INDUSTRIAL NEWSLETTER: AUG 2024 

BBQ Sauce has a long and rich history in the U.S. that’s become an American staple in household and restaurant pantries. In fact, BBQ sauce is among the top three dressings and condiments that restaurants offer, with a 58% menu penetration according to Datassential Menu Trends, 2024. 

 

As ubiquitous as BBQ Sauce may be, it’s an item that continues to be featured in several limited time offer (LTO) menu applications among the top 200 chain restaurants in the U.S. There have been over 1,900 LTO’s since 2014 ¹, indicating that this flavor generates just as much excitement as the next new flavor. How can product developers make a BBQ sauce that stands out amongst the rest?

 

Exploring New Dimensions in BBQ Flavors

Barbecue is a cooking method that employs live fire and smoke and is one of the most traditional cooking methods around the entire world. Other cultures incorporate barbecue into their cuisine, and with that comes an opportunity to adopt some exciting global flavors! 

 

 

International BBQ flavors are on the rise and it’s evident that consumers are daring to explore. We particularly see an increase in Asian BBQ flavors on U.S. menus including Korean BBQ, which consumers may already be familiar with through traditional Bulgogi, and Char Siu (Chinese BBQ) commonly used on pork. Japanese BBQ which typically features yakitori, is also gaining popularity Consumers who have tasted these cuisines and flavors have shown a strong preference for them.

Over the past year, there has been a significant increase in social media mentions for Asian BBQ condiments. Korean BBQ has experienced a remarkable 19% increase in social media mentions, while Chinese BBQ has seen a notable 17% growth. Japanese BBQ has seen social media mentions rising by 24% over the past year. ⁴ These statistics illustrate the growing popularity of Asian BBQ condiments and suggest a growing interest in these flavors among consumers.

We can even observe a trend of BBQ restaurants incorporating an Asian influence into their BBQ dishes. A great example is Chef Winnie Lee-Lakhani's establishment, Smoke Queen BBQ, who uses Lee Kum Kee products on the menu. Initially a traditional BBQ concept, the restaurant experienced a breakthrough moment when a Pork Belly Char Siu was added to the menu, leading to the birth of an Asian-inspired BBQ restaurant.

 Click to play the video!

 

The Next Generation of BBQ Sauce

As social media discussions about Asian BBQ sauces continue to grow, with a significant increase of 19% over the past year ⁴, now is the perfect time to consider incorporating authentic Asian flavors into your own BBQ sauce developments. Here are some ways that Lee Kum Kee products can amp up your barbecue sauces!

 

Incorporating Hoisin Sauce into BBQ Sauce formulations will add a sweet-Umami taste profile and deliver on the “Umami” + “BBQ” Trend that has been climbing on social discussions by +27% in the last year. ⁴

 

58% of Consumers love or like Spicy BBQ Sauces! ⁴ With the rising trend in Asian BBQ Sauces, Chili Garlic Sauce is the perfect ingredient in delivering complex heat with a unique global flavor profile. 

 

Over the past year, there has been a significant increase of 95% in social media conversations aboutPlum Sauce. ⁵ This unique blend of sweet and salty flavors makes it an excellent ingredient to incorporate into an Asian-style BBQ sauce.

 

Click to Request a Sample for Your BBQ Developments 

 Sources: ¹ Datassential Launches and Ratings 2024, ² Menu Trends ³ Datassential Flavor 2024, ⁴ Tastewise Trend Spotlight, August 2024, ⁵ Tastewise Concept Discovery, Aug 2024,