[INFOGRAPHIC] McCormick Makes Predictions for the Next Wave of Culinary Trends

The food and drink industries are always looking for the next big thing—exciting flavor profiles and cooking methods that will pique consumer interests and spark a trend. It’s always fun to look out for what those next big things might be, and then look back over the past year and see which predictions panned out. McCormick released an infographic making its own predictions for 2015. What does the spice and flavor brand see in store for the culinary world over the next year?

Slow Cooking

McCormick predicts that consumers and professionals will start getting more usage out of slow cookers and dutch ovens this year, looking to aromatic recipes from around the world that call for low and slow simmering and braising methods.

Smoky Spices

Charcoal isn’t the only source of smoky depth poised to take over the culinary world this year. McCormick is also predicting a rise in the prevalence of spices that have been smoked, a process which “deepens their flavor and aroma, adding richness to meals and drinks.” It’s a process that can be applied to a wide range of spices, from paprika and cumin to pepper and sea salt, adding a subtle but intriguing shift in flavor profile.

Cookies Reimagined

Donuts are already the new cupcakes, but what’s next for the dessert trend du jour? McCormick thinks the answer might lie in cookies, especially when chefs get creative and push beyond the basic chocolate chip and peanut butter profiles.

What else can we look forward to? Check out the full infographic for more: