This week I want to explore the rise and popularity of spicy foods.   As we all know from previous posts, I am a self-proclaimed spicy food guru, I love the subject and I am constantly researching new angles for it.  So it’s been awhile and I thought this week it would be fun to explore the rise of spicy foods and ponder the question – Is it here to stay?

As we know chili peppers have been around for centuries, used for medicinal purposes and to flavor food.

Looking at the market reports on spicyexchange.com, from 2008-2022, the popularity of spicy foods has risen drastically and has even taken over the holiday season.  It’s become a norm to buy gifts such as hot sauce making kits, hot sauces, and novelty foods such as the One Chip Challenge. And this trend is still growing!  You now have various spices like salts and sugar that include some heat to them AND don’t forget my review on the Pepper Palace Energy Drink.  Spice is taking over the world.

From all this the Spicy Exchange has predicted that by 2026 the hot sauce market will have from by 78%.  Now that is a lot of heat in our diets.

While thinking of adding spice to your diet and joining the trend, keep in mind chili peppers are an acquired taste that some just can’t do.  Also don’t go too fast too soon on the Scoville scale, you may cause harm to your body.

So this now begs the question do you see the rise in spicy foods?  And is it here to stay?