Sophisticated Dessert Flavors
Gone are the days of over-the-top “freakshakes” and ultra-sweet desserts as consumers are turning towards more natural, understated flavors to satisfy their confectionary cravings. Mature, nuanced, and naturally-inspired flavors like bitter dark chocolate, earthy matcha, and smoky coffee are the flavors we at Advanced Biotech believe will be popular as consumer preferences continue to shift and health and wellness trends continue. Read on as we explore the sophisticated flavors we believe will lead this new dessert trend as well as their added health benefits.
Matcha
Hailing from Japan, matcha green tea is as aesthetic as it is delicious. Made from ground green tea leaves, matcha powder boasts a delightful green hue that gives everything from lattes to cakes and macarons a pleasing, earthy color. Rich in antioxidants, matcha is known as a superfood and has been taking both the health and dessert spaces by storm. Grassy, floral, and slightly bitter, matcha is a complex flavor that pairs well with other natural ingredients like almond, coconut, and sesame. Consumers looking to indulge in confections that aren’t overly sweet while getting a taste of anti-aging benefits will appreciate matcha.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a form of chocolate made only from cocoa solids and cocoa butter. In contrast to other varieties like milk and white chocolate, dark chocolate contains no added dairy milk or butter, giving it a sharper, slightly bitter taste and a snappy texture. Dark chocolate is often thought to be healthier than its counterparts due to its lack of additional ingredients, and is rich in antioxidants, iron, magnesium, and zinc. The antioxidants in dark chocolate are said to reduce oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging and heart disease. Dark chocolate pairs famously well with tart, juicy raspberries, sweet strawberries, and flaky sea salt, making for classically contrasting flavor sensations consumers can’t get enough of.
Coffee
Coffee is a brewed drink made from roasted, ground coffee beans and is thought to be one of the most popular drinks in the US. With the average American drinking 18.5 gallons of coffee a year, it is no surprise that the bitter, smoky taste of coffee has made its way into confections. Recent studies have suggested that coffee drinkers are less likely to suffer from common health issues such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and kidney disease. In addition to being a natural energy booster, coffee is also thought to increase mental awareness and support liver health. Coffee is popularly paired with chocolate to make mocha-flavored desserts, while other popular flavor combinations are vanilla, cinnamon, and caramel.
Subtle, nuanced, and sophisticated flavors with added health benefits are on consumers’ radar for the next trend in confections. Consumers appreciate sophisticated flavors with nuanced pairings to create an indulgent and exciting experience.