CHICAGO — The staples of bakery and pastry products play an important role in many meals. Eighty-nine percent of consumers said they purchased a bread or bakery item in the last three months, and 70% specifically purchased a cake or sweet goods, according to Barry Callebaut’s Top 6 Trends to Watch in Bakery.
Indulgence is where consumers turn for celebrations and special occasions. Seventy-six percent of North American consumers have a preference for cake or pastries that allow them to indulge.
Visual appeal is a growing necessity for “crave worthy” bakery items. Additions of decorations, bright colors and black hues are all elements that can make a product more Instagrammable. Forty-nine percent of millennials find cakes or pastries with multiple colors more visually interesting and more premium.
Limited-time offers, as well as seasonal and nostalgic, are surefire ways to add excitement to bakery and pastry items. Seventy-four percent said they want to try new and exciting chocolate cake or pastry experiences.
Clean label and better-for-you treats draw attention for consumers placing a higher emphasis on health and wellness. The broad definition can include natural positioning, simple or clean labels, organic ingredients, less sugar, and non-GMO. Thirty-eight percent of millennials seek out vegan cakes and pastries.
Functional foods provide permissible indulgence in the bakery category with additions of more protein, fiber, superfoods, nuts, whole grains and more. Fifty-six percent of millennials said the best cakes or pastries include healthy or better-for-you ingredients.
Social and corporate responsibility will gain importance as consumers spend their money with brands and products that align with their values. Fifty-six percent of consumers want traceable bakery items. Calling out sustainable ingredients, transparent labels and traceability can all highlight efforts to be more socially and ecologically minded.
