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What is the current "flavor of the moment" with your customers?

A: I’m noticing a trend toward hot and spicy flavors. Hot sauces—especially the red chile varieties—are selling well, and everything with chipotle is popular. We sell chipotle salsas as well as an olive blend flavored with chipotles that has become a favorite.

I’m also noticing an increase in sales of specialty chocolate bars infused with exotic flavor combinations such as ginger, wasabi, mint or rosemary. Esoteric combinations are also gaining popularity in our artisanal cheese department. Cranberry-studded goat cheese is a hot item, as is one of our special offerings—goat cheese topped with edible flowers.
Denise Brown, Liquor Barn, Lexington, KY

A: Classic vanilla is really popular right now, especially in beverages. We just added a new Vanilla Latté to our café menu because of the high demand for flavored espresso drinks. Vanilla is overwhelmingly the most popular flavor shot.

Cranberry is a hot flavor in baked goods. Cranberry Walnut Scones used to be one of our specials, but, in response to customer requests, we’re now offering them everyday. Cranberry Apple Flan, Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti, and Cranberry Apple Pie are all top-selling bakery items.

The most notable savory flavor is definitely chipotle. Customers are interested in chipotle salsas and hot sauces, and they love our chipotle-themed prepared entrées and salads. Popular menu selections include Chipotle Chickpea Salad, Asparagus with Chipotle Aioli, Chipotle Potato Salad, and Chipotle-Rubbed Pork Loin.
Ramsey Brous, Ithaca Bakery, Ithaca, NY

A: Mint is hot. We sell a mint syrup that is popular for use in cocktails such as Mojitos and for flavoring a variety of dishes like flan and fruit salad. Spicy flavors are also big. I’m noticing increased demand for products with ethnic flavors such as poblano and ancho chili powders and chipotles in adobo. Customers have been requesting spicy mango salsas and marinades as well.
Roya Nazare, Gourmet Pantry, Blacksburg, VA

A: Wasabi was the big flavor a couple of years ago, and it is still a great seller. We move a lot of wasabi-flavored condiments including mayos, mustards, and dipping sauces, but one of the hottest flavors with our customers now is fig. Fig cakes, fig balsamic vinegar, and Italian fig preserves all move quickly. The flavor pairs well with cheese—we offer a fig spread to accompany goat cheese—and it goes great with wine. Customers are also using the fig preserves in savory dishes featuring pork.

Interesting flavors are also cropping up in unexpected categories. Our line of flavored Italian pastas is doing quite well. Top sellers include porcini mushroom, saffron, and red chile.
Evelyn Ignatow, Hyde Park Gourmet, Cincinnati

A: Customers are going for chipotle-flavored products in droves. Barbecue sauces, dipping sauces, antipasti, and salsas with chipotle are all popular. Anything with Thai flavors also excites customers. They’re interested in creating noodle dishes and stir-fries at home using products featuring some of the flavors of Thai cuisine like chile pepper and orange.

Lemon-lime is a definite flavor of the moment. We’re selling a lot of lemon-lime marmalades and cooking sauces, as well as Margarita-flavored marinades. I think it’s an extension of the cocktail-themed trend that has been big for a while. Margarita- and martini-flavored items are quite popular.
Marilyn Rootham, Rootham Gourmet, Guelph, Ontario