Trending! Sweet Heat for Your Sweetheart

This Valentine’s Day, check out some of the latest offerings to sport the sweet-hot flavor combo.

Related To:

Move over, sweet and salty; hello, sweet heat. This flavor combo that gives a subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) burn to sweet foods has been steadily gaining traction. And it’s moving far beyond chile chocolate and jalapeno margaritas. This Valentine’s Day, check out some of the latest offerings to sport the sweet-hot flavor combo.

Here’s where we’ve spotted it:

Other things to look out for in 2016? More specific varieties of peppers, from ají amarillo and ancho to guajillo and ghost pepper, as well as chefs showcasing traditionally sweet-hot ethnic foods, including harissa, jerk, Korean BBQ, and foods from Asian and Indian cuisines. We read in Food Business News that we should be on the lookout for these flavor combinations:

  • Wasabi and maple
  • Ginger, black peppercorn and pistachio
  • Chinese 5-spice and almond caramels
  • Watermelon and black peppercorn
  • Aleppo, pomegranate molasses and vanilla
  • Ají panca, toasted sesame and dark chocolate
  • Pineapple jalapeno upside-down cake
We cannot WAIT!

Kerri-Ann is a registered dietitian who writes on food and health trends. Find more of her work at kerriannjennings.com or follow her on Twitter @kerriannrd or Facebook.

Next Up

5 Valentine’s Day Recipes That Fit Every Celebration

Say "I love you" with an extra-special homemade treat.

Food Network Magazine: January/Feburary 2010 Recipe Index

For a Super Bowl party or a romantic Valentines meal for two, find recipes for appetizers, snacks, easy dinners, desserts and drinks from Food Network Magazine.

Make the Food Network Kitchen App Your Go-To Valentine's Day Gift This Year

It's the perfect present for absolutely everyone you love.

What's Not to Love? 6 Heart-Shaped Foods for Valentine's Day

These seriously adorable treats make the case for dining in this year.

Celebrate Your Singlehood with These Breakup Cakes, Cookies and Treats

This Valentine's Day, we’re all about getting our "just desserts."

10 Valentine’s Day Food Bouquets That Are Way Better Than Flowers

After all, the way to the heart is through the stomach!

10 New Valentine's Day Candies Worth Swooning Over

Feast your eyes on these limited-edition finds from Hershey's, Reese's, M&M's and more.

6 Healthy Chocolate Recipes for Valentine’s Day

Because a date is optional, but dessert is a must.