When it comes to grilling, meat often takes center stage but fruit? That’s where culinary magic can truly surprise. The high heat of a grill caramelizes the natural sugars in fruit, transforming everyday favorites like peaches, pineapple, watermelon, or mango into smoky-sweet delights. And while many reach for simple toppings like honey or cinnamon, the real secret to unforgettable grilled fruit lies in thinking outside the (spice) jar.

At Dangold, we’re all about bold and creative flavor. That’s why we’ve handpicked some of our most unexpected spice blends to help you take your grilled fruit game to a whole new level. These blends weren’t originally designed for fruit, but when you try them, you’ll wonder why not. Let’s explore a few of our favorites and how to use them for grilling that surprises and delights.

1. Salted Caramel: A Sweet-Savory Game Changer

Salted caramel is a dessert staple, but have you ever tried it on grilled pineapple or peaches? The heat of the grill brings out the fruit’s natural sugars, and when topped with our Salted Caramel, it becomes something truly irresistible. This blend offers the perfect balance between sweetness and a touch of salt, intensifying the flavor of fruits without overpowering them.

Try This: Slice peaches in half, remove the pit, and sprinkle with Salted Caramel. Grill cut-side down until caramelized and golden. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for a quick dessert.

Why It Works: The warm spice and salty undertones amplify the fruit’s sweetness, adding layers of depth you’d typically only find in a fancy dessert.

2. Ginger Lemon Sriracha: Sweet Heat with a Citrus Zing

Now here’s a blend that wasn’t made for fruit, but absolutely sings on it. Our Ginger Lemon Sriracha delivers gentle heat from the sriracha, tang from lemon, and brightness from ginger. These complex flavors pair shockingly well with grilled mango, pineapple, or even watermelon.

Try This: Brush mango slices with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with Ginger Lemon Sriracha before grilling. Serve with a drizzle of lime juice for a fiery tropical treat in a salad.

Why It Works: The spicy, citrusy notes play off the juicy, sugary mango in a bold contrast that excites the palate. Perfect for adventurous eaters or as a BBQ appetizer that starts conversations.

3. Adobo Olé: Sweet, Smoky, and Bold

This might be the last spice you’d think to pair with fruit, but trust us, Adobo Olé is a game-changer. With its punch of garlic, cumin, paprika, and oregano, it’s the perfect smoky-savory balance for sweet fruits like pineapple or even cantaloupe.

Try This: Skewer pineapple chunks, brush lightly with oil, and dust with Adobo Olé before grilling. Serve alongside grilled meats for a spicy-sweet contrast that elevates the whole plate.

Why It Works: The warm spices create a caramelized crust on the fruit, blending savory and sweet in every bite. This is especially great for those who don’t typically enjoy sweet desserts but love bold flavor.

4. Lemon Pepper: Bright, Bold, and Surprisingly Refreshing

You’ve had Lemon Pepper on chicken or fish, but what about on grilled strawberries? The citrus and pepper create a tangy-spicy combo that balances perfectly with the jammy sweetness of berries after they hit the grill.

Try This: Toss halved strawberries with a dash of Lemon Pepper and skewer. Grill for just a minute or two until warmed and slightly smoky. Serve with goat cheese on crostini for a sweet-savory bite.

Why It Works: Lemon lifts the sweetness while pepper adds unexpected dimension. It’s proof that even the most familiar blends can surprise you when paired with the right fruit.

5. Chili & Lime: The Summer Classic, Reinvented

Chili and lime on fruit isn’t new, but Dangold’s Chili & Lime blend brings it to a whole new level with a balanced bite and zesty citrus kick. Watermelon, mango, and even peaches become mouthwatering flavor bombs with just a sprinkle.

Try This: Cube watermelon, toss with Chili & Lime, and grill briefly for a slightly smoky, spicy flavor. Add to tacos or serve with feta and mint for a refreshing salad with a kick.

Why It Works: It plays on the classic Mexican fruit cart flavors spicy, tangy, and salty. All intensified by the grill.

Final Thoughts: Grilling Fruit Deserves to Be Fun and Flavorful

Grilled fruit is already delicious but when you add an unexpected spice blend, it becomes something memorable. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, looking to impress your guests, or simply want a healthier dessert that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, these Dangold spice blends offer bold, creative ways to reinvent your fruit dishes.

From the smoky-sweet notes of Adobo Olé to the fiery zest of Ginger Lemon Sriracha, there’s a world of flavor waiting in your spice cabinet. So don’t be afraid to experiment, your grill (and your tastebuds) will thank you.

Pro Tip: Try mixing and matching spice blends! For example, sprinkle Salted Caramel on grilled bananas and add a touch of Chili & Lime for a sweet-heat explosion. Or pair Lemon Pepper with Mulling Spice on grilled pears for a tangy twist on classic fall flavors.

Spice blends aren’t just for meat anymore. With Dangold, the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.