Smaller packs make trying new flavor trends for the grill easier
Grilling in the past has been about tradition and using familiar sauces from childhood, but that increasingly is changing as consumers discover new flavors and styles of barbeque from different regions in the country, according to The Kraft Heinz Company.
But even if a person from the Midwest who grew up eating sweet and smoky Kansas City barbeque decides to try something bolder from Texas or vinegary from the Carolinas, he or she might not know which brand to trust and therefore be hesitant to make the transition, according to the company.
That is why The Kraft Heinz Company launched a new line of sauces that offer regional flavors from the trusted Heinz brand.
The company announced April 18 that it worked with well-respected barbeque masters from each of the main US barbeque regions to add an another layer of trust and authenticity to its line, which includes Kansas City Style Sweet & Smokey BBQ Sauce, Memphis Style Sweet & Spicy BBQ Sauce, Texas Style Bold & Spicy BBQ Sauce, Carolina Vinegar Style Tangy BBQ Sauce and Classic Sweet & Thick BBQ Sauce.
The sauces come in 20 ounce upside down, squeezable bottles for $2.99, but for consumers who are still unsure about such a big commitment to something new, the company also offers a “Pittmaster Collection” sampler pack of four 11-ounce bottles.
Flavor and spice giant McCormick & Company also is lowering the stakes for trying new flavors on steaks by launching a line of single-use liquid marinades that “help home cooks experience seriously smokin’ flavors without any waste from leftover marinade bottles,” the company announced April 6.
The smaller sized packs mean consumers can try all the available flavors without needing to first finish a large bottle. The line includes 7 Spice Teriyaki, Brown Sugar Bourbon and Montreal Steak.
The company also introduced several dry season blends under the Grill Mates brand with flavors that reach far beyond the US to help scratch Americans’ increasing itch for global flavors.
These include Grill Mates Brazilian Steakhouse Marinade, Smoky Applewood Marinade, Smoky Montreal Steak Seasoning, and Hot Pepper Blackened Seasoning. Under the Lawry’s brand it also is launching Mojo Criollo Marinade with Lawry’s Garlic Salt and Lawry’s Signature Italian Marinade with Garlic, Onion and Herbs.
McCormick’s 2016 Grilling trends predictions
Many of McCormick’s new products reflect major trends it uncovered in its Flavor Forecast 2016 Grilling Edition published April 14.
In the report, McCormick & Company predicts bold Brazilian spices will be popular this summer leading up to the Olympic games there in August. These flavors range from fruity to fiery and will include sauces like tomato-coconut and goaya-mango.
It also predicts spice rubs will no longer will be just for steaks and ribs, but that “over the top burgers” will benefit from rubs by creating a caramelized outer layer.
Eastern inspired flavors that combine sweet, soy and spice also will influence grillers in 2016, as will a fiery pairing of heat, tang and smoke from chilies, vinegars and mustards, according to the report.
What people will grill also is expanding, McCormick says. It predicts more people will toss on the grill fruit and veggie “steaks,” such as cabbage and watermelon for shared sides or meatless mains.
