From the stockings hung by the chimney with care to the cookies left out for Santa Claus, the holiday season is steeped in tradition. This is especially true when it comes to mealtimes. Consumers crave nostalgic festive flavors – gingerbread, roast turkey, cranberries, apple cider, brown butter – yet everyone loves to try a twisted take on classics or new flavors on the block.
An exciting new menu item is like a gift tied up with a bow – sparkling with possibility and wonder! Whether you’re adding appetizers, entrees, beverages, or desserts to your menu, all mealparts could benefit from a nostalgic favorite with a twist. In fact, every mealpart enjoyed its highest LTO launch rate this winter when compared to the past five winters (Technomic 2023). Embrace this opportunity to develop signature holiday flavors that fuse tradition with innovation. Our talented culinologists can help you develop dreamy and delicious custom flavor solutions that will help you welcome more consumers through your door this winter.
Winter Appetizers: Tantalizing Texture & Plant-Based Options
As you usher in winter flavors to update your appetizer menu, explore new textures and plant-based options. Not only will vegan and vegetarian consumers appreciate seeing plant-based items with holiday pizzazz, but you’ll catch the eye of other curious flexitarian consumers as well. Check out these scrumptious winter-inspired appetizers, some plant-based and some not:
- Trickle a bright and vibrant Herb Sauce over comforting squash soup.
- Pair sweet potato black bean sliders with creamy Vegan Pesto Aioli.
- Offer a bowl of hearty vegetable chili with plant-based proteins.
- Team up toasted ravioli and Spicy Marinara Sauce for a flavorful duo.
- Nestle spicy pulled pork empanadas alongside Salsa Criolla for dipping.
- Drizzle ricotta crostini with Hot Honey – bite-sized and perfect for sharing!
- Dip crunchy apple slices and roasted veggies into a gouda fondue bread bowl.
Warm, Cozy, & Over-the-Top Entrees
Shine a spotlight on ever-popular beef this winter. Its versatility and delectable flavor make it a crowd-pleasing protein, especially during the colder months, and it lends itself well to over-the-top dishes. Using holiday flavors, you can infuse traditional beef dishes with festive joy:
- Top your signature burger with Cranberry Relish to add unexpected brightness.
- Pair classic roast beef with Mustard Cream Sauce for a tangy, spicy twist.
- Place irresistible filet mignon atop a bed of Creamy Mushroom Gravy.
- Lighten up a flank steak salad with herbaceous, fresh Mint Vinaigrette.
No protein is more associated with the holidays than roast turkey. After all, what did Mr. Scrooge request after waking from his life-changing night? A gigantic, prize-winning turkey, of course! Heartwarming and infused with tradition, roast turkey is a go-to dish for consumers during the holiday season – but it’s also ripe for innovation. Work with a custom flavor manufacturer like Giraffe Foods to craft innovative turkey dishes that will keep your consumers warm and cheerful this winter:
- Jazz up roast turkey breast with Garlic Herb Brown Butter Sauce.
- Combine cider-glazed turkey with Cranberry Mustard Sauce for a festive feast.
- Top ancho-scallion roast turkey with Chipotle Butter for a fiery combo.
- Pair bourbon-glazed turkey with Apple and Spice Cranberry Sauce.
- Make classic turkey even more warm and comforting with Peppercorn Gravy.
- Slather Basil Cranberry Sauce on a turkey sandwich –there’s been a 4.1% increase of cranberry in turkey entrees over the past two years! (Technomic 2023)
Delightful Drinks & Desserts
The holidays wouldn’t be complete without a sweet treat or two. After all, some people have visions of sugar-plums dancing in their heads! For a pinch of inspiration, visit our blog The Simple Joy of Sweet Flavors. And to wash everything down, you’ll need some beverage ideas with festive flair. Review our Beverage Solutions blog to get a taste of how our incredible culinologists can combine valuable consumer insights with delicious holiday flavors.
The holidays are a jolly amalgamation of traditions. By reimagining classic flavors and turning beloved signature dishes on their heads, you can bring even more magic to the most wonderful time of the year. Reach out to our expert culinary team to explore the possibilities! We can take you from ideation and formulation to food production, packaging, and even shipping. Let’s add an extra dash of cheer to your menu this holiday season!
