Condiment Sauce Flavor Palate Reflects U.S. Population Diversity

Hot Sauce Market up 150 Percent

While mustard, mayonnaise and ketchup top the list in sales of condiments and enjoy a 15 to 28 percent growth rate since 2000, the 150 percent growth in hot sauces (source: Euromonitor) is opening up the pantry door to reveal a bigger trend a more diverse flavor palate. Analysts say today's variety of condiment sauces is likely a reflection of the influence of two groups foreign born residents in the United States (up 33 percent since 2000 according to U.S. Census estimates) and more than 80 million millennials with many having grown up with spicier foods.

Spice influences are coming from across the globe. Asia Pacific tastes that are tops in the U.S. and Canada are Korean, Thai, Indian, Japanese and Chinese (source: Euromonitor). From the Asian influence of Sriracha to the Latin mainstay of cayenne, the American palate is heating up. Using Mintel Menu Insights data, the Kalsec US HeatSync Heat Index which measures usage of more than 30 different peppers went from 118 to 160 in one year (2012 to 2013) with 100 being the baseline.

Sriracha is now in 9 percent of total U.S households, and in 16 percent of households headed by millennials. In fact, this year's Sauce of the Year from The Association for Dressings and Sauces (ADS) was Chelten House Products, Inc.'s Organic Garlic Sriracha BBQ Sauce. Sriracha is finding its way into ingredient lists as well. (See this Grilled Shrimp with Remoulade Sauce recipe with a Sriracha option.)

Hot sauce whether spiced up by cayenne, jalapeno, chipotle or a host of other peppers is a staple of the American pantry. An NDP study published found that 56 percent of households now have hot sauce on hand in their kitchens. Of course, one big driver of hot sauce usage is with chicken wings, an especially popular dish accompanying Big Game parties, with estimates at 25 billion chicken wings per year according to the National Chicken Council.

Condiment sauces of any flavor are a growing market, estimated at $19 billion by TMR, with predictions to reach $23 billion by 2020. The ADS dictionary defines a wide range of condiments. Whether used as an accompaniment on the plate or as an ingredient in the kitchen, condiments are an increasing source for spicing up today's dishes.

SOURCE The Association for Dressings & Sauces

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