‘Swicy’ items take over restaurant menus as Gen Z seeks heat
A general view of atmosphere during 'Sonic Desert' presented by Coca-Cola Spiced and Topo Chico in partnership with BPM Music on April 13, 2024 in Thermal, California. Randy Shropshire | Getty ImagesThe hottest food and drink trend this year isn't just spicy — it's also sweet."Swicy," a portmanteau of sweet and spicy, has taken over restaurant marketing. While the term hasn't actually appeared on menus, the shorthand has become a popular way to describe the resurgence of foods and drinks marrying sweet and spicy flavors. The Food Institute even dubbed it the "Summer of Swicy" this year.Nearly 10% of restaurant menus have "sweet and spicy" items, up 1.8% over the last 12 months, according to market research firm Datassential. Over the next four years, its menu penetration is expected to ris...










