Hot honey has quickly become a popular condiment, appearing on menus from fast-food chains to high-end restaurants. This sweet and spicy fusion of honey and chiles has taken the culinary world by storm, with everyone from KFC to Chipotle jumping on the hot honey bandwagon.
According to Alon Chen, CEO and cofounder of Tastewise, the rise of hot honey is not a random occurrence but the result of a convergence of cultural signals, consumer needs, and culinary experimentation. The trend can be traced back to the early 2000s cupcake craze and the mid-2010s obsession with brussels sprouts on menus.
Bottled hot honey brands like Sweet Sting have reported sudden and sharp increases in sales, with one CEO noting a 50% jump week over week. Major food chains like KFC and Chipotle have launched hot honey collaborations, while Ritz has introduced hot honey crackers. Even Glen Powell has released a hot honey barbecue sauce as part of his condiment line.
But what exactly is hot honey? It’s a simple yet flavorful combination of sweet honey and spicy chiles. There are various methods to make hot honey, but the basic ingredients remain the same. This versatile condiment can complement a wide range of dishes without overpowering them.
While hot honey may seem like a recent trend, it has been around for years. Elijah Morey, co-owner of Elijah’s Xtreme, a craft hot sauce and hot honey brand, recalls seeing the trend gain momentum about four years ago. And variations of chile-infused honey have been enjoyed in different cultures for centuries.
Popular brands like Mike’s Hot Honey have played a significant role in popularizing hot honey in the United States. Partnerships with major chains like Dunkin’ and 7-Eleven have further cemented hot honey’s place in the culinary world.
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have also contributed to the trend’s growth, with user-generated content showcasing creative ways to use hot honey in recipes. As the popularity of hot honey continues to rise, it’s clear that this flavorful condiment is here to stay. The culinary world is constantly evolving, and one trend that has taken the food scene by storm is hot honey. This sweet and spicy condiment has gained popularity in recent years, with many new creators sharing recipes, inspiration, and food ideas that have helped make this market explode.
According to Tastewise, a digital food intelligence company, social media mentions of hot honey have increased by 15% in the past 12 months. This surge in popularity has not gone unnoticed by chefs, who are also loving hot honey. Executive chefs like Hunter Evans from Elvie’s and The Mayflower Café in Mississippi have been incorporating hot honey into their menus for years, citing the perfect combination of sweet and spicy flavors. Chefs like Erika Council and Edgar Rico, both F&W Best New Chefs, have also embraced hot honey in their dishes, further solidifying its place in the culinary world.
One of the most famous hot honey dishes can be found at Roberta’s in New York City, where the Bee Sting pizza has been a staple on the menu for over a decade. This longevity is a testament to the staying power of hot honey and its ability to enhance a wide variety of dishes.
Experts in the industry believe that hot honey is here to stay. It has become a pantry staple for many Americans, similar to hot sauce, barbecue sauce, or ketchup. Its versatility as a condiment, marinade, glaze, and even a cocktail ingredient has made it a favorite in both acclaimed kitchens and fast-food menus.
As food trends come and go, hot honey seems to have found its place as a beloved ingredient that satisfies a specific need in the market. Its association with American classics and its ability to complement both summer and winter dishes give it longevity beyond just a seasonal trend. Brands and chefs alike are recognizing the potential of hot honey, and it looks like this sweet and spicy condiment is here to stay for the long haul.
