Are your desserts on trend?

Pâtisserie is growing in popularity around the world at an exponential rate. This demand is inspiring chefs to explore new flavour combinations, ingredients and ideas as well as innovative techniques. There are a number of themes that are on trend in the cake and dessert world.

Make sure your business is on trend with cake and desserts for 2023 and into 2024!

Health-Conscious Desserts

One of the biggest dessert trends of 2023 is the growing emphasis on health-conscious desserts. People are becoming more aware of the impact of sugar on their health, and are seeking out desserts made with alternative sweeteners, natural ingredients, and even functional ingredients like collagen and probiotics. Look for desserts that are lower in sugar, higher in protein, and made with nutrient-dense ingredients.  Aside from the health issues of too much sugar, there is also a flavour benefit to a dessert that is lower in sugar.  All too often cakes and desserts are too sweet; sugar and sweetness should not be the dominate characteristic but rather it should be a balance of flavours.

Multicultural Flavours

The world is becoming increasingly interconnected, and this is reflected in the diverse range of flavours and ingredients being used in desserts. For example, influenced by the Far East we have seen the increased use of ingredients like miso, matcha and yuzu in cake and desserts.  Also, cardamon has always been a staple in desserts in India and in the baked goods in Sweden but is becoming increasingly popular across the globe.  Dessert menus around the world are borrowing from other countries to use international ingredients and flavours in exciting new ways.

Sweet and Savoury Combinations

Sweet and savoury combinations have been growing in popularity in recent years, and this trend is continuing.  With reference to the paragraph above, miso is an ingredient that is used to bring a savoury element to desserts. Other examples include black and white sesame, charcoal and the growing use of hay and smoke.  These savoury ingredients, or at least techniques more commonly associated with savoury food, create more complex and interesting flavour profiles in desserts.

Desserts on the Go

In today's fast-paced world, people are constantly on the move, and they need desserts that can keep up with their busy lifestyles. Desserts on the go are becoming increasingly popular, with options like energy bites, cake pops, frozen yogurt bars, pudding cups, and ice cream sandwiches providing a quick and convenient treat.

Vegan

Over the last 15 years, the vegan food market has experienced significant growth and expansion. With the rise of ethical and health-conscious consumerism, plant-based diets have become increasingly popular, leading to a demand for vegan products across the food industry. The vegan food market has grown to include a wide range of products, from meat substitutes and dairy alternatives to snacks and desserts. This growth has been supported by increased availability and accessibility of vegan products, as well as more awareness and education about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.  This growth is only going to accelerate, increasing demand for plant based desserts.

Nostalgia

We all have our favourite childhood dessert memories; it could be a pudding you loved at school or something your grandmother made when you visited at the weekend.  Rather like hearing a song from your teenage years, a plate of food brings back memories of the time, where you were, who you were with …  It is one of the reasons the classics always remain popular and innovative chefs are reinventing some of the old school classics for the modern age.  One might see British classics like a summer pudding or rhubard and custard presented in a more modern style but still retaining the fabulous flavours that have always made them so popular.

Sharing Desserts

In recent years, the trend of sharing desserts has become even more popular, with many restaurants and dessert bars offering shareable options that encourage group dining and a sense of community. People love the experience of indulging together, being able to enjoy the variety of flavours and textures, tapping into their childhood memories of family gatherings and the fun it creates.

Sustainable and Environmentally friendly Ingredients

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the impact of human activity on the environment, there has been a growing movement towards sustainability and responsible sourcing in all areas of life, including the food industry. Sourcing ingredients that are sustainable and environmentally friendly is not only important for the health of our planet, but it can also have a positive impact on the taste and quality of the food we eat.  Consumers are increasingly wanting to know where their food is coming from and how it has been made.  It is critical that businesses can answer these questions and provide their customers with information to confirm that they have sourced their ingredients responsibly.