Saucy Sensation: Dipping into Global Taste and High Impact Flavors

Sauces, condiments, and spreads share a common purpose: to elevate dishes by transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. From the historic foundation of the five French mother sauces to contemporary innovations like "Kranch" (a creative fusion of ketchup and ranch), sauces and condiments hold a defined place in kitchens worldwide. Whether crafted by seasoned chefs or home cooks, the allure of sauces and condiments lies in their ability to transcend borders and customize dishes, offering a passport to global flavors and culinary adventures.

Consumers are seeking unique dining experiences through premium flavors, too. 42% say there are sauces they look forward to seeing on menus. Read on to discover how sauces and condiments are changing the way we eat!

The Sauce Story

The Art of French Cooking

Sauce applications can be traced back to the Roman Empire, around 200 AD; however, it wasn’t until the 9th century that sauces became an elevated culinary component. Coined by French chef Marie-Antoine Carême, the five “mother sauces” act as a base for all “daughter” or “petite” sauces. While each mother sauce is distinct in its own way, the five share a basic composition: liquid, thickener, and seasoning.

The Five Mother Sauces

• Bechamel - white, creamy sauce made with milk or cream; found in pot pie, lasagna, and macaroni and cheese
• Veloute – light sauce made with white stock; often served over chicken and seafood
• Espagnole - sauce made with brown stock; often served with lamb, duck, and veal
• Tomate – thick, tomato-based sauce served with pastas and meat dishes
• Hollandaise – rich, creamy sauce of emulsified eggs and butter; served with eggs benedict

While each mother sauce is distinct in its own way, the five share a basic composition: liquid, thickener, and seasoning.

Sauce vs Condiments

So, what is the difference between these two?

By definition, a sauce is typically used in the cooking process or serves a specific purpose such as coating or dressing an ingredient (think buffalo and barbecue). Marinara, hollandaise, and gravy fall into the sauce category as well.

Comparatively, condiments are added to contrast or enhance the food (think ketchup, mayo, mustard, and relish). Sauces and condiments certainly have crossover, but these are the key differentiating factors (Spoon University).

Discover Roland Foods' unique variety of global condiments, sauces, and spreads here.

Global Sauces: A World Tour of Flavor

While most sauces can be linked to one of the five French categories, they have evolved around the world depending on regional crops, cuisine type, and cultural influence. Roland Foods’ wide array of global sauces and condiments brings flavors from every corner of the world to your table.

Around the World

China & Japan

Asian sauces and condiments showcase diverse tastes, textures, and pairings based on region. Consumption and excitement surrounding these unique flavors are increasing, too.

At Roland Foods, we have seen a 557% increase in retail sales and a 433% increase in foodservice sales of our Chili Garlic Sauce from 2022 to 2023!

Our catalog features Chinese and Japanese sauces such as Roland® Soy Sauce, Roland® Fish Sauce, Roland® Vegan Oyster Sauce, and Roland® White Miso Paste. All feature umami flavor, one of the five perceived tastes along with salty, sweet, sour, and bitter.

Learn more about umami flavors in our complete All About Miso guide

Want to turn up the heat? Many Asian sauces are made with chili peppers, offering fiery compliments to ramen, short ribs, and even a spicy cocktail!

Check out our recipe for Short Rib Scallion Pancake Tacos or Spicy Sriracha Michelada

Want to explore more Roland® global sauce offerings? Read our product spotlight on Asian Chili Sauces

Sweet and spicy, what’s better? Learn more in our Blog on Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Sriracha Sensation

Sriracha has surged in popularity, becoming a staple in global cuisine and a top choice among spicy sauce enthusiasts. Known for its balanced heat and tangy sweetness, sriracha has transcended its Asian origins to become a beloved condiment worldwide. Its versatility makes it ideal for enhancing a variety of dishes, from traditional Asian fare to modern fusion cuisine. Sriracha is currently listed on 13% of US menus, with a future growth rate potential in the 94^th percentile. At Roland Foods, we have recognized this spike in interest and expanded our sriracha offerings to include three unique flavors. Whether it's classic Roland® Spicy Sriracha Chili Sauce for wings and sandwiches or innovative variations like Roland® Green Sriracha Chili Sauce for tacos and noodles, our sauces are crafted to elevate flavors while saving time in busy kitchens.

Explore our Sriracha Chili Sauce line

Purchase from Amazon and Target today!

Korea

In South Korea, fermented chili pastes take center stage. One of the more popular choices is gochujang, a vibrant red paste renowned for its complex flavor profile. This thick and savory paste delivers the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami flavor.

Today, gochujang can be found in kitchens around the world. Check out how Google searches for “gochujang” have skyrocketed in the past five years. Gen Z is even getting on board, as “gochujang” has surpassed 24 million searches on TikTok, with hundreds of recipe ideas and reviews. Whether used as a marinade, sauce base, or condiment, gochujang adds a distinctive kick to recipes and elevates the eating experience.

Learn more in our comprehensive Gochujang guide

Looking for other recipe ideas? We have you covered!

Check out our recipes for:

• Salmon Burgers with Gochujang Mayonnaise 
• Gochujang Bouillabaisse with Sesame Saffron Aioli
• Crispy Fried Artichokes with Maple Gochujang Sauce

Did you know? You can use gochujang in sweet applications! “Spicy baking” is a new trend taking over the food landscape. Discover our recipe for Gochujang Sugar Cookies, and learn more about savory desserts in our product spotlight here!

India

Indian cuisine, known for its rich, spicy, and intense flavors, is a combination of many culinary traditions. With its multicultural influences, Indian cuisine boasts an array of flavor-packed sauces. Perhaps the nation’s most well-known and widely loved are curry sauces. Originating over 500 years ago, various curry sauces have spread across the world, landing at tables in nearly every nation. While there are many variations featuring unique and complex spice blends, a few popular sauces include Tikka Masala, Korma, and Vindaloo.

Did you know? Butter Chicken is crowned as Great Britain’s national dish!

Roland Foods offers an extensive selection of Indian sauces. From spicy curry pastes to ready-to-use sauces, the applications are endless!

Discover our complete Indian assortment here, and read more on regional Indian cuisine in our culinary guide!

South and Latin America

Latin American sauces and condiments are known for their vibrant, bold flavors and their ability to bring a zesty twist to any dish. With recipes tracing back centuries, traditional flavors in these sauces and condiments include Mexican chilis, onion, tomato, garlic, and spices.

As predicted in our 2024 food trend guide, Latin cuisine has grown drastically as of late, spiking in popularity this year on Google. Looking to add some heat? Try Roland® Chipotle Pepper Paste and Roland® Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce in birria tacos or Roland® Habanero Pepper Sauce for the perfect spicy soup or salsa recipe.

Of the Latin sauces and condiments, salsas are the most plentiful in variety and flavors. From hot and spicy to sweet and mild, there are endless salsa recipes to fit each palate. In Mexico, salsa roja reigns supreme and is celebrated for its fiery kick and rich tomato base. In Colombia, aji picante takes the spotlight with its vibrant blend of cilantro, lime, and spicy peppers.

Explore more Roland® global flavor enhancements in our High Impact Global Flavors product spotlight!

United States of Sauce

Ketchup, mustard, mayo, or ranch? US consumers have quite an appetite for sauces and condiments and strong opinions as to which is superior. Many classic American condiments such as mustard and mayo have maintained their popularity status despite more adventurous flavors hitting the market.

How do consumers’ sauce preferences vary by demographic?

A study by Datassential shows that sauce and condiment preferences tend to vary by generation. As the food and beverage industry becomes more innovative, it is no surprise that younger generations have an easier time adapting to new creations and branching out from more original flavors.

Typically, boomers keep it traditional by reaching for what they know: mayonnaise, ranch, and brown mustard. Gen X also keeps a low profile, often using brown mustard, tartar sauce, and Italian dressing to complement their dishes. Millennials and Gen Z, on the other hand, tend to explore more adventurous and international-inspired condiments, from Thai chili sauce and eel sauce to Korean gochujang paste and unique hot sauces that turn up the heat.

State to State

From the Carolinas to Texas, the battle over barbecue sauce supremacy is one that Americans will take to their grave. Texas' unique barbecue sauce flavor is known to be spicy and robust, pairing best with brisket. Kansas City’s signature sauce has a sweet flavor and molasses-like consistency, contributed by the brown sugar and ketchup in the recipe. The Carolinas contains a divide within themselves – South Carolina barbecue is famous for its mustard-based “gold sauce”, while North Carolina barbecue is known for its thin and tangy vinegar-based sauce.

Ravenous for Ranch!

With 44% saying they consume ranch at least once a week, it’s safe to say Americans have ranch fever! The dressing obsession dates back to the 1960s when farmer Steve Henson served his unique homemade salad dressing to visitors at his California ranch. Guests found themselves craving the dressing, leading Henson to ship packets of the dry seasoning by mail. Demand grew quickly and the seasoning flew off the shelves in local corner stores across the country. The ranch dressing business took off for the Henson's, who eventually created what is now the famous Hidden Valley® Ranch. With its popularity concentrated in the Midwest region, ranch has been the leading salad dressing in the United States since 1992, gaining a following of consumers who will put the condiment on just about anything (Mashed).

The American Sauce

Demographic differences aside, there is one sauce that stands alone. According to Datassential, “79% of consumers love ketchup, making it America’s favorite condiment.”

Although the condiment may not seem to carry the variety of flavors and textures like barbecue sauce does, consumers are still particular about their ketchup preferences. Packaging type and brand affiliation go a long way in the retail market, with 71% of consumers identifying brand preference as a factor in their ketchup selection.

The condiment and sauce giant Kraft Heinz is a household name, with Heinz® Tomato Ketchup being its flagship product. According to Statista, in 2020, nearly 200 million Americans (over 60%) reported that Heinz® Tomato Ketchup was the brand they consumed most often.

Even with its current popularity and high proliferation since the 19th century, the ketchup revenue market is only increasing, and is estimated to reach $6.66 billion by 2028, a 9.88% increase.

Sauce in the Spotlight: Foodservice Trends

Menu variety plays a pivotal role in attracting new customers while keeping loyal diners coming back. Sauces and condiments, often the stars of the dish, add an exciting twist that can elevate a meal and become a key selling point. In the foodservice industry, sauces have proven to boost sales, generate buzz, and draw in crowds. In other words, it’s time to get serious about sauce. A recent study concluded that 39% of consumers learn about sauces and condiments from restaurant menus, and 59% are willing to pay a premium for signature and specialty sauces!

LTOs

Menu innovation keeps consumers excited. Nothing screams “get it before it's gone!” like carrying a special offering for a limited time. LTOs, or limited-time offers, differentiate foodservice competitors and draw business from diners looking to get a taste of exclusivity.

Last year, TGI Fridays rolled out their “Grilled and Sauced” menu, allowing consumers to customize their entrée choice with a wide array of proteins and sauces. The chain added cultural influence to their offerings, with Al Pastor and Korean Red Chili to classic Nashville Hot sauce for those who prefer to turn up the heat.

Looking to up the ante on your LTO marketing? Partnering with influencers and celebrities is a common practice used to increase awareness and attract new customers. McDonald's implemented this tactic in their 2021 sauce-centered LTO. Leveraging the popular K-pop band BTS, the chain launched a new sauce line featuring unique Korean flavors, and the results were remarkable. The BTS meal was launched in select countries for one month with the hopes of reaching new audiences around the globe. These new and exciting global flavors had K-pop fans and curious consumers excited to try the Sweet Chili and Cajun dipping sauces. Within this LTO’s short lifespan, McDonald’s sales increased by 40.5%, with their quarterly revenue of $5.9 billion surpassing Wall Street’s expectations of the chain (CNN).

Learn all about LTOs in our comprehensive guide, What is an LTO? Leveraging Limited Time Offers in Foodservice

Signature Sauce

Enticed by the wide array of flavors, heat levels, and applications, restaurants know how signature sauces and condiments can cater to a crowd. From Chick-fil-A® Sauce to Cane’s Sauce®, Popeye’s blackened ranch, and Whataburger® Spicy Ketchup, some restaurant sauces have become so popular they have massive fan followings.

Consumers are crazy for Cane’s Sauce®! Customers could not get enough of the unique, tangy, and creamy signature sauce, so they started asking for more. For $6, customers can now order a 32-ounce cup filled to the brim with Cane’s Sauce®, more than enough for dipping and dunking tenders. See how consumers used TikTok to show their saucy love -- ThatFoodieLyss’ video has over 38 million views and 4 million likes!

Similarly, unwavering fan support has brought other signature sauces to retail, landing bottles of Chick-Fil-A® Polynesian Sauce and Taco Bell® Creamy Avocado Ranch on grocery shelves nationwide. In their first year of business, Chick-fil-A’s line of retail sauces generated over 38 million dollars in sales!

Fierce Competition

LTOs, influencers, and signature sauces are not the only way to leverage sauce on your menus!

Restaurants with flaming hot recipes have turned their daring flavors into exciting challenges for the bravest of contestants. Among these establishments, Smoke Eaters in San Jose has gained notoriety for its Hellfire Wing Challenge, featuring 12 wings doused in over six ounces of fiery habanero pepper sauce. With only a 20% completion rate, the challenge has become a magnet for thrill-seeking food enthusiasts. Similarly, Brick Lane's Phaal Curry Challenge, where participants must endure the intense heat of a curry so hot, the chef dons a gas mask to prepare it, is nearly impossible to conquer. Featuring chilis that reach 2.2 million Scoville Heat Units, this challenge boasts a competition rate of just 10%.

These feats of spice endurance have not only elevated these restaurants' profiles, but also sparked nationwide interest in bold, flavorful sauces.

To Retail and Beyond!

Consumers are bringing the sauce trend home – literally! As much as diners enjoy eating out, home cooks continue to get creative in the kitchen by experimenting with new saucy creations.

Scroll Worthy Sauces

If you didn’t post it, did you do it? Home cooks nationwide are taking to socials to share their saucy specialties. From homemade ketchup to copycat Big Mac® Sauce, TikTok is filled with thousands of unique recipe videos. Check out some of our favorite recipes to try!

• Jortskitchen Creole Butter: Perfect for dipping and dunking seafood, this homemade butter features classic creole flavors.
• Baked By Melissa Green Goddess: Go Green! This creamy and zesty sauce can be used to dress salads, spread on sandwiches, or dunk with veggies!
• Cookingwithshareen Sunday Sauce: You will never buy jarred pasta sauce again after you try this simple yet delicious tomato sauce.

Hot Takes, Hotter Wings

Hot Ones, the celebrity game show and YouTube internet sensation, has revolutionized the retail sauce market with its unique format. Host Sean Evans interviews celebrities while they eat progressively hotter wings, a concept that has captivated millions of viewers. The show's success has directly translated into booming sales for the "Hot Ones” line of sauces, allowing subscribers to taste the fiery flavors their favorite stars consume on screen. When the sauces first launched in 2018, they sold out within one hour, leading the company to generate more than 7 million dollars in hot sauce sales that year!

Sealing the Sauce Deal

At Roland Foods, we know that sauce – whether sweet, spicy, tangy, or smokey – is boss!

From global flavor exploration to menu innovation, sauce is truly changing the way we eat. Roland Foods is proud to offer an extensive portfolio of sauces and condiments from every corner of the world, in retail, foodservice, and industrial size formats. From ready-to-use and time-saving sauces to new-to-market condiments and dips, we are ready to be your go-to sauce partner. Discover our full sauce assortment here!

Time to get saucy!