FLAVOR FLASH
TRENDING FLAVORS AND INGREDIENTS
Desserts and Confections
“Trust, familiarity and nostalgia which anchored strong sales in 2020 are still key assets to dessert and confection manufacturers, as desserts benefit from powerful sensorial associations as well as cultural ones. However, consumers—especially Gen Z and Millennials—are also looking for more flavor innovation, healthfulness, functionality and, in a context of rising inflation, value, from desserts and confections. Balancing continuity and change for different consumer groups and taking inspiration from diverse sources can all
help invigorate the category.”
— Michele Scott, Associate Director of Food and Drink
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH-BASED CONCERNS SHAPE ATTITUDES
Consumers are balancing rising prices of food with concerns related to health, wellness, environmental concerns and broader economics. As inflation rises and consumer confidence falls, consumers may seek not only more affordable desserts, but also high value ones in terms of functionality and nutrition.
GENERATION SHAPES PREFERENCES IN FLAVOR, TEXTURE AND APPETITE FOR INNOVATIONS
Maximizing appeal to the full range of consumers may also involve more granular product development and promotion. Older generations favor more traditional formats, well-established flavors and creamy textures. Gen Y and Millennials are more likely to favor candy, brownies and cookies; more complex, layered textures and more international tastes and functional benefits
STRONG INTEREST IN A WIDE RANGE OF UNUSUAL AND INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS, FRUITS, SPICES AND INGREDIENTS
Especially among Gen Y and Millennials, interest in trying more diverse, unusual flavors and ingredients, including from Latin and Asian cuisine, is strong. Pairing unusual, innovative tastes with well-established ones may be most effective, as consumers still value nostalgic tastes and seek familiar brands.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH-BASED CONCERNS SHAPE ATTITUDES
Consumers are balancing rising prices of food with concerns related to health, wellness, environmental concerns and broader economics. As inflation rises and consumer confidence falls, consumers may seek not only more affordable desserts, but also high value ones in terms of functionality and nutrition.
GENERATION SHAPES PREFERENCES IN FLAVOR, TEXTURE AND APPETITE FOR INNOVATIONS
Maximizing appeal to the full range of consumers may also involve more granular product development and promotion. Older generations favor more traditional formats, well-established flavors and creamy textures. Gen Y and Millennials are more likely to favor candy, brownies and cookies; more complex, layered textures and more international tastes and functional benefits
STRONG INTEREST IN A WIDE RANGE OF UNUSUAL AND INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS, FRUITS, SPICES AND INGREDIENTS
Especially among Gen Y and Millennials, interest in trying more diverse, unusual flavors and ingredients, including from Latin and Asian cuisine, is strong. Pairing unusual, innovative tastes with well-established ones may be most effective, as consumers still value nostalgic tastes and seek familiar brands.
Download the Full 9-Page Flavor Flash for:
- Current and emerging trends in desserts and confections
- Why dessert sales peaked and growth fell after the Pandemic
- Healthy desserts that promote holistic wellness
- The nostalgia behind each dessert
- Differences in flavor interest between Gen Z and older generations
- And more!
*Base: 1,965 internet users aged 18+ who have eaten desserts or candy in the past three months. Source: Kantar Profiles/Mintel, April 2022
Download the Full 9-Page Flavor Flash for:
- Current and emerging trends in desserts and confections
- Why dessert sales peaked and growth fell after the Pandemic
- Healthy desserts that promote holistic wellness
- The nostalgia behind each dessert
- Differences in flavor interest between Gen Z and older generations
- And more!
*Base: 1,965 internet users aged 18+ who have eaten desserts or candy in the past three months. Source: Kantar Profiles/Mintel, April 2022
