Oriental Flavours Driving Growth: Gochujang, Sriracha & What’s Next

The food and beverage market continues to be shaped by consumer demand for bold, global flavours, with oriental heat at the forefront. From Korean gochujang to Thai-inspired sriracha, these ingredients have moved well beyond traditional applications, driving product innovation across categories. For manufacturers and brands, the opportunity lies in adapting these flavour profiles into formats that meet today’s consumer needs.

Why Oriental Flavours Are on the Rise

Three key factors underpin the growth of oriental-inspired flavours:

• Adventurous consumers: Gen Z and Millennials in particular are seeking global food experiences that deliver impact and authenticity.

• Cultural influence: The spread of Korean pop culture, Asian street food markets, and social media food trends has accelerated awareness of oriental ingredients.

• Versatility: Oriental chilli pastes and sauces offer multi-dimensional flavour (sweet, spicy, umami, tangy), making them highly adaptable across categories.

This combination of demand and adaptability has made products featuring these flavours a strong growth driver in both retail and foodservice.

Trending Flavours: From Kitchen Staples to Global Icons

• Gochujang (Korea): A fermented chilli paste delivering sweetness, savouriness, and umami depth. Traditionally used in bibimbap and stews, it now appears in marinades, snack seasonings, sauces, and even ready-meal applications.

• Sriracha (Thailand/USA): Now considered a global staple, this chilli-garlic sauce has evolved from a table condiment into a recognised flavour descriptor across categories, from “sriracha mayo” to snack coatings and beverage innovation.

These two are leading the charge, but they’re also opening the door for other oriental profiles such as chilli oils, miso, yuzu, and Japanese togarashi blends.

Application Opportunities Across Categories

Manufacturers are increasingly exploring ways to translate these profiles into scalable, versatile solutions:

• Snacking: Gochujang-coated nuts, sriracha popcorn, spicy rice crackers.

• Condiments & sauces: Ready-to-use glazes, dips, flavoured mayos, hybrid ketchups.

• Meal solutions: Heat-and-eat bowls, noodles, and fusion-ready pastes.

• Protein & meat alternatives: Oriental glazes and marinades for both animal proteins and plant-based formats.

• Beverages: Savoury cocktails, mixers, and functional drinks with a spicy twist.

The success of these applications demonstrates that oriental flavour profiles resonate across multiple consumption occasions, from indulgent snacking to premium dining.

The Origin of the Trend

• Korean cuisine: Gochujang’s rise is closely tied to the global wave of Korean culture (K-pop, K-dramas, street food). The appeal lies not only in flavour but also in its health-forward perception due to fermentation.

• Thai cuisine: Sriracha originated in coastal Thailand, but its mainstream success came via U.S. adoption. Its adaptability made it an easy entry point for consumers exploring Asian flavours.

These cultural touchpoints provide authenticity that resonates strongly with today’s consumers, who increasingly seek both flavour intensity and backstory.

Looking Ahead: The Next Wave

Gochujang and sriracha have proven that oriental flavours can achieve mass-market penetration. Next in line are Sichuan chilli oils, Japanese yuzu, miso, and regional spice blends. Each brings unique sensory attributes—tingling heat, citrus brightness, fermented umami—that can diversify portfolios and capture consumer attention.

For manufacturers, the opportunity is to deliver these profiles in accessible, versatile formats—seasonings, sauces, coatings, and marinades—that enable food brands to innovate quickly and meet consumer demand.

How Smyths Ingredients can help you

From completely custom blends, to our new range of oriental trending flavours/ seasonings, we are ready to help you stay on trend. Our new range of seasonings and flavours includes:

• Gochujang

• Spicy Sriracha

• Soy, Miso and Sesame

• Chilli & Lime

• Sweet Soy & Wasabi

• Burnt Wok Spice

• Citrus and Yuzu

• Sichaun Chilli

• Japanese Togarashi

• Or work with us to create a brand new custom blend!

For any seasonings, glazes, custom blends or natural flavourings for any application, get in touch with us today. Our mainline is 01204 848505 or email us at info@smythsingredients.com. We look forward to hearing from you.