Plant-based eating is something that has changed rapidly in a very short amount of time. What once was a niche foodie trend, only indulged in by those with restricted diets, specific tastes, or a moral conviction, is now mainstream. It used to be nearly impossible outside of specific locations to find food that catered to a vegetarian or vegan diet, but now even fast-food restaurants have plant-based options on their menus. Barbeque, a traditionally meat-centric dish, is also undergoing a creative transformation. In our modern world of global flavors and a need for new, exciting foods as well as sustainability, eating plant-based foods is the next wave of innovation.

Younger diners are leading the charge, demanding bold, plant-based flavors that are similar to the original without compromising their values. They want options they know are sustainable as their concern for the environment grows; healthy as they continue to investigate how additives in their food can affect them in the long-term; and able to satisfy their curiosity and desire for global flavor exploration as social media platforms like TikTok introduce them to new flavor combinations and cooking techniques. To meet these needs, foodservice operators are adopting plant-forward BBQ to differentiate their menus and attract new audiences.

In the absence of traditional BBQ, which includes various kinds of meat, seasoning matters more than ever to give consumers the same smokey, savory flavor they crave. The right seasonings, along with cooking the food correctly, will create that smokey charred flavor and texture. Using the right base is important, too. Mushrooms, tofu, and cauliflower are just a few of the options for BBQ, making plant-based eating versatile and accessible, as it can be customized to many preferences and economic situations.

Global cuisines naturally lend themselves to fusion BBQ, given the interconnectedness of culinary traditions and the global movement of food ingredients. Fusion BBQ combines the unique flavors and techniques of different cultures, which creates an innovative and exciting experience. This blending of flavors is not just a cultural exchange; it is also a celebration of diversity and creativity in the culinary world. Some examples of these plant-forward fusions are:

  • Korean gochujang glazes on smoked mushrooms
  • Caribbean jerk-spiced jackfruit
  • Indian tandoori-style cauliflower steaks
  • Thai chili-lime tofu skewers
  • South American aji amarillo marinades for grilled vegetables

When working with food bases that are so different from the original, it’s important to get the seasonings and flavors right. Sauces, rubs, and marinades are all crucial at bringing the experience to life and generating authenticity, so no one feels like they are getting a “lesser” version of BBQ. Balancing sweet, heat, smoke, and acid flavors is crucial when working with neutral bases that will need more work to take on the right flavor. At Savor Seasonings, we understand the science of taste and how to create these experiences for the consumer. We specialize in building blends that:

  • Boost umami
  • Add complexity
  • Create signature flavor profiles
  • Scale consistently for foodservice and manufacturing

Currently, BBQ fusion dishes that are popular now include smoked birria-style jackfruit tacos, maple-tamarind BBQ tofu, and peri-peri cauliflower “wings”. We can see a bright future for BBQ fusion as African spice blends enter the mainstream food culture, smoked plant proteins are combined with global sauces, and more adventurous vegetables become BBQ stars. The time to create these flavors is now!

As a leader in innovation and trendsetting, we see plenty of opportunities for foodservice operators to capitalize on this plant-based trend. Using the right words and phrases when building menus is crucial, such as “global BBQ”, “plant-forward smokehouse”, and “fusion street food”. Include limited-time offers to create low-risk ways to test new plant-based BBQ flavors and dishes. Creating and using seasonings across restaurant locations maintains consistency for both the consumers and the chefs. Savor Seasonings has experience building custom seasoning blends that go viral on social media and generate organic buzz around a dish. Collaborating and creating with us means your custom seasoning blends will be on the market sooner and satisfy your consumers better.

Plant-based BBQ fusion is a creative frontier with massive potential, as plant-forward foods are mainstream but still one-note. It is a long-term shift in how consumers experience BBQ, as it provides a healthy, sustainable food option that can still give them the global flavors they crave. At Savor Seasonings, we understand this demand and are ready to partner with you to create the best BBQ fusion options on the market. Contact us to stay ahead of the competition!