U.S. restaurants incorporating flavors found in cuisine served in Southeast Asia is predicted to be one of the top 10 menu trends this year.1 A number of stateside chefs have already begun including elements from the region in desserts, according to Melissa Abbott, vice president at the Hartman Group food and beverage research agency—which might benefit patrons who are looking for somewhat lighter options.
Asian Flavors & Formats Feed Dessert Inspiration
Topics: Millennials, Global, Custards/Cheesecakes, Beverages, Ice Cream Desserts, Dessert, Gen Z, OREO, Dessert Ingredients, Creative Inspiration, Recipes, Culinary, Flavor Profiles
Familiarity is a key food and beverage purchase consideration for 68% of consumers—which is one reason why offering menu items that incorporate retro formats and ingredients, an approach sometimes referred to as newstalgia, is one of this year’s most anticipated menu trends.1
Topics: Pies/Tarts, Beverages, Ice Cream Desserts, Breakfast, Chocolate, CHIPS AHOY!, OREO, Cocktails, Cookies, Dessert Ingredients, Creative Inspiration, Recipes, Culinary, Branded Ingredients, Consumer Behavior, Nostalgia, Shakes/Smoothies/Frozen Beverages
Beverages that include OREO cookies and cheesecake, cotton candy and other indulgent ingredients have played a dual role on menus in recent years, often serving as both drink and dessert options.
Topics: Snacking, Pies/Tarts, Beverage, Custards/Cheesecakes, Donuts/Pancakes/Waffles, Cookies/Bars/Snacks, Beverages, Ice Cream Desserts, Cakes/Cupcakes, Dessert, Chocolate, CHIPS AHOY!, OREO, Cocktails, Cookies, Dessert Ingredients, Creative Inspiration, Recipes, Brownies, Culinary, Branded Ingredients, Mashups, Flavor Profiles, Consumer Behavior, Indulgence, Foodservice, Sweet, Shakes/Smoothies/Frozen Beverages, Coffee
In fall, as the weather begins to cool, consumers’ appetite for desserts that include warm, toasty flavors starts to heat up.
Restaurants may find customers are seeking sweets such as pies and souffles, featuring autumnal ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, nuts and apples, according to Clarice Lam, Mondelēz Foodservice brand ambassador, contributor to Epicurious and Spruce Eats, and founder of The Baking Bean, a Brooklyn direct-to-consumer bakery specializing in all-natural seasonal sweets.
“Consumers want warm and cozy dishes for the fall—flavors that remind them of the holidays and family,” Lam said in an interview with marketing agency The Food Group.
In fact, more than half (53%) of consumers say they’re interested in seasonally influenced desserts.1
The ingredients, trendiness and other aspects, though, can affect how new menu items are received. To ensure any fall desserts you introduce are a sales success, consider weaving in some of the following features.
Topics: Promotions, Pies/Tarts, Custards/Cheesecakes, Beverages, Ice Cream Desserts, Dessert, Holidays, Seasonal, OREO, SOUR PATCH KIDS, Dessert Ingredients, Creative Inspiration, Branded Ingredients, Flavor Profiles, Limited Time Offers (LTOs), Nostalgia, Foodservice, Shakes/Smoothies/Frozen Beverages, Comfort
Time-Honored Elements from Latin Cuisine Are Enhancing Dessert Menus
Latin cuisine—originating from Mexico, in particular—has become an increasingly popular dining choice in recent years.
Topics: Millennials, Global, Business & Industry, Custards/Cheesecakes, Ice Cream Desserts, Cakes/Cupcakes, Dessert, Gen Z, Gen X, Baby Boomers, Chocolate, CHIPS AHOY!, NILLA Wafers, OREO, Social Media, Cookies, Dessert Ingredients, Creative Inspiration, Recipes, Branded Ingredients, Mashups, Flavor Profiles, Consumer Behavior, Foodservice, Breads/Muffins/Pastries