Sweet and spicy dessert options rise in popularity
Implications - With the rise of experimental food consumption has come the popularity of spicy desserts. These products are able to pique the interest of those entrenched in foodie culture, while also retaining a sense of familiarity for consumers who are less curious or experimental in their consumption choices.
Workshop Question - Consider a surprise element your brand could insert into its products/services?
Trend Themes
1. Spicy Desserts - Spicy desserts are gaining popularity in experimental food consumption, creating an opportunity for food and beverage companies to experiment with unique flavor combinations.
2. Veggie-infused Ice Cream - The practice of including vegetables in dairy products like ice cream is becoming increasingly common, presenting an opportunity for food companies to offer creative flavor combinations to health-conscious consumers.
3. Ultra-spicy Foods - The launch of ultra-spicy food items, such as the Carolina Reaper-infused ice cream, is appealing to adventurous foodies, further strengthening the trend for very spicy foods, and creating an opportunity for food companies to experiment with unique hot and spicy flavors.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Food and beverage companies can experiment with unique flavor combinations to tap into the rising popularity of spicy and vegetable-infused desserts.
2. Cbd-infused Foods - Cannabis-based food products, including THC-infused chocolate bars, present a growing opportunity for entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry.
3. Restaurant Industry - With Flamin’ Hot Cheetos ice creams, cupcakes, and other experimental food combinations, restaurateurs can draw in adventurous foodies while crafting unique and novel culinary treats.
