Better Bar Bites
There's big opportunity in flavour-forward small plates, bar bites and appetizers
With more consumers looking for flavour adventure and flexibility, it’s imperative that your bar bites and appetizer section is dynamic. First, flavour adventure: About one-third of consumers say that unique or ethnic flavours play a strong role in their appetizer (31%) and small-plate (35%) purchasing decision. Second, they seek out flexibility in portions, allowing them to customize their dining experience and match their appetites1.
What drives bar bites/appetizer sales?
According to Technomic, value and craveability drive appetizer and small-plate purchases.
Think of bar bites, small plates and appetizers like speed dating. Your diners can play the field without committing to one flavour experience, helping them explore new combinations.
Translate the trends:
Rely on Kraft Heinz products to help you execute—from spicy sauces and creamy bases to flavour-forward dressings.
Here are three menu trends we’re tracking in this exciting category.
Global Flavour Mash-Ups
More and more diners are seeking out global flavour discovery, and they’re particularly open to it when those flavours are paired with familiar favourites.
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Mexican Stuffed Meatball in Spicy Tomato Sauce
76%consider Mexican to be mainstream, and most would order it at least occasionally2
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Korean Pulled Pork Bao Buns
Look for riffs on traditional bao, meat skewers, noodle dishes and deep-fried snacks3
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Creamy Queso and Habanero Dip
Consumers increasingly order ethnic foods and flavours. Mexican and Asian flavours such as cilantro, ginger and jalapeño, in particular, are growing on menus4
Modern Seafood Flavours
Clean, bright flavours that accentuate fresh fish and shellfish, coupled with a casual, approachable presentation, are driving this menu trend.
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Fresh Crab Salad with Wasabi Mayo
Fresh Crab Salad with Wasabi Mayo"> -
Tuna Poke Mini Tacos
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Peruvian Seafood Tacos
of consumers are more interested in trying new flavours than they were a year ago5
Updated Classics
The trend that sees reinvented or upgraded fan favourites is as strong as ever, with flavour-forward innovation marking success here.
Consumers’ top pick for appetizers/bar bites?
Chicken wings8!
We can help, with six ways to kick up your wing sauce, plus two of our favourite wings recipes.
3 Global Wing Sauce Mixes
- Butter Chicken
- 1 cup Richardson Butter Chicken Sauce garnished with
¼ cup cilantro - Korean Sesame
- 1 cup Richardson Ultimate Korean BBQ Saucegarnished with ⅛ cup sesame seeds
- Thai Cilantro Lime
- 1 cup Diana Thai Sweet & Spicy Sauce mixed with ½ cup Kraft Cilantro Lime Dressing
3 Modern Canadian Wing Sauce Mixes
- Maple Whisky
- 1 cup Rickard’s Red® Hickory Maple Chipotle Sauce and 1 cup Forty Creek® Whisky Barbecue Sauce
- Smoked Apple
- 1 cup Bull’s-Eye Bold Barbecue Sauce mixed with 1 cup Rickard’s Red® Apple Butter Mesquite Sauce
- Apple Balsamic
- ⅓ cup Richardson Balsamic Dressing mixed with 1 cup Rickard’s Red® Apple Butter Mesquite Sauce
- The Canadian Starters, Small Plates & Sides Consumer Trend Report, Technomic
- The Canadian Starters, Small Plates & Sides Consumer Trend Report, Technomic
- Canadian Ethnic Food & Beverage Consumer Trend Report, Technomic, 2015
- Canadian Ethnic Food & Beverage Consumer Trend Report, Technomic, 2015
- Canadian Flavour Consumer Trend Report, Technomic, 2015
- Canadian Flavour Consumer Trend Report, Technomic, 2015
- Canadian Ethnic Food & Beverage Consumer Trend Report, Technomic, 2015
- Canadian Flavour Consumer Trend Report, Technomic, 2015
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