Today’s consumers are increasingly interested in trying new bacon products, with 48% expressing a desire for variety. The trend towards thicker slices and a greater diversity of flavors has been noted, with products like steak-cut bacon offering fewer slices per package but enhanced taste and texture. Consumer affection for bacon remains strong, with 80% of people reporting they like or love it, underscoring its status as a favorite for its ability to enhance the flavor of various dishes.
Innovation in the bacon sector continues with the introduction of new flavors and products. For example, Hormel’s Black Label brand launched an Apple Cider Bacon product, responding to the growing popularity of apple cider as a flavor trend. This move aligns with reports identifying apple as a top seasonal flavor and apple cider in the early adoption phase for menu items.
Applegate is expanding its product line to include convenience-focused offerings, such as Fully Cooked Bacon, leveraging popular flavors like its Applegate Naturals Sunday Bacon. Future expansions will include Fully Cooked Turkey Bacon and Chopped Bacon Pieces, emphasizing humanely raised, 100% natural ingredients.
Coleman Natural Foods is also responding to consumer demand for uncured bacon products with flavors like Hickory and Applewood-Smoked Bacon and plans to introduce new items inspired by global cuisines and cooking trends popularized by social media. Unique flavor combinations, such as Pumpkin Spice Candied Bacon, cater to seasonal preferences and innovative cooking methods like air frying, which has become a popular method for preparing bacon due to its convenience and ability to produce crispy results.
Reference: https://www.supermarketperimeter.com/articles/10816-bacon-producers-explore-new-flavors
