Bold seasonings are hot in potatoes

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Retail

Highlighted in our Back to the Future trend report, consumers are craving sensorial exploration and global influences in food. We’re seeing preferences shift. Away from the plain and toward the adventurous. And frozen potato products are following suit. That doesn’t mean people are giving up on their trusted favorites. But they are embracing new seasonings that bring a sense of discovery to everyday meals.

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More crunch, more seasonings

Consumers today want more than just a functional side dish. They’re looking for foods that deliver satisfying crunch and a sensory adventure. As we mentioned in our 2025 trend report, sensorial exploration is a key driver in retail, with consumers seeking out products that offer layered textures and spices.

Our internal research shows that more than 20% of consumers expect both improved crunchiness and more impactful seasoning from frozen potato products. It’s a need that’s especially strong among ‘ultimate taste seekers’—a consumer group always on the hunt for better taste, consistent quality, and a premium eating experience. A big group, as they make up for around a fifth of the buyers in mature frozen potato markets.

And this appetite for new taste experiences is only growing. According to Mintel, only one in four or five consumers say they rarely or never look for new foods to try. In contrast, a large segment (especially in the UK and US) are becoming increasingly adventurous, with around 40% of consumers in these markets trying new things all or most of the time. It’s clear: consumers are ready to explore, and seasoned potato products fit right into that trend .

Spices sit on pole in the taste revolution

Here’s the twist: the cuisines consumers are experimenting with most are the ones where spices take center stage. According to Solina, the fastest-growing culinary influences come from regions known for their complex, spice-driven taste profiles. Whether it’s the bold heat of Middle Eastern and South Asian dishes, the umami notes from East Asia, or the smokiness of Latin American & Caribbean cuisines, spices are driving the taste revolution .

At Agristo, we’ve embraced these global trends with products that blend familiar comfort with adventurous tastes. Our spicy harissa fries and katsu curry fries are inspired by the cuisines at the heart of spice experimentation. These products satisfy the consumer demand for exciting experiences without compromising on convenience.

The takeaway for retail

Consumers are more adventurous than ever, and the cuisines they’re exploring most are steeped in spices. By embracing this trend, retailers can offer shoppers a world of new taste experiences right from the frozen aisle.

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