The swicy trend (sweet + spicy) is no longer a flash-in-the-pan. It’s a full-blown flavor movement reshaping CPG and foodservice categories. And hot honey? It's leading the charge. According to Datassential, hot honey mentions on menus have grown 53% over the past four years, and it’s showing up in everything from fried chicken sandwiches to snack coatings and frozen pizza.

At Harris Spice, we see that growth not just as a consumer trend, but as an R&D opportunity. Our in-house innovation team has developed scalable, dry seasoning blends like Sriracha Hot Honey and Hot Honey Garlic, built to deliver bold flavor with clean-label formulations. Whether you’re launching a new product or refreshing a menu item, hot honey-inspired blends are a way to tap into demand without compromising speed, shelf life, or sourcing.

Why Are We Talking About This?

We’re not just reporting on trends, we’re helping our customers get ahead of them. As a trusted partner to food brands, manufacturers, and culinary teams, Harris Spice bridges market insight with full-service R&D and custom blending. Our job isn’t just to source and supply quality spices, it’s to help you bring standout flavor concepts to life.

Hot honey is a perfect example of how a seemingly simple idea can evolve into multiple applications with the right innovation partner. Our R&D team works with you to develop dry seasoning blends that deliver the craveable swicy profile, without the mess, short shelf life, or formulation headaches of liquid honey.

From Trending to Table: How We Make It Work

Our approach goes beyond flavor matching. With access to global spice sourcing, domestic manufacturing, and turnkey private label capabilities, we help brands scale from idea to execution, fast.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Custom dry seasoning blends based on your flavor brief or market need

• Clean-label ingredient formulations (including organic, non-GMO, and allergen-friendly)

• Shelf-stable solutions that extend product life without compromising taste

• Full-service blending and packaging through our Southern California facility

We also help our partners explore category extensions—from coatings and glazes to snack seasonings and sauces, all with the flavor complexity and heat-sweet balance today’s consumers crave.

Still Curious? Make It from Scratch

If you want to taste hot honey in its purest form, try this easy small-batch recipe. It’s a great way to experience how spices like cayenne, garlic, or chipotle powder shape the final flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup honey

• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

• Optional: ½ tsp Harris Spice garlic powder or a pinch of smoked paprika for added depth

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey over low heat—don’t let it boil.

2. Stir in the red pepper flakes and cayenne, and apple cider vinegar (plus any additional spices).

3. Simmer for 5–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.

4. Remove from heat and let it steep for another 10 minutes.

5. Strain out the solids (optional) and store in a clean jar.

Spice Tip:

Customize the flavor by experimenting with different spice profiles—try a dash of chipotle powder for a smoky twist, a hint of lemon zest for a citrusy edge, or garlic and vinegar powder for a dry-style hot honey seasoning blend. All are available in bulk or custom blends through Harris Spice.

Ready to Ride the Swicy Wave?

If you're exploring hot honey or swicy-inspired flavor concepts, Harris Spice is your partner in development, formulation, and scalable production. Reach out to our R&D team to learn more about our dry seasoning blends or start developing your next standout flavor.

Visit us on Linkedin