Whole Foods' Trends Council: Condiments Bring the Heat This Summer

Whole Foods Market's Trends Council has shared its first-ever predictions for summer condiment trends, with the grocer's buyers and culinary pros saying consumers are expanding their condiment repertoire and experimenting more with spicy and globally inspired versions of condiment-aisle classics. Sales for the condiment, marinade and dressing category are expected to reach $2.9 billion by 2024, charting growth of more than 5% since 2020, the grocer noted, citing Mintel research.

"Customers are not afraid to experiment with condiments to level up familiar comfort foods or re-create a favorite restaurant dish," said Rachel Bukowski, senior team leader of R&D for exclusive brands at Whole Foods, in a news release. "Going forward, we expect to see the continued innovation in condiments for special diets like vegan, keto-friendly, low-sugar and low-sodium options, as well as globally inspired condiments with distinct cultural stories."

Kicked-Up Ketchup

Ketchup beyond tomatoes? Yes, with fruit and vegetable add-ins, according to the trends council, and “cuisine-specific” flavor profiles, such as curry and saffron.

More-Inspired Mustard

The hot-honey trend comes to mustard with sweet-hot takes on Dijon, and curry and Bavarian spice blends provide more-complex flavor profiles.

Global Grilling

Japanese and Korean barbecue sauces and marinades promise to amp up consumers' backyard barbecues, and spice blends and sauces from the Middle East and beyond offer the chance for cost-conscious consumers to re-create favorite restaurant flavors.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing's newest iterations include plant-based and vegan options, including varieties made with oat milk, as well as additional allergy-friendly choices.

Chilies

Chilies such as ancho, árbol, puya, and cayenne are heating up summer 2022 in sauces, pastes, oils and, of course, honey, according to the trends council. "There’s a whole squad of zesty chili varieties bursting onto the condiment scene," Whole Foods says, with some of the newest spicy seasonings and sauces versatile enough for use on meats, vegetables, fresh fruits—even ice cream.