2021 Indulgent Flavors Guide

February 15, 2021

In many different food, beverage, and nutrition categories, indulgent flavors have long been some of the most popular choices for consumers. This goes for everything from the familiar cookie dough, to newer combinations like Bourbon Chocolate. Over the past year, consumers have been turning to indulgent flavor profiles at an increased rate, as many people have been stuck at home and looking for treats to help them feel better.

At Prinova, we stay in-touch with these industry trends to make sure your customers get the flavors they desire. Our new 2021 Indulgent Flavors Guide offers some great-tasting options that are sure to cure your customers craving for indulgence.

Dark chocolate has long resonated with consumers as an indulgent comfort food. Pairing this flavor with sea salt and caramel creates a new on trend experience. A recent study showed 52% of surveyed adults think salty snacks are a good way to boost mood. ¹

While consumers are increasingly opting in to eating indulgent desserts, many still want to feel good about what they are eating. This has led to an increase in the number of brands pairing indulgent flavors with fruits. 

Following the trend of global flavors becoming local, the classical French dessert Crème Brûlèe recently went viral when a simple 3-ingredient recipe made its way to TikTok. 

Red velvet is a traditionally red colored type of dessert seen mostly in cakes and cupcakes. It started trending in the US in 2016, but comes back strong every February as the color red is strongly associated with Valentine’s Day. ²

Cookie Butter is an indulgent spread that has gained traction in the US over the past few years as consumers seek out more international flavors. It is traditionally made from traditional European holiday cookies. 

Mint Chocolate Chip has long been one of the most popular US ice cream flavors. This flavor takes a twist on that classic showcasing chocolate mint with a delicious cookie flavor.

Food & beverage launches with an alcohol flavor have grown at an 8.5% CAGR since 2018.³ Combining bourbon with chocolate makes for an intriguing combination great for late night desserts.

Along with sweet & salty, flavor combinations of sweet & savory have been introduced in many indulgent flavors over the past year. This flavor combination takes that one step further by pairing the sweet & salty flavor of bacon with the sweet flavor of maple syrup.    

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References

1. Lightspeed/Mintel, Consumers need indulgence right now, 10 APRIL 2020

2. Google Trends Search, Red Velvet, 2004-Present  

3. Innova Market Insights Search Database