Dive Brief:
- Puratos Ingredients Group on Tuesday released its latest AI generated report of major anticipated trends in the confectionery foods space for the next year.
- The Belgium-based company used its Taste Tomorrow platform, which aims to track consumer behavior across the confectionery sector, and found that chocolate products will continue with a healthier ingredients profile, sourdough will increasingly be used in baked goods and culinary fusions will continue to dominate new products.
- The company’s report also used the concept of ‘power ingredients’ to offer insights on how Eastern and Western flavors are combining, with the company’s algorithms evaluating social media conversation, search engine activity and regular shopper surveys.
Dive Insight:
Consumers have increasingly been looking for better-for-you options in their everyday grocery items and now, that trend is creeping into categories seen as indulgences.
Nutritional balance, according to the report, is emerging as one of the biggest trends in the chocolate industry. In an industry traditionally centered on indulgence, “this marks a significant shift in consumer perception of chocolate,” the report said.
Chocolate products containing a more balanced nutritional profile, whether it be through the addition of functional ingredients or elimination of additives and sweeteners, is expected to increase by 30% in the next year.
“Taste Tomorrow research highlights that consumers increasingly seek chocolate products with health-promoting ingredients like turmeric, botanicals, nuts, seeds, and proteins,” the report said.
These types of ingredients have been found to improve sleep, boost immunity, among other functional benefits.
The blending of diverse flavors, textures and formats is also expected to increase next year.
“ Growing interest in tech and AI-inspired innovations is leading pastry chefs to use AI for new flavor pairings, designs, and formats,” the report said.
Social media has also driven consumer interest in tech-driven combinations.
“Whether it’s fusing East and West flavors, incorporating Latin American influences, or playing with the contrasts of texture, fusion is driving creativity and excitement in the pastry world,” the report said.
Sourdough — which has taken over social media for its “gut-friendly” attributes — isn’t going anywhere, according to Taste Tomorrow data.