development chef at Food IQ, a consumer/customer insight-driven
innovation firm based in Springfield, Missouri.
Shipley says f lavors like spicy gochujang or harissa ranch
encompass both comfort and adventure, allowing consumers to
experience new and exciting f lavors in a familiar and well-loved
form. The Twisted Ranch Restaurant and Bar in St. Louis,
Missouri, Shipley notes, takes consumer obsession with ranch
dressing to the next level by incorporating twists on the popular
condiment into every item on the menu, offering ranch f lavors such
as Avocado Bacon, Sriracha, Pesto, and Roasted Garlic.
While ranch proves to be a f lavor leader, other classic salad
dressing f lavors are still standing strong. "We have salad dressing
f lavors that are fruit-based like mango and citrus, but our custom-
ers like the classics: ranch, Caesar, thousand island, and Italian are
still our biggest sellers," says Amy Larsen, grocery manager of For
Goodness Sake Organic Marketplace in Bonita Springs, Florida.
More On-Trend Flavors
While classics will always be, well, classic, innovative flavor appeal
is broadening. At Lone Star Foods in Port Aransas, Texas, custom-
ers are reaching for vinaigrette-based dressings with unique flavors.
"They sell the best," says store manager Karen Brown, whose goal is
for customers to try inventive salad dressing flavors rather than the
supermarket old-standbys. She says popular flavors are apple cider
vinegar, green olive Parmesan vinaigrette, and blueberry balsamic.
Brown cites Texas-based companies such as Briannas and Gourmet
Gardens as popular choices.
At Union Market in New York City, apple cider vinegar-
based dressings are trending as well as refrigerated purchases, says
purchasing manager Lisette Campbell, who has recently noticed
a growing sales trend toward refrigerated brands. Campbell touts
Momo Dressing for its fresh f lavors and ingredients like basil and
ginger and for its local appeal.
category spotlight
NEW SALAD DRESSINGS
Find innovation at work in these recent product introductions.
Briannas Fine Salad Dressings Italian Vinaigrette. A blend of savory herbs, chopped Sicilian olives, Romano
cheese, and oils. Versatile enough for green salad, pasta, or a marinade. briannas.com
Follow Your Heart Organic Vegan Caesar. This certified-organic, thick, creamy dressing has garlic and pepper
notes. Ingredients include agave and apple cider vinegar. It has all the flavor of a traditional Caesar, with none of
the eggs, dairy, or anchovies. followyourheart.com
Hampton Creek Just Ranch. This dressing has a classically zesty flavor and is creamy and savory, but is made with
pea protein instead of eggs. It works well as a dressing or a dip. hamptoncreek.com
House of Webster Balsamic Dill Dressing. A delicate balance of sweet and complex flavors, this balsamic vinegar-
based dressing is excellent on salads featuring spinach, nuts, and berries. houseofwebster.com
Stonewall Kitchen Bacon Ranch Dressing. Creamy and full flavored with bits of real bacon, celery,
carrots, and parsley. Its classic buttermilk tang and hint of cayenne pepper makes it great on
sandwiches, for use as a dip, and on salads. stonewallkitchen.com
Terrapin Ridge Farms Hatch Chile Ranch Dressing. Prized green chiles from
Hatch, New Mexico, provide a flavorful kick to this bold, gluten-free ranch
dressing. terrapinridge.com
T. Marzetti Girard's Brand White French Dressing. This distinct blend includes
buttermilk, white wine vinegar, garlic, and onion, with a touch of mustard and
tarragon. Perfect for green leafy salad, or as a sandwich spread, or to be
used in pasta or potato salads. girardsdressings.com
Tru Table Orange Citrus & Black Chia Seed Dressing. This gluten- and
cholesterol-free dressing is a tangy, tropical combination of orange, lemon,
and lime, with a hint of black chia seed. trutable.com
Vino de Milo Athenian Greek Feta Dressing with Chardonnay Wine. Made
with fresh feta and a delicate blend of flavors and a splash of wine. No added
sugars. vinodemilo.com
56 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com
