into familiar dishes. ### Flavor Variations and Health-Consciousness Consumer preferences expanded to include flavorful and/or healthy alternative products, exemplified by the natural, Non-GMO Betsy's Best Nut and Seed Butters, Jeni's Cocoa Curry Ice Creams, and Unna's Cardamom Crisp Cookies. ### Unique Alcohol Pairings Novel flavor pairings are being sought after in the alcoholic beverage industry, as seen with Bullards Spirits creating a subtly sweet gin infused with strawberry, black pepper, and cardamom. ## What the Function-First Spice trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Business professionals in the food and beverage industry can capitalize on the trends of functional spices and health-consciousness by incorporating these flavors into innovative product lines. ### For Alcohol and Beverage The increasing demand for unique, experimental pairings presents a plethora of opportunities for business professionals in the alcoholic beverage industry to innovate and stand out. ### For Design and Branding The minimalist branding approach for Portland Sangria's unique summer flavors can offer inspiration for designers and branding professionals to present new and interesting products to the market. ## Workshop question How can you reflect fast-accelerating consumer preferences without alienating less experimental customers? ## Trend signals for Function-First Spice Trend score 2.5 out of 10, from popularity 30%, activity 36%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 30% - Activity: 36% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Function-First Spice trend 6 featured examples from Mar 4 to Jun 29, 2017. - [Crunched Cardamom Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardamom-crisp): Unna's Cardamom Crisp Cookies are Perfect to Pair with Tea and Coffee (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The baking industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by incorporating organic ingredients into their products. - [Cocoa Curry Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cocoa-and-curry): This Ice Cream Flavor Fron Jeni's Pairs Cocoa and Curry (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Companies in the food manufacturing industry can capitalize on the demand for unique flavor combinations by developing and producing unconventional ice cream flavors. - [Superfood Latte-Inspired Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trader-joes-chocolate): Trader Joe's Chocolate Bar Tastes Like a Golden Turmeric Latte (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Incorporating functional ingredients to create healthy chocolate options. - [Savory Alternative Nut Spreads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seed-butters): The Betsy’s Best Nut and Seed Butters are Wholesomely Packaged (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore innovative ways to create unique and healthy nut spreads to cater to the expanding consumer demand for flavorful and nutritious alternat… - [Dry Canned Sangrias](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portland-sangria): Portland Sangrias Are the Perfect Summer Drink (Category: Marketing) Implication: The Portland Sangria brand is disrupting the beverage industry with their unique flavor profiles and modern branding. - [Peppery Strawberry Spirits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flavored-gin): Bullards Spirits' Flavored Gin Boasts Notes of Black Pepper and Berry (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: In the alcohol industry, the rise of experimental gin spirits like Bullards Strawberry & Black Pepper Gin encourages the exploration of unique flavors and innovative brewing techn… ## Recent trend clusters - [Performance Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/performance-powders) (Lifestyle) - [Task Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/task-beverages) (Lifestyle) - [Festive Fusions](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/festive-fusions) (Lifestyle) - [Habitual Protein](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/habitual-protein) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Commemorative Tennis Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-roger-centre-court) - [Rapid Concussion Screening Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/infrared-eye-tracking) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)