“Interest in Japanese cuisine and flavors has really taken hold among U.S. consumers in the past few years,” says Wixon Marketing Manager Rachael Jarzembowski. “Sushi and ramen were the gateway for diners, especially younger ones, but now there’s a desire to explore beyond these dishes.” Not only have 41 percent of U.S. consumers eaten Japanese cuisine at home or away from home, but 45 percent are also interested in eating it from a restaurant or retail store, according to Mintel.
This burgeoning interest in Japanese cuisine in the U.S. was the catalyst for the latest Wixon Innovates flavor development research. Taking key flavors—e.g., shoyu, yuzu, and togarashi—found commonly in Japanese cuisine, Wixon taste experts created a diverse range of complex flavor systems that can be used in food and beverage applications.