Globally-inspired foods pose an advantage for restaurant operators. Consumers are more likely to get them away-from-home, with the top barrier for at-home preparation being not knowing how to prepare these types of foods (Datassential’s Global Flavors Keynote Report, Sep 2021). This makes global foods and flavors a greater potential traffic driver for restaurants.

And global flavors are more approachable than you might think, for both consumers and operators. It is an easy and simple way to add interest to a variety of familiar formats like fries and burgers, for example. Additionally, elevating classic dishes with global flavors can differentiate offerings: 59% of operators say consumers are actually demanding more unique sauces and condiments (Datassential’s Sauces, Condiments, & Dressings Keynote Report, Jul 2022). Stick to that resolution to “learn a new (flavor) language” by applying the consumer insights and global trend inspiration ahead.

Menu staples like burgers and fried chicken sandwiches can also serve as well-loved blank canvases for global flavor innovation. Leverage trending global sauces for approachable inspiration and consider how creamy or sweet infusions can make global heat even more accessible to consumers. Look to spicy maple (which has grown 75% on menus over the past 4 years, according to Datassential MenuTrends) and how it has inspired emerging globally-influenced flavors like chipotle maple and sriracha maple on menus.

The trending sauces above reveal how global flavors often gain traction through infusions with more familiar flavors. See below for how top chains across different segments creatively utilize spicy Mexican chipotle flavors in innovative-yet-approachable ways to garner high appeal and uniqueness scores from consumers.