March 14, 2025 – The world of sweets and snacks is constantly evolving, driven by the interplay of consumer preferences, technological advancements, and global trends. As we get underway with 2025, it’s essential to understand the forces shaping the future of the sweets & snacks categories. Innova Market Insights dives into the top 10 trends redefining how consumers experience sweets and snacks.
This article is based on Innova’s AI in Sweets & Snacks: Bytes to Bites – Global report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more
The Rise of the Savvy Self-Sufficient Consumer
Consumers are increasingly taking charge of their health, finances, and overall well-being, driven by digital tools that promote self-sufficiency. This trend is reflected in the rising popularity of cooking from scratch, which 36% of consumers use to gain self-sufficiency, as well as making their own snacks. This shift reflects a broader embrace of self-serve and self-support across various aspects of life, including fitness and home cooking.
The Power of Experiential Moments
Experiential moments are shaping the sweets and snacks markets, as consumers increasingly seek connections and joy through their food. This desire is driven by a focus on self-sufficiency. Brands are leveraging technology to create personalized, immersive experiences, including tailored recommendations and multi-sensory elements that engage flavors, aromas, and visuals.
As sweets and snacks evolve into sources of memorable experiences, brands are embracing innovative packaging and digital activations to meet consumer demand for emotional upliftment and unexpected delights. Consumer insights reveal that 52% of consumers globally prefer to treat and reward themselves with everyday experiential moments of happiness.
Technology in Sweets and Snacks
The top 10 trends indicate that technology is revolutionizing the sweets and snacks industry by enhancing consumer experiences. Artificial intelligence (AI) facilitates personalized interactions through tailored recommendations and immersive augmented reality, strengthening brand-consumer connections. It also optimizes production, reduces waste, and improves nutritional value to meet the demand for healthier options.
Beyond snacks, biotech advancements like CRISPR are transforming healthcare and providing sustainable protein alternatives.
Fusing Taste and Technology for a Multi-Sensory Experience
The future of sweets and snacks is being shaped by technology that creates multi-sensory experiences that extend beyond mere taste. Brands are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to craft innovative flavors, aromas, and visuals that offer consumers immersive encounters with their food. This shift is fueled by a growing desire for personalized experiences and a stronger connection to what we eat.
An example is Puratos’ creation of the world’s first AI-generated coffee blend, which combines various beans from Brazil, Guatemala, Colombia, and Ethiopia to produce a unique flavor profile. Moreover, advancements like virtual reality experiences allow consumers to “try before they buy,” enhancing their exploration of new flavors.
The Power of Personalization
Personalization has become a key trend in the sweets and snacks categories as consumers increasingly seek unique and tailored experiences. Top 10 trends show that brands are now leveraging AI-powered technologies to offer personalized recommendations, recipes, and flavors. This approach not only helps brands forge deeper connections with customers but also builds loyalty and fosters long-term relationships, turning interactions into memorable moments that encourage sharing.
As consumer expectations evolve, personalization is shifting from being a luxury to a necessity. Consumer insights show that brands must understand individual preferences to tailor products, experiences, and communications, creating a sense of intimacy and connection. Tools like AI-powered chatbots enhance personalized interactions, while customized meal plans, and targeted snack recommendations are on the rise. An example of AI personalization is the “OnlyPans” service, which uses AI to helps with planning meals based on dietary preferences, cravings, household size, and budget.
Enhanced Nutrition and Sustainability
Top 10 trends indicate that the sweets and snacks markets are increasingly focusing on enhanced nutrition and sustainability, driven by consumer demand for healthier and eco-friendly options. Companies are leveraging AI technology to optimize production processes, reduce waste, and develop innovative products that meet these evolving expectations. This includes the creation of nutrient-rich, high-protein, and low-carb snacks that appeal to health-conscious consumers.
As awareness of the nutritional and environmental impact of food choices grows, brands are responding by emphasizing sustainability in their offerings. Notably, 20% of global consumers would like to see AI-powered food and beverage development focused on environmental and ethical sustainability.
Innovation in Food Safety and Functionality
Artificial intelligence is changing the sweets and snacks industry by improving food safety and quality. One key innovation is the use of AI-powered electronic tongues that can detect spoilage in products like fruit juice and milk. This helps ensure that consumers receive safe and high-quality products.
Companies like Mondelez are using AI to improve their recipes, balancing flavor, aroma, texture, cost, and nutrition. Additionally, AI-powered peptides are being added to sports powders for better performance and specific health benefits.
The Power of AI-Driven Consumer Engagement
AI is a catalyst for innovation in sweets & snacks, providing brands with insights and predictions that lead to the discovery of new flavors and ingredients, paving the way for innovative product developments. This technology goes beyond the products themselves, as AI-driven tools enable consumers to engage more with brands. Consumers can design custom cakes or create unique snack combinations, fostering a sense of ownership and co-creation that deepens their connection with the brands they love.
Sharing Experiences Through Immersive Technology
Top 10 trends show that sweets and snacks are evolving into social experiences as brands increasingly utilize immersive technologies, including the use of virtual reality installations that transport users to exciting new worlds and augmented reality experiences that engagingly animate products. Brands are harnessing AI-powered tools to enhance social sharing, allowing consumers to capture and share memorable moments easily within their networks.
A Sustainable Future for Sweets and Snacks
Consumer insights show that the future of sweets and snacks is increasingly focused on sustainability, driven by a rising consumer demand for eco-friendly options. Brands are leveraging advanced technologies, including AI, to improve product quality in beverages and snacks. For example, the British supermarket M&S is exploring autonomous farming methods to reduce carbon emissions.
As sustainability transitions from a niche issue to a core consumer value, companies are adopting innovative farming practices and sustainable ingredients that cater to health-conscious consumers.
What’s Next in Sweets & Snacks?
The future of sweets and snacks is changing as technology develops, especially through AI. This technology helps create personalized and exciting experiences for consumers. Consumer insights show that brands are using AI to develop unique flavors, improve production, and cater to individual preferences. AI also supports meal planning, refines recipes, and promotes sustainable practices, focusing on health and reducing waste.
Brands that use the latest technology to offer personalized, engaging, and sustainable experiences will succeed in the evolving sweets and snacks market.
This article is based on Innova’s AI in Sweets & Snacks: Bytes to Bites – Global report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more
If you are interested in receiving this report, feel free to request a demo through our Contact Form.
