Honey has always been a kitchen staple – and its appeal shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, it’s evolving. As flavour trends like ‘swalty’ (sweet + salty) and ‘swicy’ (sweet + spicy) capture consumer taste buds, honey – and especially hot honey – is stepping into the spotlight as the ultimate flavour enhancer.
According to Tastewise, demand for honey has grown by more than 25%, while interest in hot honey has surged by 50%. It’s easy to see why – honey may be simple in form, but its versatility and impact are extraordinary. Drizzled over ice cream or cakes, it adds indulgent sweetness. Paired with pizza, fried chicken or roasted vegetables, it delivers depth, balance, and that on-trend flavour hit today’s consumers crave.
And it’s not just consumer interest driving this growth – big brands are already putting honey, and hot honey in particular, centre stage on menus. From Jaffa Cakes’ hot honey flavour twist and Pizza Express’ hot honey doughballs, to Costa Coffee’s salami, mozzarella & hot honey panini and Hovis’ sunflower and honey protein sub rolls, household names are showing just how versatile and commercially powerful this ingredient can be. Their adoption highlights how honey is moving beyond a traditional sweetener to become a hero flavour in its own right.
With our simply clever range, it’s never been easier to tap into this growing trend. Our products give chefs and bakers a seamless way to bring natural sweetness, warmth and dimension to menus – from bold savoury dishes to indulgent desserts.
See what our chefs and bakers have come up with – www.macphie.com/recipe-categories/honey