This summer, Mike’s Hot Honey has taken over food menus across the country, as the swicy food trend—combining sweet and spicy flavors—continues to captivate consumers.
From breakfast sandwiches at Dunkin’ Donuts to menu items at Cinemark movie theaters, and popular family casual restaurants like Moe’s Southwest Grill and Roy Rogers, Mike’s Hot Honey is everywhere. Its irresistible blend of sweetness and heat is revolutionizing the way Americans enjoy their meals.
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The Swicy Takeover
Swicy, a portmanteau of “sweet” and “spicy,” has become the defining flavor trend of the season. More than 80% of consumers claim to enjoy hot and spicy foods, and the demand for such flavors has led to the rise of hot honey as a staple in the culinary world.
Mike’s Hot Honey, with its perfect balance of honey and chili peppers, has become the epitome of this trend, finding its way into an almost unlimited array of food and drink items.
“It has truly been a banner year for Mike’s Hot Honey,” said founder Mike Kurtz. “As we approach our 15th anniversary in 2025, we are gratified that our momentum continues to grow as restaurants recognize and embrace the product’s versatility and are incorporating it in all kinds of creative ways,” he said.
Sizzling Collaborations
Moe’s Southwest Grill: In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Moe’s Southwest Grill has teamed up with Mike’s Hot Honey to spice up its summer offerings. For a limited time, customers can add drizzles of Mike’s Hot Honey to any Moe’s entrée at no additional charge.
“At Moe’s, we celebrate originality, and we aren’t afraid to be adventurous with our flavors,” said Joe Artime, VP of Marketing at Moe’s Southwest Grill. “Mike’s Hot Honey and Moe’s share a creative spirit and love of bold flavors, which is why we’re thrilled to launch this collaboration nationwide.”
This partnership marks the first-ever limited-time sauce offering among Moe’s extensive sauce lineup, which includes Kickin’ Cayenne, Poblano Crema, Moe’s Sauce, Chipotle Ranch, and Hard Rock’n Roll. The addition of Mike’s Hot Honey introduces a unique sweet heat that enhances the customizable southwestern fare Moe’s is known for.
Roy Rogers: Roy Rogers Restaurants, the iconic western-themed quick-service chain, has also embraced the swicy trend by partnering with Mike’s Hot Honey to introduce a limited-time menu item: Chicken and Waffles. This dish combines crispy, golden chicken and fluffy, warm waffles, drizzled with the sweet heat of Mike’s Hot Honey and topped with powdered sugar.
“We knew that Mike’s Hot Honey was the perfect choice to take our new Chicken and Waffles offering to the next level,” said Jim Plamondon, Co-President of Roy Rogers. “The new dish is the perfect balance of sweet and savory.”
Dunkin’ Donuts: For those who start their day with Dunkin’, the collaboration with Mike’s Hot Honey brings a new twist to breakfast. Dunkin’ Donuts has introduced a Hot Honey Bacon Sandwich, featuring hot honey bacon, egg, cheese, and a drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey on a brioche bun.
There’s also the Hot Honey Bacon Wake-Up Wrap® and the Hot Honey Snackin’ Bacon, Dunkin’s first seasoned bacon launch in five years. These items offer a delightful combination of salty breakfast flavors with a sweet and spicy kick.
Cinemark: Cinemark Holdings, Inc., one of the largest theatrical exhibition companies in the world, has partnered with Mike’s Hot Honey to bring sweet heat to movie theaters.
For the first time, moviegoers can enjoy Mike’s Hot Honey-infused items, including hot foods, drinks, and dip cups for popcorn. This collaboration adds a new dimension to the quintessential movie theater concession experience.
The Journey of Mike’s Hot Honey
The story of Mike’s Hot Honey began with a serendipitous discovery in Brazil. Mike Kurtz, the founder, encountered jars of chili-infused honey while visiting a pizzeria during a study abroad trip.
Inspired by the tantalizing combination, Kurtz returned to the United States and began experimenting with his own recipe. He introduced his creation at Paulie Gee’s pizzeria in Brooklyn, where it quickly became a hit.
From those humble beginnings, Mike’s Hot Honey has grown into a nationally recognized brand. Kurtz’s dedication to perfecting his product and his innovative spirit have led to numerous milestones, including partnerships with major restaurant chains and retailers.
Today, Mike’s Hot Honey is available in 30,000 to 40,000 retail stores and more than 3,000 restaurants nationwide.
Embracing Versatility
The rise of swicy flavors has transformed the culinary landscape, and Mike’s Hot Honey is at the forefront of this movement. Its versatility allows it to be used in a wide range of dishes, from traditional pairings like pizza and chicken to more adventurous applications like hot honey ice cream and grilled shrimp.
Even drink menus are getting swicy, with hot honey espresso martinis and hot honey margaritas becoming popular choices.
The term “hot honey” has seen significant growth on menus in recent years, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Chefs and culinary innovators are continually finding new ways to incorporate this sweet and spicy condiment into their offerings. “Because honey is so versatile as a sweetener, but also as a topping, it’s a great base to add the heat to,” says Kurtz. “It can be used in so many different applications.”
Kurtz also pointed out that the company’s new advertising campaign, “You’ll Love it With Mike’s” showcases the versality and variety of food pairings and will help to continue to spark consumer interest and excitement in the flavor trend.
“The new campaign reflects how the brand has grown and evolved and is about celebrating the incredible flavor elevation and endless possibilities that come with adding Mike’s Hot Honey to your favorite dishes,” he said.
A Culinary Staple
Mike’s Hot Honey has become a culinary staple, beloved by home cooks and professional chefs alike. Its unique flavor profile and adaptability make it a go-to ingredient for adding a touch of swicy to any dish.
Whether it’s drizzled on a pizza, added to a chicken sandwich, or mixed into a cocktail, Mike’s Hot Honey elevates the flavor experience.
As the swicy trend continues to gain momentum, Mike’s Hot Honey remains at the forefront, driving innovation and delighting taste buds across the nation.
This season, as the sweet heat turns up on menus everywhere, one thing is clear: it’s the summer of swicy, and Mike’s Hot Honey is leading the charge.
Mike’s Hot Honey is available through foodservice distributors nationwide. For more information visit Mike’s Hot Honey’s website.
