The story of our newest flavor is one of cross continental collaboration and inspiration, guided by a healthy reverence for the culinary cultures of both Asia and North America.
The Spark came about in 2024 when we were approached by the Whole Foods Market Global Specialty Innovation team, and asked if we'd like to join in their planned international celebration of Asian flavors. We were honored to be included, and our team set to work developing a new product that would be exclusive to Whole Foods stores, celebrating the combination of the quintessentially American candied pecan with the historic flavors of Korean gochujang. The final result?
The Spark, gochugaru-citrus candied pecans: tart and sweet, with a warming heat and notes of sesame, chive, and cherry!
How does it taste?
The true "spark" for The Spark is the gochu chili. Gochujang as both an ingredient and flavor profile has surged in popularity in the west in recent years, after generations of innovation and refinement in Korea and all over the world.
Gochujang is a Korean chili paste (Gochu is the chili variety, and the -jang suffix refers to a paste).
Gochu chilis are tremendously popular in Korea, and growing rapidly in popularity and use here in the States and elsewhere internationally. Gochu chili heat levels range from very hot to just a little spicy, and we use a custom blend that provides a balanced, slow building level of heat. On a scale of 1-10, we subjectively give it a 6.
We blend that chili with orange zest, ultrafine cane sugar, a little citric acid and tart cherry powder for tartness and body, followed by sesame seeds, chives and salt.
The end result is an exciting explosion (or Spark) of bold flavors that coats and complements the toasted pecans perfectly. Each clean ingredient shines through and marries to create a truly remarkable flavor and texture experience. Hear from Chef Eric himself as he talks through the flavor profile on our YouTube channel!
This is not an authentic version of Gochujang, it is our humble homage to this great tradition and combination of flavors.
Attributes
Like all of our products, our newest flavor is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and low in sugar (only 6 grams of sugar per serving). Even better, our candied pecans don’t just taste good, they make you feel good — they’re full of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and contain less sugar per serving than a banana. The Spark contains tree nuts (pecans) and sesame, and are made in a peanut-free facility.
Where can I buy it?
The Spark is only available on our website, at our retail shop in Madison, and at select Whole Foods locations. Most Whole Foods stores in the following regions will stock it: Midwest, South, Southwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Florida.
In May, it will also be available in the Rocky Mountain, North Atlantic and Northeast regions!
Pairing Suggestions:
Salads, cheese boards, neighborhood walks, camping under the stars.
