Forget plain old sweet or just spicy, this summer is all about “swicy.” A delicious collision of sugar and spice, this trend has gone viral. From strawberry-laced Sprite to chilli-dusted lemonade, food and drink brands are going bold. So what’s behind the hype? Let’s break it down, one mouthwatering card at a time.
What is ‘Swicy’?
'Swicy' has become the flavour buzzword of the year. Though the term might not appear on your local restaurant’s menu just yet, it’s dominating the food marketing scene. The Food Institute even dubbed this season the “Summer of Swicy,” a testament to just how far the trend has come.
According to a recent report by Datassential, nearly 10% of restaurant menus now feature sweet-and-spicy items. This is a 1.8% jump from last year. Not just that, this trend is projected to rise another 9.6% over the next four years. From upscale eateries to QSR chains, chefs are increasingly experimenting with this flavour.
Even big brands have joined the trend
Major food chains have wasted no time hopping on the swicy bandwagon. Shake Shack has toyed with fiery condiments paired with sweet glazes. Burger King has introduced limited-time drinks like Fiery Strawberry & Sprite. Starbucks rolled out Spicy Lemonade Refreshers and mango-infused drinks with a hint of heat. Even menu staples like chicken sandwiches are getting the swicy treatment. Be it combining hot honey, with spicy filling, ‘Swicy’ flavour has taken over the market.
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Pop culture has fuelled the fire
Even pop culture has fast caught up. Dua Lipa recently went viral for her quirky Diet Coke and pickle juice combo. Meanwhile, cocktail bars like Sidecar in India are elevating the trend with tamarind-infused creations. Even globally, spicy cocktails are having a moment.
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However, not every experiment is worth trying
Of course, not every swicy experiment is a slam dunk. Coca-Cola’s spiced Coke was discontinued just six months after launch due to lukewarm reviews. It’s a reminder that not all sweet-heat combinations will win over consumers. Still, Swicy is here to stay and we are loving it!