Description

Providing the most comprehensive and up-to-date information and analysis of the US Trending Latin Cuisine Flavors market, including the behaviours, preferences and habits of the consumer.

Mexican cuisine is by far the most consumed Latin cuisine, reflecting not only availability but also the profound influence on US food culture. The mainstreaming of Mexican cuisine is nearing ubiquity, yet there is still room for Latin cuisine growth. The widespread popularity suggests that there are similar opportunities for other Latin cuisines, especially beyond foodservice menus. A mix of both traditional and Latin inspired-options will be necessary from brands and operators to fulfil the needs of the total market, but in any case authentic ingredients and flavors will be essential to connect with both Hispanic and non-Hispanic consumers. Hispanic consumers expect authenticity from brands, yet non-Hispanic consumers seek convenient ways (ie foodservice) to experience real Latin foods, flavors and ingredients too.

Mexican cuisine is by far the most consumed Latin cuisine, reflecting not only availability but also the profound influence on US food culture. The mainstreaming of Mexican cuisine is nearing ubiquity, yet there is still room for Latin cuisine growth. The widespread popularity suggests that there are similar opportunities for other Latin cuisines, as well as brand exploration with regional Mexican cuisines, especially beyond foodservice menus. A mix of both traditional and Latin inspired-options will be necessary from brands and operators to fulfill the needs of the total market, but in any case authentic ingredients and flavors will be essential to connect with both Hispanic and non-Hispanic consumers. Hispanic consumers expect authenticity from brands, yet non-Hispanic consumers seek convenient ways (ie foodservice) to experience real Latin foods, flavors and ingredients too.

With 64% of US diners interested in plant-based menu options, this suggests that consumers are becoming more varied in their tastes. Highlighting plant-based ingredients can lighten up traditionally indulgent meals and make better-for-you options feel more exciting. Social media remains a key factor in marketing, with 38% of 18-34 year olds in the US having tried a new food or drink they’ve discovered through a social media platform in the past three months.

Read on to discover more details or take a look at all of our US Food and Foodservice market research.

Quickly understand

  • The impact of COVID-19 on consumer behavior and the Latin food market.
  • Latin cuisine varieties and dishes consumed
  • Attitudes and perceptions of Latin cuisine
  • Interest and experience with Latin cuisine flavors and ingredients

Covered in this report

Types of Latin Cuisine: Mexica, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Colombian, Aergentinian, Peruvian, Brazilian, Venezuelan.

Types of Dishes: Tacos, burriros, salsa, guacamole, churrasco, Cuban sandwiches, torta, soup (chicken tortilla, pozole), empanadas, desserts (churros, tres leches), seafood (ceviche), salad, horchata, michelada, margaritas.

Brands: XOCO, Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill, Tropical Smoothie Café, Bonefish Grill, Applebee’s, Basset Street Brunch Club, Life Cuisine, Kevin’s Natural Foods, Hillshire Farm, Wegmans Food You Feel Good About, Private Selection, Aldi, Barnana, Fit Joy, Siete, Good & Gather, O Organics, Urban Accents, Kroger, Ricante, Ortega, Tapatío.

Expert analysis from a specialist in the field

Written by Alyssa Hangartner, a leading analyst in the Food & Drink sector, her extensive knowledge delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight current trends and add expert context to the numbers.

Mexican cuisine is by far the most consumed Latin cuisine, reflecting not only availability but also its profound influence on US food culture. The mainstreaming of Mexican cuisine is nearing ubiquity, yet there is still room for Latin cuisine growth. The widespread popularity of Mexican cuisine suggests that there are similar opportunities for other Latin cuisines, as well as brand exploration with regional Mexican cuisines, especially beyond foodservice menus. A mix of both traditional and Latin inspired-options will be necessary from brands and operators to fulfill the needs of the total market, but in any case authentic ingredients and flavors will be essential to connect with both Hispanic and non-Hispanic consumers. Hispanic consumers expect authenticity from brands, yet non-Hispanic consumers seek convenient ways (ie foodservice) to experience real Latin foods, flavors and ingredients too.
Alyssa Hangartner
Flavor and Ingredient Analyst

Table of Contents

  1. Overview

    • What you need to know
    • Key issues covered in this Report
    • Market context
    • Economic and other assumptions
    • COVID-19: US context
  2. Executive Summary

    • Top takeaways
    • Latin cuisines both popular and poised for growth
      • Figure 1: Latin cuisine consumption frequency, April 2021
    • Impact of COVID-19 on food and drink
      • Figure 2: Short-, medium- and long-term impact of COVID-19 on food and drink, June 2021
    • Challenges and opportunities
    • Mexican eclipses other Latin cuisine consumption
      • Figure 3: Types of Latin cuisine consumed, April 2021
    • Consumers struggle to see the healthy side
      • Figure 4: Latin cuisine perceptions, April 2021
    • Fill the Latin void between foodservice and home cooking
      • Figure 5: Attitudes toward Latin cuisine, April 2021
    • Snack innovation can expand Latin exploration
      • Figure 6: Latin cuisine occasions, April 2021
  3. Target Audience – Key Takeaways

    • Room to increase regular Latin cuisine consumption
    • Mexican cuisine consumption overshadows others
    • Gen X, Millennials are driving exploration
    • Cuisine growth will come from Non-Hispanic consumers
  4. Target Audience by the Numbers

    • Room to make Latin flavor and ingredient consumption part of the routine
      • Figure 7: Latin cuisine consumption frequency, April 2021
    • Emerging Latin cuisines overshadowed by Mexican
      • Figure 8: Types of Latin cuisine consumed, April 2021
    • Gen X+ made Mexican popular, Millennials are driving exploration
      • Figure 9: Latin cuisine consumption frequency, by generation, April 2021
    • Non-Hispanic consumers are a strong target for growth
      • Figure 10: Latin cuisine consumption frequency, by Hispanic origin, April 2021
    • West coast city dwellers are the most engaged in Latin cuisine
      • Figure 11: Latin cuisine consumption frequency, by region and area, April 2021
  5. Market Factors

    • Cultural landscape changes will influence the proliferation of Latin cuisine
      • Figure 12: Population, by race and Hispanic origin, 2016-26
      • Figure 13: Population by race and Hispanic origin, 2016-26
    • Diversifying palates indicates positive future for emerging cuisines
      • Figure 14: Change in flavor type consumption, July 2020
  6. Market Opportunities

    • Reinforce healthy connections with Latin foods
      • Figure 15: Perceptions of Latin cuisine, by generation, April 2021
    • Colorful digital strategies can connect young adults with emerging Latin cuisines
      • Figure 16: Perceptions of Latin flavors, by Latin cuisine attitudes, April 2021
    • Millennials at the helm of Latin cuisine proliferation on menus
      • Figure 17: Latin cuisine attitudes and behaviors, by generation, April 2021
  7. Operator and Brands Strategies – Key Takeaways

    • Authenticity has ties to ingredient descriptions
    • Packaged brands use value, convenience and comfort to steal foodservice occasions
    • Gateway to health halo in Latin snacks
  8. Operator and Menu Strategies and Trends

    • Nuanced ingredient descriptions have street cred
      • Figure 18: Top 10 leading flavors in Latin and Mexican cuisine on US menus, Q4 2017- Q4 2020
      • Figure 19: Menu innovation including trending Latin flavors and ingredients
    • Operators easing into less familiar Latin ingredients with fusion
      • Figure 20: Interest in Latin flavors, by channel, April 2021
      • Figure 21: Menu innovation, including South American inspired dishes
  9. Packaged Food Strategies and Trends

    • Proteins, prepared meals are a good entry point for Latin ingredients
      • Figure 22: Preparation method by daypart, November 2020
      • Figure 23: Prepared meal innovation containing Latin flavors
    • Classic comfort foods get an upgrade with spicy Latin accents
      • Figure 24: Innovation with Latin flavors in pizza and pasta
    • Snacks get health halos through Latin seasoning and substrates
      • Figure 25: Perceptions of Latin cuisine, by Latin cuisine occasions, April 2021
      • Figure 26: Snack innovation incorporating Latin flavors
  10. Ingredient Strategies and Trends

    • Trending pepper seasoning blends level up at home meals
      • Figure 27: Interest in Latin flavors and ingredients by channel, by Latin cuisine attitudes and behaviors, April 2021
      • Figure 28: Chili pepper seasoning innovation
    • Make authenticity accessible at home with quick scratch
      • Figure 29: Interest in Latin flavors and ingredients by channel, April 2021
      • Figure 30: Quick scratch innovation
  11. The Consumer – Key Takeaways

    • Get real with elevated ingredients
    • Millennials, Gen X drive emerging Latin exploration
    • Consumers need a hand in Latin cooking
    • It’s time to shake up Latin food habits
  12. Latin Cuisine Attitudes and Behaviors

    • Authenticity matters
      • Figure 31: Attitudes toward Latin cuisine, April 2021
    • Latin flavors don’t always need to bring the heat
      • Figure 32: Attitudes towards Latin cuisine, by generation, April 2021
    • Give consumers short-cuts to build confidence in Latin cooking
      • Figure 33: Attitudes towards Latin cuisine, by race and Hispanic origin, April 2021
  13. Latin Cuisine Consumption

    • Lots of room to move beyond Mexican food
      • Figure 34: Types of Latin cuisine consumed, April 2021
    • Millennials, Gen X drive emerging Latin exploration
      • Figure 35: Types of Latin cuisine consumed, by generation, April 2021
    • Expand the base of Latin lovers with the familiar
      • Figure 36: Types of Latin cuisine consumed, by Latin cuisine consumption frequency, April 2021
  14. Perceptions of Latin Cuisine

    • Latin cuisine delivers on excitement, but struggles with health
      • Figure 37: Latin cuisine perceptions, April 2021
    • Elevated, healthy ingredients raise the bar on excitement for Millennials
      • Figure 38: Latin cuisine perceptions, by generation, April 2021
  15. Latin Cuisine Occasions and Dishes

    • Expand Latin cuisine outside of entrées
      • Figure 39: Latin cuisine occasions, April 2021
    • Latin foods ripe for disruption, expansion
      • Figure 40: Latin dishes typically consumed, April 2021
    • Adults 45 +
      • Figure 41: Latin dishes typically consumed, by generation, April 2021
    • Fusion flavors are an opportunity within sandwiches, salads
      • Figure 42: Latin cuisine dishes, by attitudes, April 2021
  16. Interest and Experience with Latin Flavors

      • Figure 43: Interest in Latin flavors and ingredients, by channel, April 2021
    • Is awareness stalling the flavor lifecycle?
      • Figure 44: Interest in Latin flavors and ingredients, by channel, April 2021
  17. Appendix – Data Sources and Abbreviations

    • Data sources
    • Consumer survey data
    • Abbreviations and terms
    • Abbreviations
    • Terms

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