Today’s consumers are embracing better-for-you confections and the concept of mindful indulgence for emotional wellness. In fact, 6.7 million Instagram posts include the hashtag #treatyoselfa. People want every calorie to count, so taste is a high priority, but they also want sweets with high-quality and wellness-forward ingredients so they can feel better about what they eat. These functional aspirations are edging out the old model of low-calorie confections for permissible indulgence. And while consumers have a high bar for their better-for-you expectations, it is possible to deliver on this demand with the right balance of flavor and functionality.
Today’s consumers are embracing better-for-you confections and the concept of mindful indulgence for emotional wellness. In fact, 6.7 million Instagram posts include the hashtag #treatyoselfa. People want every calorie to count, so taste is a high priority, but they also want sweets with high-quality and wellness-forward ingredients so they can feel better about what they eat. These functional aspirations are edging out the old model of low-calorie confections for permissible indulgence. And while consumers have a high bar for their better-for-you expectations, it is possible to deliver on this demand with the right balance of flavor and functionality.
Bypassing Bland
According to ADM research, eight out of 10 consumers are intentionally avoiding or reducing sugar in their dietsb. However, certain categories take prominence over others for reducing sugar intake. Nutrition facts frequently get a pass from shoppers when it comes to confectionery, as consumers readily acknowledge that candy and chocolates are often high in sugar.
Footnotes:
aAs of August 5, 2022
bwww.adm.com/en-us/insights-and-innovation/formulation-challenges/sugar-reduction/
For the full article, please check out the Perfumer & Flavorist+ October 2022 issue, titled "Better-For-You Treats."
