# Hotter Foods for Boomers Consumption of Spicy Foods Spikes By Going Like Sixty | Published 2008-10-26 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/food-trending-hotter-boomers-are-bringing-spiciness-into-mix References: [fiery-foods](http://www.fiery-foods.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1819:why-chiles-conquered-america&catid=85:chile-history&Itemid=151) Boomers are triggering a U.S. movement toward hotter and spicier foods. In the past nine years, the [consumption of chili peppers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/redbloom) in the U.S. has increased 50%. It seems that there is some science in this change. As we age, our sense of smell decreases, which as you know, greatly affects how we taste. In response, boomers are pushing for [stronger flavors in sauces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-chili-jam) and embracing ingredients like wasabi and horseradish. Even cheeses like feta and Gorgonzola have been given a spicy touch. Here’s the cool thing: The spicier the food is, the healthier it becomes. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 30% | Activity: 2% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Increasing Spice Consumption:** Opportunity to develop and market spicier food products targeting the growing boomer market. - **Stronger Flavors in Sauces:** Opportunity to create innovative, flavorful sauces catering to boomers' desire for bolder tastes. - **Spicier Cheese Varieties:** Opportunity to introduce spicy variations of popular cheeses to meet boomers' demand for more intense flavors. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food and Beverage:** Opportunity for food and beverage companies to capitalize on the trend by developing and marketing spicy products. - **Health and Wellness:** Opportunity for health and wellness brands to promote the health benefits of spicy foods and develop supporting products. - **Restaurant and Culinary:** Opportunity for restaurants and culinary establishments to create and offer spicier menu options to cater to boomer preferences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Adults-Only Ultra-Spicy Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pepper-x-meals.md) - [Spicy Pizza Crusts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tnt-flavored-crust.md) - [Spicy Spaghetti Cans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-spaghetti.md) - [Spicy Cheese Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-cheese-pizza.md) - [Flavor-First Hot Sauces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smaak.md) - [Fiery Peanut Butters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flavourmingle-spicy-peanut-butter.md) - [Spicy Ketchup Condiments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heinz-hot-varieties.md) - [Fiery Pasta Sauces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ragu-x-hot-ones.md) - [Spicy Pepperoni Slices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/margherita-jalapeno-pepperoni.md)