The following is a closer look at a trend called Sweet Heat from quench’s 2025 Food & Beverage Trends report. Visit the Trends page on the quench website to request a customized presentation of the report for your brand’s team.
Swicy is officially in. That irresistible combo of sweet and spicy is heating up snacks, desserts, and even drinks—blending two flavor worlds into one bold bite.
From hot honey on fried chicken to jalapeño-infused cocktails and sriracha-drizzled chocolate, sweet heat is redefining indulgence. What once seemed like a niche twist has become a full-blown flavor movement, especially among Gen Z and Millennials who crave surprise, intensity, and just the right amount of risk.
This trend hits a sweet spot—literally—by combining comforting, sugary notes with a fiery kick. It’s both familiar and exciting, nostalgic and new. And it lights up taste buds and social media feeds. With every swicy bite, there’s a little drama, a little playfulness, and a whole lot of flavor.
Brands are catching on. Take quench client Herr’s, for example, with its Honey Sriracha chip—a perfect embodiment of swicy appeal that delivers heat, sweet, and a crunch all in one. It’s not just delicious—it’s an experience.
What makes swicy so powerful is its versatility. It works in savory snacks, creamy desserts, fizzy beverages, and beyond. For today’s flavor adventurers, it’s the perfect way to keep eating exciting.
NEXT STEPS FOR BRANDS
Experiment with swicy profiles in unexpected places—think spicy-sweet sauces, glazes, snacks, or even frozen treats. Highlight the flavor mashup front and center on packaging and in your storytelling. Lean into bold visuals and social-friendly formats. Sweet heat isn’t just a taste—it’s a vibe, and consumers are eating it up.
