FLAVOR FLASH
TRENDING FLAVORS AND INGREDIENTS
Desserts and Confections 2023
“Despite innovation that has leaned into the whimsical and even outrageous, desserts and confections wild popularity doesn’t necessarily require bells and whistles to excite consumers. Simple, well-executed products will always have a place, as do small tweaks to classic options that can maintain familiarity alongside innovation.”
— Michele Scott, Associate Director U.S. Food & Drink Reports
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
SIMPLE IS BEST
Indulgence and innovation are often no match for simplicity. Standing out in a crowded market means building on classics: brands, flavors, and formats, to come up with something new-ish. While there are certainly some who like over the top, these products are likely to be seen as an experience and not a long-term growth solution.
FAMILIARITY EASES INTO TRIAL
As food prices continue to strain consumer budgets, an element of familiarity is necessary for most, even those looking for innovative products. Leaning on at least one flavor, ingredient or brand helps consumers feel confident they will enjoy a product; and brand collaborations or textural additions, can make a product feel fun.
SMALL FORMATS CAN WIN BIG
Because consumers are not all looking for the same thing, and not necessarily looking to indulge all the time, smaller format desserts are well-suited for innovation. Cookies, candies, and ice cream are among the top-consumed desserts, making them a playground for the small, incremental innovations consumers seek.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
SIMPLE IS BEST
Indulgence and innovation are often no match for simplicity. Standing out in a crowded market means building on classics: brands, flavors, and formats, to come up with something new-ish. While there are certainly some who like over the top, these products are likely to be seen as an experience and not a long-term growth solution.
FAMILIARITY EASES INTO TRIAL
As food prices continue to strain consumer budgets, an element of familiarity is necessary for most, even those looking for innovative products. Leaning on at least one flavor, ingredient or brand helps consumers feel confident they will enjoy a product; and brand collaborations or textural additions, can make a product feel fun.
SMALL FORMATS CAN WIN BIG
Because consumers are not all looking for the same thing, and not necessarily looking to indulge all the time, smaller format desserts are well-suited for innovation. Cookies, candies, and ice cream are among the top-consumed desserts, making them a playground for the small, incremental innovations consumers seek.
Download the Full 7-Page
Flavor Flash for:
- Current and emerging trends in Desserts and Confections
- Which factors are capturing consumer attention in Desserts and Confections
- What flavor categories are leading in Desserts and Confections
- The importance of taste in Desserts and Confections
- What consumers are interested in flavor exploration and taking risk on flavors
- And more!
*Base: 2,000 internet users aged 18+. Source: Kantar Profiles/Mintel, 2023.
Download the Full 7-Page Flavor Flash for:
- Current and emerging trends in Desserts and Confections
- Which factors are capturing consumer attention in Desserts and Confections
- What flavor categories are leading in Desserts and Confections
- The importance of taste in Desserts and Confections
- What consumers are interested in flavor exploration and taking risk on flavors
- And more!
*Base: 2,000 internet users aged 18+. Source: Kantar Profiles/Mintel, 2023.
