Items Tagged with 'comfort food'

As consumers seek protein for energy, satiety, muscle support and everyday wellness, manufacturers are responding with formats that fit every lifestyle, daypart and craving.

Idahoan is reimagining mashed potatoes with +PROTEIN, offering 6g of high-quality protein per serving and 24g per pouch to help consumers meet daily protein goals. Available in Buttery Homestyle, Loaded Baked and Roasted Garlic, they’re ready in 60 seconds.

Riviana Foods has added two new microwaveable Mahatma Ready to Heat rice varieties—Red Beans & Rice and Basmati—ready in 90 seconds. The launches reflect consumer demand for convenient, authentic-tasting options that align with global flavor trends.

Inspired by the classic Tex-Mex dish, Bob Evans Queso Macaroni & Cheese features a rich queso flavor, hints of spice and fresh green and red peppers to bring bold, authentic flavors to gatherings. 

Q: What do you foresee as the biggest flavor trends coming to the forefront in 2024?
Soumya Nair: Flavor trends are deeply rooted in the changing consumer priorities and in the coming year consumers’ priority in wanting conscious, empowered and comforting foods will gain significance.

Developing comfort foods that are easy-to-prepare, taste great and convenient is not always simple. These are items people expect to have certain qualities, and standards may be higher compared to when consumers try a food that is new or less commonly consumed.

Nick Fallucca, Chief Product and Innovation Officer of Palermo Villa, Inc., brainstorms pizza with Prepared Foods’ Executive Editor-Technical David Feder.

When the pandemic emerged in early 2020, the entire foodservice industry faced fast and unexpected change. Across segments, operators were forced to rapidly adjust operations—initially to stay afloat and then ultimately succeed long term in this new industry environment. Some of those quick-adapts will continue to shape foodservice as we head into 2022.