# Complicating Cuisine Adding a challenge aspect to eating, spice is being added to unlikely foods. By [Courtney Scharf](https://www.trendhunter.com/Courtney), Chief Client Officer | Published Jul 9, 2013 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spice-obsession ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.0/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Complicating Cuisine trend? **Complicating Cuisine:** Creating a more dynamic and somewhat challenging aspect to foods, spiciness is being integrated into sweet, salty and otherwise predictable food products. Introducing a more complex flavor, this change reflects a consumer desire for novelty and an openness to change when it comes to classic products. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 22, 2012 to Jul 7, 2013 - Published: Jul 9, 2013 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Asia ## Themes within the Complicating Cuisine trend ### Spiced-Up Foods Consumers are increasingly looking for novel tastes that challenge their palates by integrating spicy flavors into traditional foods. ### Spicy Condiments Hot sauce, Sriracha, and spicy honey have become more popular as they add a layer of heat and flavor to everyday meals and snacks. ### Squeezable Spicy Candies Spicy and exotic candy, such as the Lucas Gusano, are packaged in unique and innovative ways, from squeeze bottles to jelly candies. ## What the Complicating Cuisine trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage As consumers seek novel tastes and spicier flavors, food and beverage companies can innovate their product offerings to meet these desires. ### For Packaging New and innovative packaging methods are emerging in the candy and condiment industries, providing consumers with a unique and convenient experience. ### For Retail Increased interest in spicy or unconventional flavors allows retailers to differentiate themselves by offering specialty condiments and unique candies. ## Trend signals for Complicating Cuisine Trend score 2.0 out of 10, from popularity 32%, activity 21%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 32% - Activity: 21% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Complicating Cuisine trend 6 featured examples from Nov 22, 2012 to Jul 7, 2013. - [Sweetly Spicy Squeezable Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-candy): Fix Your Craving for Spice With Squirts of This Spicy Candy (Category: World) Implication: Developing squeezeable packaging solutions for various food and beverage products to improve convenience and ease of use. - [Converted Spicy Seasonings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/randy-clemens): Randy Clemens Turns Sriracha Liquid into Powder Form (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food industry can explore innovative ways of incorporating dehydrated Sriracha mix into various products and dishes. - [Hot Cayenne Pepper Lemonade](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cayenne-pepper-lemonade): This Recipe is a Refreshingly Spicy Take on a Classic Summer Beverage (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation potential for companies in the beverage industry to create and market spicy and functional drinks to cater to evolving consumer preferences. - [Spicy Tomato Condiments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heinz-jalapeno-ketchup): The Heinz Jalapeno Ketchup Will Add a Tasty Fire to Your Holiday Dishes (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can continue to innovate and expand their condiment lines to include more spicy options and unique limited-edition products, utilizing social media… - [Spicy Gummy Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gummy-red-hot-chilli-peppers): The Red Hot 3 Alarm Chilli Jellies are Fiery Hot (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The confectionery industry can explore the production of spicy gummy candies to cater to adventurous consumers seeking unique flavors. - [Spicy Honey Condiments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-honey-condiments): Mike's Hot Honey Adds Sweet and Spicy Flavors to Your Dishes (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The condiment industry has the opportunity to disrupt the market with new, unexpected flavor combinations like spicy honey condiments. ## Recent trend clusters - [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) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (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) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)