Though sometimes described as the “fifth taste,” umami is more than just a perceived flavor. It’s a sensation, a culinary experience and a concept that elevates food to new heights.
From fermented fish sauces like garum, dating back to ancient Rome, to more contemporary inventions like Australia’s beloved chicken salt, the desire to capture the delicious, memorable nature of umami takes on many forms.
While some animal proteins like beef and seafood are naturally rich in umami, non-meat ingredients can also be used to amplify umami in plant-based applications. Sauces ranging from salty to spicy are great for enhancing flavor, thanks to ingredients like soy, kelp, fermented black beans and smoked tomato. Umami-rich mushrooms are also commonly found in protein applications, especially with the rise of blended burgers.
IN THE PROTEIN SPACE:
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Roasted tomato seasoning for cooking chicken and stews (Mexico)
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Vegan sausage made with sunflower seed and pea protein, infused with umami smoked water (Sweden)
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Cauliflower, hemp seed and wild mushroom burgers made with shiitake, porcini and reishi mushrooms, along with black garlic (US)
Not all regions call out “umami” as a retail product descriptor, though, especially in the snacking category. But many craveable treats showcase seaweed, black truffle and aged cheeses that boost flavor without additional salt.
ON RETAIL SHELVES:
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Black truffle mixed root vegetable chips, cooked in rice bran oil (UAE)
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Crunchy oven-baked Parmesan with pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds (Brazil)
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Savory trail mixes with mushroom jerky, pickle chips and toasted corn (Canada)
Flavor-packed dishes are opening consumers’ eyes to the power of umami across many restaurant segments. As demand for bold, intense flavors grows, independents and chain operators alike are finding success incorporating umami-rich ingredients into classic menu items.
ON THE MENU:
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Vegan tortelli pasta with coal-roasted tomato, burratina and black truffle (South Africa)
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A Korean BBQ burger made with teriyaki-braised shredded beef, kimchi, caramelized onion and soy garlic aioli (US)
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French fries shaken with a sweet and sour ume plum, grilled nori, garlic and black pepper salt (Japan)
The desire to harness umami is at the heart of many global culinary styles, drawn out through techniques like curing, roasting and slow cooking that break down proteins and naturally produce glutamates. As consumers seek out simpler, more wholesome diets, umami-rich ingredients hold exceptional power to transform the way we eat.
3 PERFECT BITES
FOODSERVICE: The use of “umami” as a menu descriptor is growing across channels, while other operators simply promote umami ingredients like shiitake, soy and seaweed—recognizing them for their rich flavor and mouthfeel.
PROTEIN PROCESSORS: Seasonings, stock add-ins and sauces are enhancing proteins that don’t inherently create an umami experience. This is also true of meat alternatives looking to replicate the experience of proteins such as beef.
SNACKING: Powerhouse flavors and ingredients such as Parmesan, matcha and tomato are being leveraged to create umami-rich snacking experiences in a variety of formats.