Looking for tips on creating hampers as good as ours? You’ve come to the right place. The approach to how we balance hamper flavours depends on several factors and we’re going to share just a few insights to help you understand what makes ours so unique. Plus, these ideas can inform your own creations at home, if you’re trying your hand at it. So, let’s dive into the science of how we balance hamper flavours.
Why flavour balance matters
Gift hampers are a great British tradition and their significance in gifting culture can’t be overstated. Not only is there a tradition in this country that the beautiful wicker baskets they come in are cherished and used throughout the home, but the balance of flavours and treat selection in each hamper is a significant consideration when choosing one. A hamper missing one or more of these elements just won’t wow. So, when creating well-balanced hampers, we need to think about flavour profiles, diversity in product range, the right mix of sweet and savoury treats and textural variety.
Flavour profiles
You’ll already know about the five basic taste sensations: sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami. In hamper design, sweet, salty and umami are the core profiles. They’re the most common ‘crave’ tastes and are the most prevalent in treat foods.
Here are some examples:
- Sweet – desserts, candies, chocolates, biscuits and pastries
- Salty – nuts, pretzels, crisps, crackers, bread and popcorn
- Umami – cheese, mushrooms, pate and dried tomatoes
Adding diversity
You’ll want to select a few categories from each of the listed items above and then find diverse brands to include. Most people will gravitate towards hampers that contain a few brands they know and love while getting excited to try the new names they’re not familiar with. A basket with only niche products may be off-putting because it’s too unknown. So, mix the traditional with the new and up-and-coming to strike the right hamper balance.
Creating pairings
We all know about the classic sweet and savoury combination, but there are more pairings you can consider with gift hampers. The first is what you’ll add for any tipples you include. With our wine hampers, we love to include cheese, pate and crackers – a classic staple – as well as some flavoursome chutney for balance. Think about how you’ll elevate the experience beyond what’s expected to create a full snacking course. In this case, there’s a decadent beverage, sweet, umami and savoury treat notes all included.
Textural variety
Surprisingly, texture has an impact on your perception of flavour. Crunchy, chewy and creamy elements should be included in your hamper to appeal to the widest range of people. That’s because some really need a crunch to enjoy cheese while others will skip the crackers and just enjoy a wedge of brie solo. Giving a range of textual options provides more avenues for a delightful eating experience. Think about providing that variety with a mix of treats like creamy chocolate bars, crunchy flatbreads, soft cheese, crisp bruschetta or chewy gummy candies.
If you apply the same principles we use to balance hamper flavours or look for baskets that align with these tips, you’re sure to be delighted by the experience. Need help to pick one? Talk to our team of treat-ficionados here or shop some cheese-forward bestsellers here.
