Just when you think rich and buttery caramel couldn’t get
any better, a dash of sea salt can take it to the next level. Marked as a hot flavor
trend in 2008, this sweet and salty power couple continues to prove its staying
power.
Chocolate-covered sea salt caramels are a customer-favorite for
many RCI members. If you’re looking for new avenues to apply the magic of sea
salt, keep reading for five confections that are even better with sea salt.
Caramel Apples
Elevate your caramel apples with a
drizzle of chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt. Not only does this application
stimulate the taste buds, the addition of delicate sea salt crystals levels up the sophistication.
Toffee
It just makes sense to pair buttery and
nutty confections with a dash of high-quality sea salt. It’s no surprise toffee
and sea salt are a winning combination.
Caramel Popcorn
If you make caramel popcorn, a sprinkle
of coarse sea salt crystals, like fleur de sel, can instantly elevate your
product and add another variety to your product lineup. Invite customers to sample
the new combo, touting “if you love our caramel popcorn, wait until you try it
with sea salt!”
Salt Water Taffy
Aside from the flavor, coarse sea salt can
add a welcome crunchy element to smooth and creamy confections like taffy. If
you pull your own taffy, consider adding sea salt crystals towards the end of
the production process so not to lose the texture of the sea salt.
Lemon Confections
Think twice before limiting lemon and sea salt to savory seafood dishes. This flavor combination is popular in Asian confections and can be seen in various applications in North America. If you’re looking for a more unexpected application, consider ways to incorporate sea salt with your lemon-flavored confections—such as a touch of sea salt to chocolate-covered lemon creams. Alternatively, we love this idea of lemon sea salt peanuts from Belmont Peanuts. Described as “a flavor match made in peanut paradise,” this pairing is worth a try!
Sea salt can instantly add value to confections,
along with an undeniable punch of flavor and satisfying crunch. When adding a
twist to any product, even if just a dash of salt, we highly
recommend offering samples in-store and heavily promoting the new product (with photos, of
course) on your website and social media outlets. Staging your salty, new
products atop a generous mound of coarse sea salt crystals (think pink with pink Himalayan Sea salt, if you use it in your application)
can both be visually appealing and reinforce the message even if the consumer
doesn’t read the description.
Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many
resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon
their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for
even more sweet inspiration.
Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business.
