The popularity of Middle Eastern flavors is on the rise, thanks in part to the food truck craze and consumer interest in culinary adventurism. We called this out in our 2014 Food Trends Forecast. For details, check out the three trending Middle Eastern spices below that can drive: - Consumer conversation - Recipe concepts for existing products - Newsworthy product line extensions in prepared foods categories (chips, soups and frozen meals) - Traffic driving innovation in restaurant menus MSLGROUP’s Culinary Content Studio is leveraging this trend to develop popular social media posts and recipes that make news and drive consumption. How can you put this trend to work?

1. Marash
earthy and slightly fruity
taste with moderate heat
Similar to
chili flakes
Sprinkle
over a salad
or plate of
eggs
Mix with
olive oil for
a dipping
sauce with
bread
Add a
spoonful to
soup or chili
for subtle
heat and
fruity flavor
Middle Eastern fare will enjoy a boost in
popularity this year. In fact, experts predict
that by 2017, sales of ethnic foods in grocery
stores will grow by more than 20 percent,
led by strong demand for Middle Eastern
and Mediterranean flavors.*
*Mintel
As Middle Eastern cuisine becomes
more popular, its traditional spices can
be used to expand the flavor profile of
other everyday foods. MSLGROUP culinary
experts profile some of these emerging trends.
Za’atar
fragrant and tangy
with a hint of nuttiness
Traditionally a mix of
thyme, sumac and sesame seeds
Use as an
all-purpose
seasoning
Add subtle
flavor to red
meat or a
brighter
note to fish
and poultry
Sprinkle over
flatbread
and grilled
veggies
Sumac
Tart and lemony
COMMON USES COMMON USES COMMON USES
A dark reddish powder from
sumac shrubs
Substitute
sumac for
lemon in
dishes such
as Lemon
Chicken
Sprinkle
over veggies
Mix in dips
like hummus
and tzatziki
About MSLGROUP’s Food & Beverage Team
A category leader, the Food & Beverage team of MSLGROUP is devoted to creating economic
value for the nation’s food and beverage industry. It operates in offices throughout North
America, representing leading food and beverage brands, and manages a state-of-the-art
Culinary & Nutrition Studio in Seattle.
Middle Eastern Fare Adds Spice
MSLGROUP Food Trends Watch