Slideshow: What's new in food

KANSAS CITY — Global flavors and internationally-inspired dishes continue to pique the interest of adventurous consumers.

This craving for cultural cuisine has fueled the spices and seasonings market in the United States, according to a report from Technavio. The category is expected to exceed $6 billion by 2020, an increase of almost $2 billion from 2015.

“The popularity of Indian and Asian cuisines and rising consumption of convenience foods are the major growth drivers for the spices and seasonings market in the U.S.,” said Vijay Sarathi, a food industry analyst at Technavio. “The diverse population in the U.S. has led to a growth in demand for ethnic food and ethnic food ingredients.”

Food manufacturers are seeking to meet this demand with new products featuring the flavors of the world.

Enjoy Life Foods added two new globally-inspired flavors to its line of Plentils chips: Thai Chili Lime and Moroccan Spice. The allergy-friendly lentil snacks are certified gluten-free, Non-GMO Project verified, kosher and halal certified.

“Now more than ever, the influential millennial demographic is demanding foods made with exotic flavors that not only deliver in taste, but in nutrition and texture,” said Joel Warady, chief sales and marketing officer at Enjoy Life Foods. “Our new Thai Chili Lime and Moroccan Spice Plentils were created to satisfy millennials’ adventurous palates while giving everyone an allergy-friendly, crunchy and high-protein snack that tastes even better than traditional chips — all while spicing up the Free-From category.”

The Kellogg Co.’s MorningStar Farms brand is extending its vegetarian heat-and-eat vegetable bowls line with new flavors, which the company said are internationally-inspired dishes. Varieties include Japanese Soba Noodles, Moroccan Medley, Chik’n Tikka Masala and Italian Sausage Bake.

Vintage Italia, the parent company of the Pasta Chips brand, is expanding its baked snack portfolio with new Pasta Bow Ties. Crafted from pasta dough, the baked bowtie-shaped pasta chips feature durum wheat semolina flour and farro. Pasta Bow Ties are available in four flavors: Meatball Parm, Creamy Ranch, Honey Butter and Smooth Cheddar.

“With Pasta Chips, we really created an entirely new snacking category — chips baked from fresh pasta dough,” said Jerry Bello, founder and chief executive officer of Pasta Chips. “Pasta Bow Ties takes this innovation a step further, offering a better-for- you and flavor-packed option perfect for snacking straight out of the bag, and easily found alongside conventional chips in your local snack aisle. We maintain our dedication to using the same quality durum wheat semolina flour, as well as integrating protein-dense ancient grains and the Italian herbs that pay homage to our traditional Italian heritage.”