The global taste for spicy foods is increasing, according to a consumer perception survey recently published by DSM.

Nearly 70% of respondents to the international survey, which is part of DSM’s Global Insight Series launched last year to understand consumer trends, listed ‘spicy’ as one of their top three food choices.

Countries as varied as China, the US, Poland and Nigeria all ranked spicy food as a top three favourite in a list including ‘salty’, ‘sour’, ‘sweet and sour’, ‘plain or mild’, ‘bitter’ or ‘other’. More than 80% of respondents in Africa say they like their food spicy, 66% in the US say the same, however, only 37% of Brazilians say they prefer intense and hot flavours in their foods.Consumers are increasingly expecting rich and intense flavours from their home menus, as they would in ethnic restaurants, says Frank Meijer, application expert at DSM Food Specialities’ Savoury division.

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