What is Comfort Food: Understand the Meaning of this Trend

Date: 12/07/2024

Comfort foods are foods that provide a sense of well-being and are often associated with nostalgia and emotional comfort. The concept of comfort food has evolved over time, reflecting social trends and individual emotional needs.

In the 1970s and 1980s, these foods gained popularity in the United States, initially associated with Midwest middle-class cuisine. Over the years, these dishes have been incorporated even into sophisticated restaurant menus, becoming a communal experience through cookbooks and specialized restaurants.

The psychology behind comfort foods is linked to emotional well-being. A study from the University of Buffalo revealed that thinking about comfort foods can reduce feelings of loneliness, as these foods evoke memories of shared moments with loved ones. For individuals with secure relationships, comfort foods can serve as substitutes for social connections, offering emotional relief during stressful periods.

During social crises such as post-9/11, the 2008 financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic, people turned to comfort foods for solace and stability. But what makes these foods so special in terms of formulation?

Ingredients that Transform Comfort Foods

Vegetable Fat

Vegetable fat is an essential component in many comfort foods. It contributes to texture and other aspects related to the feeling of satiety that is crucial for these foods. Fat also plays a significant role in enhancing flavor and mouthfeel, creating a more satisfying and comforting experience.

An example of these ingredients is BRF Ingredients' Vegetable Fats: produced from blends of vegetable fats and oils (such as cottonseed oil, soybean oil, palm oil, and palm kernel oil). They aid in food texture and help extend product shelf life. Due to its versatility, it can be used beyond frying, including in baking processes, ice creams, among others.

Breading Flours

Breading flours are often used to create a crispy crust on fried foods like fried chicken and breaded fish. This crispiness enhances texture and is interpreted by the palate as a sensation of pleasure and indulgence characteristic of comfort foods.

BRF Ingredients also offers a line of Breading Flours produced through the extrusion process of natural raw materials such as wheat and corn. BRFi Flours are available in different colors and grain sizes, providing crispiness and texture according to the needs of the final product application.

Natural Flavors

Natural flavors also play a crucial role in creating comfort foods. They help intensify flavors and create an emotional connection with the food, evoking memories of homemade dishes through sensory aspects.

BRFi's Food Ingredients portfolio includes Natsense natural meat flavors, which act as preservatives or flavor enhancers. Produced through slow cooking, using fresh raw materials from BRF's 100% integrated animal supply chain, they can be used to enhance the flavor of savory or sweet base foods.

Conclusion:

The comfort food trend continues to grow as this type of food can provide emotional comfort and a relevant sensory experience. To develop products that evoke this appeal in the public, it is essential to use ingredients that improve the texture, flavor, and aroma of the final food. In this sense, BRFi's Food Ingredients portfolio is comprehensive and includes vegetable fats, breading flours, and natural flavors. Incorporating these ingredients strategically can result in products that not only satisfy the palate but also build loyalty among consumers seeking a better sensory experience.