Get ready for a flavor explosion in 2025! McCormick, the go-to name in seasonings, has crowned ají amarillo as the “Flavor of the Year.” This South American chili is about to shake up menus everywhere with its perfect mix of sweet and spicy—a combo that’s already being called “swicy.”

Ají amarillo isn’t just your average chili pepper. It’s got fruity vibes, like mango or passion fruit, paired with a mild kick of heat, similar to cayenne. Plus, its bright yellow hue adds a pop of color to dishes, making it as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious. Think charred veggies, zesty dips, or even cocktails—this spice can do it all.

Experts say what makes ají amarillo stand out is its versatility. It’s popping up in dishes across the globe, from charred broccoli in London to tangy oyster sauces in Australia and tropical drinks in Canada. It’s not just a regional staple anymore; it’s going global.

McCormick’s team, made up of chefs, marketers, and food lovers, chose ají amarillo because it’s “both innovative and reflective of global culinary movements.” They’re so confident in its success, they predict it’ll appear on 44% more menus in the coming years.

Starting February 3, you can get your hands on McCormick’s ají amarillo seasoning for $9.99. They’re even hosting a food festival in Miami later this month to showcase creative ways to use the spice.

Part of its rise can be traced to the boom in Peruvian restaurants, where ají amarillo is a key ingredient. Over the past five years, Peruvian spots in the U.S. have grown by 22%, according to Yelp. One of those spots is Mita, a vegetarian restaurant in Washington, DC, where the spice shines in its flavorful dishes. If you haven’t tried it yet, 2025 might just be the year you fall in love with ají amarillo.