San Francisco—Several representatives of the kosher food industry could not help but notice that a significant number of products displayed at this year’s Winter Fancy Food Show featured a kosher symbol. Many show-goers were on the hunt for new items that can be introduced to the thriving kosher food market. They were also looking for new trends.

According to Specialty Food News, this year’s trend, as analyzed by a panel of food writers and journalists, included Sriracha, the fiery Thai chili sauce that could be found in jams, organic hummus, tortilla chips, and popcorn.

The snack aisle was a long way from potato chips and pretzels, which is very much in evidence in kosher aisles.  New brands like Goldbaum’s have made the aisle much friendlier to health conscious consumers. The kosher aisle also features many new low-sugar beverages, including Cott’s Clear Choice, many diet teas, and flavored sparkling water. The flavor of mint has not taken off in the kosher market as quickly as it did in the general market, but it is increasingly showing up in teas, ice creams, and even candy. But kosher brands have a way to go on developing the kinds of condiments displayed at the Fancy Food Show: Fine Herbs Mayonnaise, Truffle Ketchup, Salted Caramel Mustard Sauce, and Premium Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil infused with Kalamata Olives were exhibited.

Some of the visitors to the West Coast show noticed that many existing products were tweaked, something that was extremely noticeable at last November’s Kosherfest. Irrespective of the specific trends, one thing is certain: Kosher is expanding existing product .into items that offer newer and more exciting tastes and flavors.

By KosherToday Staff Reporters