Flavor Trends, Strategies and Solutions for Menu Development

Signature Flavor: Sundae Shift Starring avocado-mango ice cream, Mexican hot chocolate sauce, avocado whipped cream, chocolate-chipotle avocado doughnut holes, dark chocolate curls and avocado “sprinkles”

Starring avocado-mango ice cream, Mexican hot chocolate sauce, avocado whipped cream, chocolate-chipotle avocado doughnut holes, dark chocolate curls and avocado “sprinkles.”

The best way to entice diners into ordering dessert is through a thoughtful balance of familiar, fun and intriguing flavors. There’s nothing quite as familiar as an ice cream sundae, opening it up to a world of creative interpretation. This Sweet Avocado Surrender Sundae offers a clever twist—all while keeping the flavor experience in focus and tapping into on-trend Instagrammability.

Exploring the versatility of the avocado, it stars: avocado-mango ice cream, Mexican hot chocolate sauce, avocado whipped cream, chocolate-chipotle avocado doughnut holes, dark chocolate curls and avocado “sprinkles.”

“With avocados continuing to rise in popularity on menus, this sundae is a creative way to give consumers the avocado they want, but in a fun, shareable format that really dials up the excitement,” says Stephanie Browder, associate director, foodservice marketing at Avocados From Mexico. Sweet and spicy flavor notes make it all the more interesting.

“The ice cream component conveys a sweet tropical profile with the mango and coconut cream, while the avocado-infused chocolate-chipotle doughnuts introduce balance, and a nod to classic Mexican flavors with the smoky, spicy notes from the chipotle-sugar coating.”

Apart from the intrigue factor, adding avocados in dessert applications utilizes a plant-based powerhouse with a rich, creamy mouthfeel. “Avocado’s mild flavor allows it to pair beautifully with other flavors, while its fattiness helps to amplify flavor profiles,” says Browder.

 

  From the Sept/Oct 2018 issue of Flavor & the Menu magazine. Read stories from the current issue online or check if you qualify for a free print subscription.

 

About The Author

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Katie Ayoub serves as managing editor of Flavor & The Menu and content strategist for the Flavor Experience, an annual conference geared toward chain operators. She is president of Katie Ayoub & Associates, serving up menu trends expertise, content creation and food & beverage consultancy. Based in Chicago, Katie has been working in foodservice publishing for more than 20 years and part of the Flavor team since 2006. [email protected]