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# Spicy Over Sweet
Hispanic demand for more savory sweets is changing the way consumers see candy.

By [Courtney Scharf](https://www.trendhunter.com/Courtney), Chief Client Officer | Published Jun 8, 2013, updated Jul 8, 2013 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends)
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spicy-over-sweet

## Key Figures

- Trend score: 2.3/10
- Evidence articles: 9

## What is the Spicy Over Sweet trend?

**Spicy Over Sweet:** Adding more interest and flavor to sweet goods, a Hispanic tendency to favor spicy confectionary products with more complex flavors is influencing the food industry. Reflecting the understanding that Hispanics prefer stronger scents and tastes, this approach to flavor is causing consumers to see sweets as more complex culinary products.

## At a Glance

- Evidence: 9 featured examples
- Articles from: Jul 25, 2012 to Sep 19, 2015
- Published: Jun 8, 2013
- Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence)
- Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization)

## Audience

- Gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, South America

## Themes within the Spicy Over Sweet trend

### Savory Sweets

The Hispanic tendency to favor spicy confectionary products with more complex flavors is influencing the food industry by adding more interest and flavor to sweet goods.

### Exotic Flavors

Combining unique flavors and spices not commonly found in traditional sweets, such as chili, cardamom, and lavender, is becoming an innovative trend in the food and beverage industry.

### Premium Packaging

Elevating the packaging of candy and confectionary products can create a luxurious buying experience for consumers while reflecting the brand's values of sophistication and elegance.

## What the Spicy Over Sweet trend means for industry

### For Food and Beverage

There is a growing demand for unconventional sweets with unique flavors and ingredients among consumers, creating opportunities for companies to develop innovative products that cater to this trend.

### For Marketing and Advertising

Finding inspiration in traditional cultural values, such as fortune-tellers and Latin pop culture, and incorporating that into snack packaging and flavors can create unique and attention-grabbing marketing opportunities.

### For Packaging and Design

Elevating the packaging of classic snacks and candy with unique designs and luxurious finishes can create opportunities for brands to extend their product offerings and appeal to more sophisticated consumers.

## Trend signals for Spicy Over Sweet

Trend score 2.3 out of 10, from popularity 23%, activity 39%, freshness 8%.

- Popularity: 23%
- Activity: 39%
- Freshness: 8%

## Examples of the Spicy Over Sweet trend

9 featured examples from Jul 25, 2012 to Sep 19, 2015.

- [Chocolatey Tortilla Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tortilla-chip): These Spicy Chocolate-Covered Tortilla Chips Make a Great Snack (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: The snack food industry can explore creating innovative and healthier homemade-like snacks with unconventional flavors.
- [Savory Confectionery Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bermellon-mexican-candy-branding): The Bermellon Mexican Candy Branding Denotes Premium Quality (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: Opportunity for confectionery companies to differentiate themselves through premium packaging and unique branding experiences.
- [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.
- [Indian-Inspired Hot Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/infused-with-cardamom): This Indulgent Chocolate Drink is Infused with Cardamom (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: Opportunity for cafes to offer spicy drinking chocolates with unique flavors and spice infusions like cardamom.
- [Fortune Teller-Inspired Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handshaped-candy): Manita Hand-Shaped Candy is Playful (Category: Life-Stages)
  Implication: Companies in the snack industry can innovate by incorporating unconventional flavor combinations and unique packaging to differentiate their products.
- [Aromatic Spiced Lassis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spiced-lassi): This Yogurt Drink is Infused with Fragrant Saffron and Cardamom (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: The beverage industry can capitalize on the trend of creating spiced drinks as a unique and innovative offering in a crowded market.
- [Spice-Infused Hot Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-chocolate-drinks): These Hot Chocolate Drinks Boost Flavor with Chilli and Lavender (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: The specialty beverage industry can explore the use of unconventional spices and herbs to create unique hot chocolate offerings.
- [Chili-Coated Mango Lollipops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fruity-candies): These Fruity Candies are Dipped in Chili Powder for a Kick (Category: World)
  Implication: An emerging opportunity to innovate and experiment with unconventional flavors in candy and snacks industry.
- [Spicy Jalapeno S'mores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-campfire-treats): The Vulgar Chef Combines Sweet Campfire Treats with Spicy Peppers (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new products and flavor profiles that cater to evolving consumer preferences for unconventional taste experiences.

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All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)
