Condiment customization: Are personalized condiment creations the new food trend?
Food preferences are and will always be personal. One person might want spice levels that are off the charts and another person prefers never to taste the burn. Although the home pantry will always have that special bottle, dining out is not that simple. Even though some restaurants might have a robust condiment caddy, no one wants to bring the mixing bowl to the table. The HEINZ Remix could be the first wave in condiment customization.
For many years, Coca-Cola Freestyle Machine and Pepsi Spire have allowed people to customize their beverages. Whether it was Diet Coke with a splash of Sprite or 12 sodas in one cup, the reality is that people enjoy that ability to have it their way. It might be the exact combination time and again or it could be something new every pour. No matter which option is true, the guest is in control of what they eat and drink.
While beverages seem like an easy way for restaurants to lean into that customization, the HEINZ Remix puts the condiment customization front and center. This option starts with three base sauces, HEINZ Ketchup, Ranch, 57 Sauce, and BBQ Sauce, plus “enhancers” Jalapeño, Smoky Chipotle, Buffalo, and Mango, which come in various intensity levels. Even with these options, the flavor combinations seem almost limitless.
According to Alan Kleinerman, Vice President of Disruption, Kraft Heinz. “HEINZ REMIX is a great example of this consumer-first approach to innovation. We’re changing the game for foodservice operators and sauce lovers – dipping will never be the same. With HEINZ REMIX, it’s more than a sauce dispenser; it’s an insights engine and business model enabler that will help Kraft Heinz understand and respond to consumer trends and flavor preferences in real-time. Who knows – maybe our next new sauce combination will come from a superfan using HEINZ REMIX!”
Looking at this condiment customization concept, it could be a game changer for restaurants. No one longer would a guest have to compromise on a food choice that does not reflect their preference. While this first incarnation focuses on a particular slant of sauces, it could easily be expanded in a myriad of options.
Recently, DoorDash predicts that mayonnaise could become the most popular condiment by 2025. Even though ketchup currently reigns supreme, the versatility that mayonnaise offers could be game changer in the condiment conversation. Creating the ultimate special sauce could be at everyone’s fingertips.
Given that restaurants are always looking for an edge, this type of condiment customization could be it. From the classic burger to a hot dog to even a sandwich, no food would ever be called bland or boring. There are so many options and possibilities in this space that there is the ability to bring every top of condiment combination to the table.
The HEINZ REMIX might be the first idea coming to restaurants, but others might be coming in the future. The Freestyle beverage machine might have changed how people drink soda and now condiments could experience the same boost in personalization popularity.