“Swicy” New Combos Heat Things Up

Sweet and spicy—aka “swicy”—is taking over menus and snack aisles, and Gen Z is leading the charge. These self-proclaimed “hot sauce connoisseurs” can’t get enough, with 51% using hot sauce more than once a week and 34% turning up the heat in friendly competition to outdo friends and family.

Restaurants are catching on, too. According to Datassential, nearly one in ten restaurants now feature sweet and spicy menu items, proving that this flavor fusion isn’t just a passing trend—it’s here to stay.

A Social Media-Driven Heatwave

Hot sauce challenges are all over social media, and Gen Z is fully on board—34% have taken on a viral hot sauce challenge. But it’s not just about heat; it’s about balance. Today’s swicy flavors are drawing inspiration from Mexico, Thailand, and Korea, blending heat with unexpected sweetness. Think: gochujang, guajillo pepper, Aleppo pepper, and tajin—all adding layers of complexity to the spice game.

Swicy Taste Test with Industry Experts

To get a firsthand look at what’s trending, our industry friends Fleur Veldhoven (VP of Marketing at Nestlé Professional Solutions) and Johnny Hughes (consultant and former Senior VP of Foodservice at Tyson Foods) joined Kevin at Flavorsmith to sample the latest in sweet-heat innovation. Here’s what made the cut:

  • Theo Sweet & Spicy Dark Chocolate Bar – A rich, dark chocolate bar infused with cayenne pepper and cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth.
  • Spicy Sweet Peppers Protein Stix – A protein-packed snack featuring bold cayenne heat.
  • Ass Kickin’ Carolina Reaper Pepper Honey Peppers – A fiery-sweet explosion made with Carolina Reaper Pepper, once the world’s hottest pepper.

Flavorsmith’s Must-Try Swicy Picks

Looking to bring some heat to your own kitchen? Flavorsmith has you covered with these sweet and spicy essentials:

  1. Flavorsmith Hot Honey – Drizzle it on vanilla ice cream, pizza, or fried chicken for the perfect balance of sweet heat.
  2. Flavorsmith Hot Maple – A smoky, spicy take on maple syrup that’s perfect on pancakes, bacon, or even roasted Brussels sprouts.
  3. Flavorsmith Salsa Verde – A tangy, slightly spicy blend of tomatillos, jalapeños, and citrus, ideal for tacos or dipping.
  4. Flavorsmith Hot Honey Mustard – The ultimate swicy sauce for sandwiches, pretzels, and dipping nuggets.
  5. Flavorsmith Sriracha – A bold, garlicky chili sauce that packs heat with a touch of sweetness—great on eggs, noodles, or wings.

Swicy flavors aren’t just a trend—they’re a movement. Try these Flavorsmith favorites, experiment with your own sweet and spicy combos, and tag us on social media to show off your swicy creations!