Grilling is far more than a way to cook. It’s a time-honored ritual, a celebratory gathering, and a flavor experience all its own. For years, grilling season has been a powerhouse for retail meat and value-added protein sales — and the momentum keeps building. In 2023, pre-marinated meats and ready-to-cook proteins notched a 9% year-over-year sales growth in North American (Circana, 2024). And the heat isn’t dying down anytime soon: the U.S. value-added protein market is projected to grow at a 5.2% compound annual growth rate through 2028 (Technomic, 2024). From juicy pre-marinated cuts to ready-to-cook creations that cut down prep while dialing up flavor, today’s grilling products are boosting convenience and fueling premium flavor experiences.
So, ready to grab your tongs? Let’s dive into the top five grilling trends sparking fresh opportunities in the value-added protein market.
Grilling Ideas Worth Getting Fired Up About
Trend #1: Regional BBQ Revival
While BBQ is all about kicking back with comfort foods, today’s shoppers are craving a twist of authenticity — specifically, regional styles that bring big personality to the plate. In fact, 72% of consumers say they want to taste BBQ sauces from different U.S. states (Datassential, 2023). That opens the door to smoky Memphis ribs, tangy Carolina pulled pork, and sweet-and-sticky Kansas City chicken thighs, which are all versatile enough for both the grill and the oven. Try the following regional favorites:
- Tangy, golden-hued Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce provides a bold balance of zesty, sweet, and peppery flavors — perfect for pork in whatever form you prefer.
- A classic crowd-pleaser, Kansas City Sweet Molasses Sauce is rich, smoky, and finger-licking good. Slather it on brisket or make it the ultimate dipping sauce for chicken.
- With its layers of black pepper, chili, and smoky spices, Texas Pepper BBQ Sauce brings a bold, no-nonsense attitude to the grill-out. It enhances the natural taste of whatever meat it accompanies, whether juicy beef ribs or succulent smoked sausage.
- Alabama White Sauce is one of the most unique regional BBQ sauces, relying on a mayonnaise base with vinegar, lemon juice, and black pepper for a zesty and slightly sharp edge. Though it’s traditionally brushed on smoked chicken, it also pairs well with turkey, pork, or even veggies.
Trend #2: Where Sweet Meets Heat
With their irresistible balance of sweet and spicy, sweet heat flavors provide a crave-worthy contrast that diners can’t resist. Mentions of sweet heat actually grew 18% year-over-year on menus (Datassential, 2024). From sticky glazes for skewers to fiery-sweet wings or a caramelized coating on pork tenderloin, this trend proves that when sugar meets spice, the grill becomes even more enticing. Where should you turn for some sweet-heat grilling sauces?
- Combining the richness of honey with deep, oaky bourbon and a kick of chili for heat, Hot Honey Bourbon Sauce is an ideal glaze for wings or ribs.
- The ultimate tropical-meets-fiery flavor bomb, Mango Habanero Sauce delivers a sunny brightness upfront, followed by a slow-building spice that keeps taste buds on their toes. Drizzle it over shrimp skewers, or make it a standout glaze for pork.
- Pineapple Chipotle Sauce blends the juicy sweetness of ripe pineapple with the deep, smoky heat of chipotle peppers. Drizzle it atop grilled shrimp tacos or slather it on a chicken sandwich for a sunny surprise.
- What happens when richly sweet maple syrup meets a fermented chili paste from South Korea? Maple Gochujang Sauce, a versatile blend with bold, spicy-sweet depth. Toss with tofu or veggies for a flavor-packed vegan dish.
Trend #3: Global Grilling & Street Food Flavors
Backyard barbecues are going international! With 64% of consumers expressing interest in global BBQ flavors, adventurous eaters are eagerly tasting the world without leaving the grill (Technomic, 2023). By weaving bold street food flavors into familiar grilling formats, you can spark curiosity while still appealing to mainstream shoppers who crave new-yet-approachable grilling ideas. Where should you jet off to first?
- Kick back with Jamaican Jerk Glaze, an aromatic sauce that highlights the signature jerk spice mix: scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, garlic, ginger, and more. Brush it onto grilled shrimp skewers or mix it into a marinade for chicken.
- Liven up skirt steak or ribeye with Argentinian Chimichurri, a vibrant sauce based around fresh, uncooked herbs that deliver a punch of flavor in every bite.
- Give your grill a little North African flair with Moroccan Chermoula, a mouthwatering mix of fresh herbs, warm spices, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Drizzle it atop grilled seafood or veggies to add fresh, fun, fragrant flavor.
- Head to South Korea with Gochujang BBQ Sauce, a rich sauce blending smoky sweetness and spicy umami — a perfect dipping sauce for chicken or wings.
Trend #4: Smoky, Rustic, & Wood-Fired
A crave-worthy kiss of smoke instantly transports diners to a backyard cookout or campfire — even if the food never touched a grill! In fact, “smoky” menu mentions are up 11% year-over-year, proving that fire-kissed notes are enticing consumers more than ever (Datassential, 2024). From chicken with a hint of char to smoked salmon packs, smoky cues add an authentic, outdoorsy vibe that can make even ready-to-go food products feel crafted by a pitmaster. If you want to add a little sizzle to your menu, try these scrumptiously smoky grilling ideas:
- Pairing the distinctive, earthy flavor of mesquite smoke with the caramel-like sweetness of maple syrup, Mesquite Maple Glaze is a delicious accompaniment to grilled pork chops, salmon, or even flatbreads.
- A rich, savory sauce that combines the natural sweetness and acidity of tomatoes with deeply flavored spices, Smoked Paprika Tomato Sauce can be perfectly paired with grilled chicken or pork. Off the grill, combine it with eggs for a shakshuka-style dish.
- When robustly sweet molasses meets smoky hickory, you get a hearty sauce tailor-made for barbecue. Hickory Molasses gives ribs, brisket, and wings a slow-cooked, pit-smoked vibe even if they’re made indoors.
- Cherrywood Bourbon Sauce combines the subtle, fruity smokiness of cherrywood with the warm, sweet notes of bourbon. This indulgent sauce makes a scrumptious glaze for ribs or dipping sauce for wings.
Trend #5: Premium Gourmet Glazes
Upscale flavors previously reserved for restaurant kitchens are finding their way to the home grill — and consumers are eating it up. With 59% of shoppers willing to pay more for gourmet or premium protein flavors, there’s a clear appetite for sauces that elevate everyday meals into something special (Mintel, 2024). Think rich glazes on juicy steaks or sauces that use specialty ingredients to complement succulent seafood. These gourmet concoctions not only taste restaurant-quality but also justify a higher price point, making every bite feel like a culinary upgrade.
- A luscious combination of sweet and savory, Balsamic Fig Glaze combines the rich tang of balsamic vinegar and the jammy sweetness of figs. It’s thick, glossy, and versatile, perfect for brushing over lamb chops or even drizzling atop desserts like panna cotta.
- Rooted in the Southern Italian tradition of agrodolce, or “sour-sweet,” Calabrian Chili Agrodolce is centered around fiery Calabrian chilies, which are known for their fruity heat and sun-dried richness. This spicy, sweet, yet tangy sauce makes a flavorsome drizzle for grilled veggies, salmon, or chicken.
- Black Garlic Teriyaki is a luxurious twist on the classic Japanese sauce, bringing the caramelized sweetness of black garlic to savory-sweet teriyaki. Stir it into a grilled salmon rice bowl or use it as a dipping sauce for skewers.
- Mustard? Delicious but ordinary. Truffle Honey Mustard? Decadent, flavor-packed, and addicting. Indulgent truffles and sweet honey balance the sharpness of the mustard, elevating grilled chicken, pork, or even burgers.
Sauced, Sealed, & Ready to Grill
When bringing these grilling ideas to life, the right packaging solution is absolutely essential, making it easier — and tastier — for consumers to fire up flavorful dishes. The following are a few of our favorite packaging options for grilling sauces:
- Glaze-coated cuts deliver instant visual appeal and caramelize beautifully on the grill.
- Vacuum-tumbled marinades deeply penetrate the protein, ensuring that every bite of a thick steak or pork chop is positively bursting with flavor.
- Dip cups in packs are ideal for shoppers who love variety, adding a playful and customizable touch to wings, skewers, or seafood kits.
- Oven- or grill-ready pouches make mess-free, flavor-packed cooking a snap across multiple channels. How deliciously convenient!
Craft Memorable Dishes with Trendy Grilling Sauces
The grilled value-added protein market is growing fast — and sauces are at the heart of what sells. From smoky regional BBQ glazes to vibrant globally-inspired marinades, bold and distinctive flavors are driving trial and repeat purchases and premium positioning. Today’s shoppers aren’t just looking for convenience — they want an experience, and a well-crafted sauce can transform a simple protein into a crave-able, restaurant-quality meal. When you’re ready to fire up the grill, Giraffe Foods is here to help with custom sauce ideation, product certifications, regulatory compliance, and more. Let’s get grilling!
