COOKING UP SUCCESS: TRENDS IN SEASONINGS, DRESSINGS, AND SPICES

ADVENTUROUS EATING

Today’s consumers want more than just great flavor in their meals; they want unique experiences that add excitement and enjoyment. According to Euromonitor, 39% of global consumers say they enjoy trying new tastes and food combinations. This includes unexpected flavor fusions, interesting textures, and international ingredients. Consumers are eager to explore cultures beyond their own and are branching out with new culinary experiences at home. GlobalData notes, “This growing curiosity is partly driven by increased cultural exposure enabled by globalization, making it easier for consumers to explore diverse food.” They list gochujang, miso, and kaya among the top emerging condiment flavors in 2025, demonstrating how the popularity of global cuisines is creating mainstream opportunities for exotic “regional” flavors.

 “68% of consumers say it is important to experience cultures other than their own” (Euromonitor).

Packaging can play a key role in creating a unique consumer experience. Custom pack forms, distinctive bottle shapes, and authentic brand design can help brands create special and memorable mealtime experiences. Studio One Eleven’s team of structural designers, engineers, and branding experts develops engaging, impactful, and exciting packaging solutions that elevate seasonings, dressings, and sauce brands and win with consumers. Our team created a bespoke hexagonal bottle design for Robert Rothschild, reflecting the unique product ingredients and flavors.

HEALTH-FOCUSED

Health and wellness continue to influence every food category, including seasonings, dressings, and sauces. As consumers become more concerned about the health implications of the foods they eat, brands are introducing products that are low in fat, sugar, sodium, and artificial additives. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently highlighted the need to decrease sodium intake to combat hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Brands should take notice and introduce better-for-you options, while ensuring they don’t sacrifice flavor. Beyond focusing on what is absent, consumers are also interested in products with added functional benefits, such as vitamins, protein, and probiotics.

“Health & wellness is no longer just a trend and is now a fundamental driver of consumer behavior in the seasonings, dressings, and sauces sector” (GlobalData).

Clean label package design supports a health-focused positioning. A 2023 Journal of Marketing study of 1,300 packages from the largest supermarket chain in the U.S. found that consumers often associate minimal package design with premium or “clean” products of higher quality or with fewer ingredients. However, there is an art to maximizing the impact of your minimal design. It is essential to work with branding and structural designers who understand the nuances of minimal design to ensure the result is gorgeous, not generic.

PLANT FORWARD

Plant-based and vegan products are becoming a key part of the seasonings, dressings, and sauces market. There is a variety of motivations for consumers to reduce their meat and dairy intake, including health consciousness, sustainability, and animal welfare. According to a 2025 Euromonitor Voice of the Consumer survey, 18.5% of respondents say they are trying to reduce meat intake as part of their diet, and 25.5% say they try to reduce meat as part of their “green” activities. Euromonitor notes, “There is a growing demand for products that are not purely positioned for vegans and vegetarians but for those who just want to change their diet to be more plant-focused.” Innovation, marketing, and messaging around plant-forward vs. strictly plant-based can appeal to a broader consumer base.

“Products containing no or less animal products increased in demand over 2019-2023” (Euromonitor).

Sustainable packaging solutions, such as bio-based resins, can align with consumers’ desire for more responsible products. Berlin Packaging has a dedicated team of sustainability experts, who help our customers find the most impactful and effective sustainable solution. Branding can also work hard to communicate a product’s plant-forward positioning. Studio One Eleven created branding for Plant Junkie. Raw and earthy illustrations highlight the natural, wholesome, plant-based ingredients. A whimsical logo and font treatment add personality and convey a sense of ease and approachability.

TRANSPARENT LABELING

A growing focus on health and wellness—and greater awareness of the negatives of ultra-processed foods— has led people to pay closer attention to ingredients. The desire for minimally processed, better-for-you products is especially important for pantry essentials used frequently in cooking. According to GlobalData, 28% of global consumers associate seasonings, dressings, and sauces with being ultra-processed. Brands can combat this with greater labeling transparency that builds trust and helps consumers make more informed product choices.

"The sector is moving toward greater labeling transparency as consumers seek to make more informed choices" (GlobalData).

Many countries, including the U.S. and Canada, are implementing or considering mandatory front label regulations for packaged foods that provide quick nutritional information. Brands can stay ahead of the curve by disclosing complete ingredient lists and sharing details on sugar, sodium, fat, additives, and more. GlobalData also notes that “growing reliance on third-party certifications is prompting brands to collaborate with recognized institutions to enhance labeling credibility and authenticity.” However, brands need to maintain simplicity and avoid overly complex front-label designs that lose shelf impact. Smart technology, such as on-pack QR codes, can inform consumers about health benefits and direct them to websites for ingredient and certification details.

Moira Stein

Market Insights & Brand Strategy Specialist

Moira Stein has over 20 years of experience developing insight-based branding and design solutions for clients across various categories, from small start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. She provides Berlin Packaging customers with consumer and market insights to help grow their business and partners with the Studio One Eleven Design & Innovation division on impactful design solutions that win at shelf.