Consumers are becoming increasingly interested in trying out ethnic foods, according to new research.

Mintel's Global New Products Database shows that throughout 2010, there was a 150 per cent increase compared to the previous year in food items with Caribbean in the product description.

Meanwhile, Japanese products jumped by 230 per cent and Thai foods experienced a 68 per cent rise over the course of the year.

David Lockwood, senior analyst at Mintel, suggested that home cooks are becoming more interested in foreign foods and are keen to try out more complicated dishes.

"Cooking programmes, culinary magazines and recipe websites are an easy way to get more comfortable with ethnic food preparation," he continued.

It was recently found by Mintel that 24 per cent of people are seeking to reduce the amount they spend on eating out over the coming year as the recession takes its toll on disposable income.