January 2/Salem, Ore./Business Wire -- American palates now prefer sweet and smoky above other popular flavors, according to a Kettle Brand-commissioned national survey conducted in December. The company is predicting a new wave of flavor sensations for 2013, and this summer will launch at least one new flavor to appeal to the evolved consumer palate. Kettle Brand chief flavor architect Carolyn Ottenheimer, who has led innovation at the brand for 13 years, keeps an eye on the menus of the nation’s hottest restaurants, frequents specialty deli and food shops, and stays on top of international flavor trends. She sees five emerging flavor themes for the year ahead:
Sweet and Smoky (e.g., praline bacon with apple)
Hot (e.g., sriracha, habanero, wasabi)
Sweet and Salty (e.g., salted caramel, kettle corn)
Tangy (e.g., kim chi, pickles, kraut)
Floral (e.g., juniper, lavender, spruce shoots)