The latest food and drink trend, known as “swicy,” combines sweet and spicy flavors. This trend has become popular in restaurants, with nearly 10% of menus offering sweet and spicy items. The combination of fruity flavors with chili powder or sauces like hot honey and gochujang has become a common theme in the industry.
The “Summer of Swicy” has been recognized by the Food Institute, and the trend is expected to continue to grow over the next few years. Many restaurant chains have embraced the swicy trend, offering unique and innovative menu items to attract customers, especially Gen Z consumers who are interested in complex flavor profiles.
Experts believe that the swicy trend has staying power, as it appeals to a wide range of consumers and can be found in various global cuisines, including Mexican, Thai, and Korean dishes. Brands like Shake Shack and Burger King have introduced swicy menu items, like Korean fried chicken sandwiches and Fiery Strawberry & Sprite drinks, to cater to the growing demand for sweet and spicy flavors.
Despite some challenges, such as Coca-Cola discontinuing its spiced Coke product, the swicy trend is expected to continue for the next few years. As customers seek out new and innovative flavors, the combination of sweet and spicy is likely to remain popular in the food and beverage industry.
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