"Subtle innovation hits the sweet spot; approachable twists on classic dessert/confection flavors and formats serve as a bridge to more adventurous profiles."
Julia Mills - Food & Drink Analyst
Mintel’s US Trending Flavors and Ingredients in Desserts and Confections report analyses consumer attitudes, preferences and behaviors regarding desserts and confections in the United States. The report addresses market trends, insights into innovation strategies and how cultural diversity and digital influences are shaping flavor discovery and consumer engagement in the category.
Consumers are keen to explore new flavors and ingredients in desserts and confections, yet many may hesitate to push their comfort zone when finances are tight since indulgent treats are already a discretionary purchase. Over 40% of consumers say they enjoy classic desserts with a twist. This openness presents an opportunity to experiment within the category, though some new product developments and flavor innovations resonate better than others.
To overcome the hesitation around trying new products, desserts and confections need to strike a balance between familiarity and novelty. Introducing unexpected flavors or intriguing textures into beloved classics or timeless formats can inspire curiosity while offering the comfort of the familiar.
Flavor and ingredients should be considered holistically, as flavor alone isn’t enough to drive trial. Factors such as aroma, appearance and color, along with other sensory elements, all play a crucial role. These aspects are most effective when thoughtfully balanced and integrated to create a cohesive, appealing experience.
The first Mintel Market Intelligence report was published over 50 years ago. Since then, we have provided our unique insights and understanding of consumers, innovation and global markets to thousands of customers worldwide. Here’s why our customers rely on Mintel:
Curious about how a Market Intelligence report comes together? We like to think of it as building a detailed puzzle. We start with individual pieces: data from consumers, market statistics, industry trends, and online conversations. Then our expert analysts add world-class human insight and industry knowledge. The pieces are assembled to reveal a clear, comprehensive picture of a market.
We use a combination of four main research methods when creating our reports, each adding a valuable perspective:
Each of these four pillars provides a different piece of the puzzle. Consumer research tells us what customers think, desk research provides the factual framework, trade research offers an insider’s view, and social media analysis reveals public sentiment.
Our expert analysts are skilled in weaving these diverse data streams together. They apply a range of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques to uncover the deeper story, connecting the dots to deliver clear, actionable insights. This comprehensive, multi-layered process is how we transform raw data into a market intelligence report you can trust to inform your most important business decisions.
Pay via credit card or purchase order
We send a PDF, Powerpoint and Excel Databook straight to your inbox. An interactive version of the report is also available on our online platform
Focus on the data that matters most to you with a customisable databook avaliable on our platform
Whatever your business needs, we have the solution. From market intelligence reports to customised growth strategies.
Learn more
At Jackman, we believe that powerful strategies are based on human insight. Mintel’s leading-edge reports and insights into consumer attitudes and behaviors are an important input as we develop and execute strategy.
Mintel helps us when we want to know something quickly – it provides fast answers to our questions. If we need to get a view of what’s going on in a particular market it’s very useful.
When carrying out background research, I find Mintel an excellent starting point.
The fact that it covers so many markets is a big plus for me– instead of having to buy specialist products in each area we are interested in, especially when we only require a brief view on a particular market, we can go to Mintel for help as a one-stop shop. I find Mintel a useful and valuable resource.
One of the biggest challenges we face is the need to get smart on a business or category real quick.
We are talking to clients who live and breathe their category every day and the expectation is that we will be able to get caught up very quickly, and bring the thinking that can help them.
We need to do that often in a matter of days, so it’s not a small ask. Mintel gives us a very articulate view of category conditions and does so at the speed we need it.
We’ve found it so useful working more closely with Mintel. They helped support our recent flagship event for our top suppliers by providing a really unique viewpoint on the future of online retailing.
Nick Carroll from their Retail Team was also an excellent panelist, sharing useful and actionable consumer insights. We definitely look forward to working with Mintel again on future projects.
Working in a customer-obsessed organization means that data and insights have to be at our fingertips. Mintel’s reports help us support anecdotes with real quantifiable insights. The summary sections (which I really like) helps save time by giving a birds eye view of the content before spending time combing through the pages.
Our business review discussions are strengthened by the relevancy of the reports to help us better understand our customers. In addition, the customer service received from the team (especially in crunch periods) makes the process of understanding customer behavior even better.
Whatever your business needs, we have the solution. From market intelligence reports to customised growth strategies.
Learn more
