Charcoal, miso and guajillo among top flavors shaping value-added meats this summer
Flavor manufacturer T. Hasegawa USA highlights 10 sweet and savory flavors projected to be popular across menus and stores.
Slow-cooked beef ribs
As summer grilling season hits its peak, a new report from flavor manufacturer T. Hasegawa USA finds growing demand for globally inspired flavors, creating opportunities for meat and poultry processors to differentiate value-added products.
The company’s 2026 Summer Flavors Report identifies a mix of smoky, spicy and umami-driven profiles gaining traction, particularly in applications tied to outdoor cooking and shared dining occasions. With 77% of US consumers interested in trying new flavors while grilling and 34% actively researching ways to improve food quality on the grill, processors have an opportunity to elevate seasoned and ready-to-cook offerings.
One of the top trends is charcoal, delivering a smoky, complex char that elevates meats and seafood. Spice-driven profiles are also gaining ground, with guajillo chili emerging as a versatile option known for its mild-to-moderate heat and slightly sweet undertones.
Globally rooted profiles such as yakitori, a Japanese-style grilled chicken with a sweet soy glaze, highlight continued demand for authentic, street-food-inspired products. Meanwhile, spicy coconut blends tropical sweetness with chili heat, drawing inspiration from the culinary traditions of South Asia, Brazil and Jamaica.
These globally influenced flavors align with broader consumer behavior: 64% of US shoppers say they want more international food options at retail, signaling sustained interest in cross-cultural taste experiences.
Umami-rich ingredients continue to play a growing role in protein formulation, and white miso stands out for its ability to enhance flavor depth while supporting clean-label positioning. The fermented rice and soybean paste provides mild sweetness and tang.
The report also underscores the importance of seasonal and limited-time offerings, with 29% of consumers saying such items influence their purchasing decisions. For retailers and processors, that creates room to introduce summer-specific SKUs, such as globally inspired kebabs, preseasoned grilling packs and marinated proteins tied to major events and holidays.
While the report includes sweet flavor trends as well, its savory insights reinforce a clear direction for the protein category: consumers are seeking more adventurous, globally influenced flavors that enhance the grilling experience.
Source: T. Hasegawa USA Inc.
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