CPG brands are offering ready-to-bake cheese curds as appetizers and snacks
Trend - Cheese curds are typically tied to full dishes such as poutines and salads. CPG brands have transformed these curds from a simple topping to a standalone snack by adding batter, seasonings, and herbs. These bite-sized fried, cheesy snacks provide both nostalgia and comfort to consumers.
Insight - As children return to schools and adults return to work after the pandemic, there is a returning desire for conveniently portable comfort foods. Whether being packed into a child's lunch as a snack or helping a worker get through the day, rich foods that do not take time or create a mess are well suited for this current environment. The fried, flavorful nature of these foods makes them evoke nostalgia in adults while making food more palatable for younger children to indulge in.
Insight - As children return to schools and adults return to work after the pandemic, there is a returning desire for conveniently portable comfort foods. Whether being packed into a child's lunch as a snack or helping a worker get through the day, rich foods that do not take time or create a mess are well suited for this current environment. The fried, flavorful nature of these foods makes them evoke nostalgia in adults while making food more palatable for younger children to indulge in.
Workshop Question - How could your brand transform existing products for the on-the-go consumer?
Trend Themes
1. Hyper-portable Comfort Foods - Convenient and easy-to-eat snacks, like the breaded cheese curds, are becoming increasingly popular in schools and workplaces due to their nostalgic, mess-free nature.
2. Creative and Flavorful Snacks - CPG brands are transforming traditional dishes, such as cheese curds, with added seasonings, batter, and herbs to create a unique, delicious snack that consumers crave.
3. Ready-to-bake Products - Ready-to-bake cheese curds offer a convenient and fast way for consumers to enjoy comfort foods without sacrificing taste or quality.
Industry Implications
1. CPG Industry - CPG brands have the opportunity to tap into the growing demand for creative and flavorful snacks that offer convenience, nostalgia, and comfort.
2. Food Manufacturing Industry - As consumers seek hyper-portable comfort foods and ready-to-bake products, food manufacturers can take advantage of this trend by innovating their product lines to offer more convenient options.
3. Retail Industry - Retailers can expand their snack offerings by partnering with CPG brands and food manufacturers to offer creative and flavorful snacks as a solution for consumers seeking convenient and easy-to-eat options.
