Creating Menu Sensations Using Savory Flavors
Savory flavors have always captivated the culinary world, and for good reason. With deep, rich components, savory dressings and sauces invigorate the palate while amplifying the complexities of all types of dishes.
In the world of savoriness, some of the fastest-growing flavor profiles include smoky BBQ, miso kimchi, truffle mushroom, Korean BBQ and sweet & spicy.1
Pairing Savory Flavors
Savory flavors play a role in enhancing both bitter and sweet ingredients in recipes. When building your menu, consider incorporating savory flavors with these pairings:
Zesty/Bitter
Okra, kale, coffee, grapefruit, broccoli, spinach, beer, cocoa
Tangy/Sweet
Carrots, sweet potatoes, corn, beets, squash, peas, fennel, parsnips, and most fruits
Big Opportunity for
Bleu Cheese
The strikingly savory depth of bleu cheese is helping it experience a surge in popularity on U.S. menus.2 French cuisine, often featuring bleu cheese, is also on the rise across the country.3 The flavor balance of bleu cheese in dressings like Smoky Bacon Bleu Cheese make it a perfect addition to premium wraps and pairings for gochujang chicken wings.
The Fifth Taste
Umami
Umami, often described as savory or meaty, is a fundamental taste sensation that adds depth. Found in ingredients like mushrooms, soy sauce, green tea, and some cheeses, it’s a key player in the growing popularity of savory flavors as it continues to emerge on restaurant menus.
1 Kerry Taste Charts, 2023
2 Synergy, 2023
3 Datassential, 2024
