Is smoke the new bacon?

Smoke flavors are becoming increasingly popular, leaving traditional bacon in their dust, according to an expert at Wild Flavors - although he still thinks that pork products taste (almost literally) divine.

At the Research Chefs Association expo on Friday, senior chef technician at Wild Flavors, Haim Grinspan, said food manufacturers increasingly are experimenting with different smoke flavors, and moving well beyond bacon in terms of applications.

Although he said bacon may become less popular in the coming months, Haim also told FoodNavigator-USA about his personal hallelujah moment that means bacon will always hold a special place in his heart.