Discover the future trends in the global cooking sauces market with Mintel’s Future Of report. The report identifies the key consumer and industry trends that will impact the global cooking and pasta sauces industry over the next five years.
The most important upcoming trends in sauces are analysed and succinctly presented alongside relevant insights from Mintel’s consumer data. So you can understand how consumer demands will change and identify future innovation and growth opportunities.
This report also presents Mintel’s analysts’ pick of the most innovative and inspirational launches in cooking and pasta sauces. Understanding the future of the cooking sauces industry has never been so easy.
Meet the Expert Behind the Analysis
This report was written by Ayisha Koyenikan. Ayisha is a Mintel Food and Drink Director with 13 years’ New Product Development experience in retail and manufacturing. Ayisha has worked for 3 major retailers, categories including Ready Meals, Bakery and Grocery. Her last role focused on the analysis and application of global food trends. Ayisha has a BSc in Food Science.
Issues over tomato prices and availability, plus the demand for elevated convenience, will dictate brand innovation and consumer behaviour.
Ayisha Koyenikan
Director – Mintel Food & Drink
Collapse All
-
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Where we are now
- In the next two years
- In five years and beyond
-
IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS
- Mintel’s perspective
- Rising tomato costs will impact consumer behaviour
- US consumers will pay the price for tariffs on imported tomatoes in the short term
- US consumers will place premium imported sauces into their ‘wishlists’ rather than their everyday baskets
- Graph 1: pasta and cooking sauce innovation by import status, 2015-25
- Tariffs will exacerbate price increases already being driven by global warming
- Affordable private-label options will increasingly challenge legacy brands
- Rising prices will push confident cooks towards homemade sauces more frequently
- Price-sensitive consumers will shun more-adventurous flavour profiles
- Graph 2: ‘Yes, financial concerns have put me off trying new world cuisine products/dishes in the last 12 months’, by financial status, 2025
- Elevated convenience will convey good value
- Convenience will continue to be a factor worth paying more for
- Graph 3: ‘The amount of time convenience food/drink products save justifies paying a higher price for them compared to regular products’, by age and parental status, 2025
- The demand for quick and easy food solutions is rising
- Graph 4: ‘I choose food or drink that is quick and easy to prepare all or most of the time’, 2020-24
- Seek to optimise convenience at all consumer touchpoints with sauces
- Sauce brands are missing out on the air fryer revolution
- Mintel Spark imagines an oil-based, air-fryer-compatible marinade in a bag
- Expect more brand extension into convenient categories to resonate with younger consumers
- Prepper culture surge demands greater versatility
- The resurgence of prepper culture presents an opportunity for shelf-stable sauces
- Graph 5: agreement with the statement ‘Due to COVID-19, I will be prepared for emergencies in the future (eg have enough food/essential supplies on hand)’, 2020
- Climate anxiety, food shortage reality
- Tariff mistrust and governmental guidance will exacerbate stockpiling behaviours
- During challenging financial times, consumers often opt for cost-effective ambient solutions
- Graph 6: ‘I have bought more frozen or tinned food to save money in the last year’, 2024
- Versatility will help earn a place in the prepper’s pantry
-
IN FIVE YEARS AND BEYOND
- Mintel’s perspective
- The pasta sauce aisle will become less red
- Fermentation will turn tomato waste into taste
- Seed-oil-free claims will proliferate as part of clean label positioning
-
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Key takeaways
What is a 'Future of' Report?
Have you ever wondered how to get a clear view of what’s next for your industry? Forget the crystal ball, what you need is a Mintel ‘Future of’ reports. The reports offer a forward-looking perspective, helping you identify upcoming opportunities and navigate the trends that will shape your business for the next five years and beyond.
How Mintel Builds a Picture of the Future
Creating a ‘Future of’ report is a comprehensive process that combines deep data analysis with expert human insight. Here’s a look at the core components that make these reports so valuable.
Expert Insights from Category Analysts
Our dedicated category analysts are at the heart of these reports. They bring years of industry experience and a deep understanding of global markets. They interpret complex data, connect the dots, and provide you with expert recommendations on what to expect in the next two years, five years, and even further into the future. They provide the strategic thinking you need to stay ahead.
Powered by Robust Data
Our analysis is grounded in solid data. A key source is Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD), a powerful resource that tracks product innovation and launches around the world. By analysing this wealth of information, we can spot emerging patterns and shifts in the market. This data, combined with our knowledge of consumer behavior, allows us to anticipate what consumers will want next.
Designed for Forward-Thinking Strategy
Our ‘Future of’ reports are designed to help you look ahead with confidence. By focusing on trend forecasting and identifying future opportunities, these reports provide the insights you need to innovate and plan effectively. They are crafted specifically to help you anticipate market shifts and make proactive decisions, ensuring you and your business are prepared for what’s to come.
For a closer look at what's included in a Mintel Future of report, take a look at a sample PDF report below.
Please Note: All of the figures, graphs, and tables have been redacted.
£ 2,195 (Excl.Tax)
-
Download today with instant access
Pay via credit card or purchase order
-
Multiple formats provided
We send a PDF and Powerpoint version of the report straight to your inbox. An interactive version of the report is also available on our online platform
Next Starts Here
Whatever your business needs, we have the solution. From market intelligence reports to customised growth strategies.
Learn moreTrusted by global industry leaders
One of the biggest challenges we face is the need to get smart on a business or category real quick.
We are talking to clients who live and breathe their category every day and the expectation is that we will be able to get caught up very quickly, and bring the thinking that can help them.
We need to do that often in a matter of days, so it’s not a small ask. Mintel gives us a very articulate view of category conditions and does so at the speed we need it.
Jeff White, Business Development Director, Deutsch
We’ve found it so useful working more closely with Mintel. They helped support our recent flagship event for our top suppliers by providing a really unique viewpoint on the future of online retailing.
Nick Carroll from their Retail Team was also an excellent panelist, sharing useful and actionable consumer insights. We definitely look forward to working with Mintel again on future projects.
Zac Steele, E-Commerce Trading Development Manager, Waitrose & Partners
When I’m investigating specific sectors I tend to use Mintel reports for their forecasting, which I’ve always found to be very accurate.
They also offer really broad and deep coverage in their reports. They are very, very detailed. For example, we were able to gain insight across a wide range of business areas from just one report, proving that Mintel is excellent value for money.
So overall, it’s the level of detail and the quality of forecasting that really stand out for me.
Rebecca Green, Market Insight Manager, Wincanton
Mintel helps us when we want to know something quickly – it provides fast answers to our questions. If we need to get a view of what’s going on in a particular market it’s very useful.
When carrying out background research, I find Mintel an excellent starting point.
The fact that it covers so many markets is a big plus for me– instead of having to buy specialist products in each area we are interested in, especially when we only require a brief view on a particular market, we can go to Mintel for help as a one-stop shop. I find Mintel a useful and valuable resource.
Ben Zeidler, Director - Research and Analytics, Tenth Wave
We use Mintel to inform our thinking and reinforce strategy. If you’re presenting new ideas, it’s essential they are underpinned by robust data and evidence, and clearly rooted in fact.
Mintel gives us all that. It’s a great brand and one that is trusted by clients.
Marie Stafford, European Director, The Innovation Group, VML
Next Starts Here
Whatever your business needs, we have the solution. From market intelligence reports to customised growth strategies.
Learn more
