Newsletter - Industrial Newsletter: Chili Crisp is Dominating the Food Industry
Newsletter
Industrial Newsletter: Chili Crisp is Dominating the Food Industry
In our industry, the hype around Chili Crisp is undeniable. This spicy, crunch and aromatic condiment with its origins in China has captured the attention of food enthusiasts everywhere. What sets Chili Crisp apart is its complex heat profile. Combining chili peppers infused with oil and a medley of ingredients for added texture, this condiment is multi-dimensional and a thrilling flavor experience! Its versatility makes it a must-have, whether as a standalone ingredient or a component in your R&D pantry, adding texture, spice and umami to a wide variety of applications.
Sources: ¹ Datassential Flavor 2025, Awareness Change in Last 2 Years, ² Tastewise, Explore, Trend Spotlight March 2025 YOY Trends, ³ Datassential Menu Trends 2025, Chili Crisp Trending on Menus in Last Year ⁴ Datassential Flavor 2025, Consumers That Tried Chili Crisp Love or Like It
The restaurant industry has embraced this newfound crispy condiment, gladly implementing it to menus! In the last 4 years, Chili Crisp menu mentions has increased by a staggering +1,500%! ¹ This flavor anticipates an increase of +358% in menu mentions through 2028.¹ With a glimpse into the future we can see that this craze is not a fad!
Sources: ¹ Datassential SNAP! 2025
Sources: ¹ Datassential Menu Trends 2025, Chili Crisp Menu Penetration
Chili Crisp has been all the rage on social media, with a +24% surge in mentions compared to last year. ¹ Consumers are enthusiastically sharing usage and recipes prominently featuring Chili Crisp as the hero ingredient!
Sources: ¹ Tastewise, Explore, Trend Spotlight March 2025
Spicy Origins: Unveiling the Legacy of Chiu Chow Style Chili Crisp Oil
Despite its recent rise in popularity, Chili Crisp has been a part of Lee Kum Kee’s product line since the 1990’s. Originating in the city of Chiu Chow (Chaozhou), China, Chiu Chow Style Chili Crisp gained recognition in Hong Kong through the traditional dish Chiu Chow Noodles.
Years ago, Chiu Chow natives who migrated to Hong Kong as labor workers introduced their home-made chili crisp recipe to the local food scene, particularly in fish ball noodle shops, adding a new and exciting flavor to the cosmopolitan city. Lee Kum Kee began producing this beloved condiment to provide a consistent flavor profile for menus across different establishments. With industry needs in mind, we’ve developed a clean formula that offers the same great taste and texture!
Lee Kum Kee’s Chiu Chow Style Chili Crisp Oil can help add excitement and complex heat to your product developments. Here are some trend forward condiments on social media to help get you started!
