Trend Insights: Salt
Noreetuh tempts diners with its Chocolate Haupia Sundae featuring housemade graham crackers, toasted almonds, coconut ice cream and Hawaiian black salt.

Photo credit: Cassandra Wang

Trend Insights: Salt

Chefs and trend analysts weigh in on the drivers and menu opportunities with salt

Dina PAZNo one understands better than chefs all the delicious and functional equities that salt brings to any dish. As we continue to slim down menu SKUs, we’re turning to tried-and-true economic staples that can be refashioned to bring excitement and sensorial delight to recipes. Flavored and artisanal salts are a fantastic way to repurpose a pantry workhorse into a premium ingredient.

DINA PAZ


Rob CORLISSThanks to flavor-conscious consumers and the creative skill of culinarians, salt has evolved into a coveted flavor system, appreciated for its distinctive properties and transformative qualities. Lean into salt’s varying flake sizes, textures, unique colors and flavors, and use these to craft a flavor or origin story.

ROB CORLISS


Mike BUONONATOThere is simply no more effective and inexpensive flavoring agent than salt. It’s clean label, easy to source and fits into almost any recipe from all cuisines.

MIKE BUONONATO


Chris AQUILINOSalt is a universal flavor enhancer and, used in small amounts, can boost your other taste receptors, diminishing bitterness and increasing sweet/sour and umami. Experiment with these nuances to create deeper flavor experiences.

CHRIS AQUILINO