At Savor Seasonings we are always looking for ways to push the flavor boundaries and bring you the newest flavor trends. One such combo we believe is the future of snack foods is bacon milkshakes, a creamy vanilla milkshake with salty bacon pieces mixed in.
But what is so appealing about this odd combination of flavors? And what is America’s obsession with bacon?
It’s true, bacon flavored things are nothing new. We have seen a wide range of bacon-related products, from food (hello bacon pancakes) to hygiene items (bacon flavored mints or bacon scented deodorant, anyone?). But this flavor has not only already withstood the test of time, it is appealing to a wide range of people and has potential for even more customization, making it a year round treat.
Where It All Began
While it’s difficult to say exactly who was the original creator of milkshakes and bacon, the trend first appeared on the market back in 2012 when Jack in the Box, a popular fast-food chain based out of California, ran a limited time promotion for bacon milkshakes.
The trend never caught on as it should have, but they say good things come to those who wait. In recent years, the combo has seen a reemergence thanks to another fast-food restaurant, Five Guys. At Five Guys, a guest can build their own milkshakes starting with a base flavor of vanilla and adding in any extra flavors and toppings that appeal to them, including Oreo cookie pieces, candy cane crunch, and bacon. Forums online have appeared with entire discussions about the best way to combine those shakes to perfection.
Why Bacon and Vanilla?
You may be thinking, such a weird combination. Why is that so appealing? Why are people drawn to a dessert item and adding something as random as bacon?
The answer comes down to science.
It’s no surprise that sweet-and-salty combos are a classic favorite. Trail mixes have long combined salty nuts with sweet dried fruit or candy, French fry lovers have known for decades about the delight that is a fry dipped in a frosty. The reason why we are constantly drawn to sweet-and-salty treats comes down to how our mouths and brains perceive those flavors.
Without going into too many boring details, our tongues have the ability to detect multiple flavors at once, contrary to what we may have learned in school about our mouths having designated “flavor zones”. One taste bud has thousands upon thousands of taste cells, able to receive and enjoy complex flavors at once.
Salt works as a natural flavor enhancer. Don’t believe us? Next time you’re eating strawberries, take a bite and notice how it tastes. Then add a few flakes of salt and notice how the flavor is enhanced, sweeter.
Vanilla by itself is a great flavor, but it can seem one-note. By adding in salty bacon, the sweetness is enhanced, as well as adding more mental interest by the combination of creamy ice cream and crunchy bacon. That mixture creates a response in our brains, and we crave more.
Flexibility
But the fun doesn’t stop there. People are taking the flavor one step further and adding in their own twists to the milkshakes. Thanks to Five Guys’ flexible menu and the option to add in up to 13 items, guests have created combinations that lean into the salty profile with the addition of peanut butter and salted caramel, or enhancing the sweetness by adding in Reece’s or Oreo pieces. Some more adventurous people are going a step further with their flavor profiles by creating their own chocolate shakes with jalapeños and bacon.
This means the potential for customization is as wide as your imagination and palate.
The Future of Snacking
Bacon milkshakes might seem like a random choice for a new snack flavor. But the fact that it has lasted this long and only grown in popularity, as well as the classic sweet-and-salty combo overall serving as a national favorite, makes this the perfect candidate. The appeal to a large audience means its fanbase is only going to grow larger, especially with the potential for customizations such as salted caramel or candy pieces or chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla.
This also means it is a perfect year-round snack. Want to beat the summertime heat while watching your favorite team dominate on the field? A classic bacon milkshake with peanut butter. Need something festive and cold? Add in candy cane crunch pieces and a chocolate drizzle and you have the answer to a peppermint mocha.
Whatever appeals to you about this flavor powerhouse, contact us at Savor Seasonings to request a sample! We want to work with you and your business to keep the snack industry fresh and innovative, and by using bold flavors like bacon milkshake, we can do exactly that.
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