Spice Giant McCormick Predicts 2024's 'Flavor of the Year'
Over the years, superfoods like kale and açaí have come and gone as the in-demand taste on everyone's tongues. The same is true for spices and seasonings, which can transform any dish from bland to unforgettable.
Spice and seasoning maker McCormick has released its annual "Flavor Forecast" for over two decades where it predicts what tastes will dominate consumers' palates in the coming year. Last year, the brand introduced its first-ever "Flavor of the Year" honor and named Vietnamese x Cajun Style Seasoning the flavor of 2023.
McCormick believes that tamarind will be the flavor of 2024. The fruit, often seen in tropical Asian and Latin American cuisines, is known for its sweet and sour taste and is incorporated in products like jellies, candies, dressings, and more. To mark the occasion, McCormick is releasing a new product of its own: Tamarind & Pasilla Chile Seasoning.
"For nearly 25 years, McCormick has forecasted global flavor trends through our Flavor Forecast report. After all this time, there is still no shortage of trends to uncover which allow us to continue to shake up the way people cook, flavor, and eat," chief marketing officer Tabata Gomez said in a statement.
Hadar Cohen Avirm, an executive chef at McCormick, echoed a similar sentiment. "This year, we're thrilled for people to experience the taste, versatility and tang of tamarind," she said. "It is the perfect ingredient to incorporate in savory and sweet dishes." The news came with the announcement that burger chain Black Tap will be serving up new tamarind-inspired recipes next year in partnership with the seasoning giant.
Get ready for the tamarind takeover.
