August 14, 2024 – Globally, consumers prefer ambient and chilled desserts for their taste, and indulgence, offering a variety of flavors and textures. Innova’s 360 research into dessert trends reveals the latest product launches and market shifts, paving the way for brands to make strategic decisions in the category.
Product Launch and Sales Trends
Over the past three years, there has been a 7% rise in global ambient and chilled desserts launches. Preparations with different types of dairy ingredients, diversity in product bases and options claiming various textures from smooth and tender to crispy, thick, fluffy and silky, have driven new product development in the past year. There has also been a significant growth in ambient and chilled desserts sales.
Dessert trends research displays that chilled desserts lead the subcategory, followed by ambient desserts. Europe is the top region for ambient and chilled desserts launches over the past year, followed by the Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The persistence of clean label claims, such as no additives or preservatives, organic, natural, and ranges formulated using natural preservatives and stabilizers, supports new product development across Europe.
Ambient Dessert Trends
There has been a 4% increase in ambient desserts new product launches over the past five years. Dessert trends research reveals that Asian-inspired recipes like kheer mix, gulab jamun mix, and palada mix, fruit-flavored jelly powders such as red raspberry, cherry, kiwi, and peach, and gelatin dessert powders have sustained these launches.
Dr. Oetker has been the key player for ambient desserts launches over the past year. The company’s launches are supported by a variety of flavors, including indulgent choices, dessert-inspired flavors, cake mousse mixes and a range of flavored mousse powders, catering to different taste preferences.
Chilled Dessert Trends
In the past five years, the launch rates of chilled desserts have fluctuated, with a slight increase in 2023. Formulations are packed with protein-rich sources derived from milk, eggs, soy, and fiber dense ingredients. Beyond these core elements, cross-category flavors, nutty ranges, and flavor combinations with milk chocolate and complementary options drive the launches.
Dessert trends research shows that Aldi has been the leading company for chilled desserts new product development in the past year. The company’s offerings are ethically conscious, with choices featuring Rainforest Alliance certifications. They have launched high-protein chocolate and vanilla flavored mousses and puddings, alongside various dessert options like strawberry trifle, sweet rhubarb crumble, crumb topped cheesecakes, tropical mango, and passion fruit posset.
Claims and Positioning Trends in the Desserts Market
Gluten free is the top claim in the global ambient and chilled dessert category, followed by no additives or preservatives, vegetarian, no added sugar, and low/no/reduced fat.
Dessert trends research displays diverse claim preferences across the globe. In Europe, traditional, limited edition, and vegan claims are on the rise. Asia Pacific consumers are inclined towards vegan, source of fiber, and traditional claims. In the Middle East and Africa, halal, traditional, and children (5-12 years) are growing. Consumers in North America prefer source of protein, GMO free, and low/no/reduced calorie claims. Meanwhile, in Latin America, traditional and plant based claims are gaining popularity. These diverse claims highlight the varied consumer interests and dietary needs across the globe, driving innovation in the ambient and chilled desserts market.
Dessert Flavor Trends
The top 5 flavors are milk chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, red apple, and caramel. In Europe, there is a rising interest in blueberry, red raspberry, and golden apple flavors. North American consumers prefer flavors like dark chocolate, cherry, and coconut. Meanwhile, in the Asia Pacific region, mandarin, Indian faluda, and sweet potato flavors are gaining popularity. In Latin America, coconut, Brazilian Brigadeiro, and passion fruit are growing. These diverse flavor preferences across the globe highlight the significance of brands that are launching products to meet regional tastes and preferences.
What’s Next in Dessert Trends?
Europe is leading in ambient and chilled desserts launches, with brands focusing on the persistence of clean label claims and ranges formulated using natural preservatives like lemon juice concentrate, lemon juice, and stabilizers.
As consumers increasingly prefer healthy ingredients in their products, brands can tap into this trend by creating handmade or handcrafted options, using natural ingredients, and sporting free from claims like gluten free and lactose free in their products. There is also a significant focus on health benefits, with consumers seeking products with formulations that are packed with protein-rich sources derived from milk and fiber-dense ingredients like citrus, lemon, and chicory root.
Dessert trends research shows that fruit and indulgent flavors are prominent in the market. Brands can innovate in this space by developing more fruit and chocolate flavors for indulgent experiences. The global ambient and chilled desserts market is likely to witness an increased emphasis on healthy ingredients and unique flavors, catering to evolving consumer preferences.
This article is based on our report, “Overview of Ambient & Chilled Desserts – Global.” If you are interested in reading this report, feel free to request a demo.
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