#TrendSpotting: Culinary Creations for Consumer Cravings in Food Service
Your source for the most up-to-date information on emerging food and beverage trends.
In a recent survey, conducted by Imbibe, we learned that 91.7% of consumers have dined out at least once in the past six months - fast food being the most popular with 78.3% visiting one in that time.¹
Our survey also revealed consumers are:
When dining out, 55% look for new flavors to try, 46% order what’s new or unique, and 59% agree that they seek seasonal offerings.¹ The quest for adventurous experiences in dining looks different for consumers – some ways we’re seeing it in food service in 2024 are:
- Sonic Blackout Slush Float
- Maple Pepsi/Maple Pepsi Float at IHOP
- Baskin Robbins Marigold Dreamsicle Ice Cream
- Cosmc’s Tropical Spiceade
When it comes to finding flavors to scratch consumers’ itch for new and unique options, Imbibe’s flavorists have several for you to choose from to make your products pop.
The burgeoning little treat culture is reflective of a societal shift towards valuing small, indulgent experiences, prompting individuals to seek out delightful and flavorful treats to elevate their daily routines.
75% of consumers at least occasionally indulge in dessert beverages when dining out, drawn to the allure of sweet, flavorful concoctions.¹ Here are some recent food service product launches reflecting this notion:
- Chick Fil A Cherry Berry Frosted Lemonade
- Burger King Frozen Cotton Candy Cloud Float
- Jack in the Box Pineapple Express Shake
Consumers relish dining out for indulgent experiences, savoring rich flavors and culinary creativity. This can look like decadent treats, creamy desserts, and better-for-you options with bold and fun flavors.
Despite consumer interest in clean labels, dirty drinks seem to be holding their interest. It means different things in different categories – the addition of coffee in a Dirty Chai or Matcha, Dirty Martinis are built with a splash of briny olive juice, and Dirty Sodas infuse cream and fruit syrups.
One theory as to why Dirty Soda is proliferating is because it offers a little luxury, a moment of indulgence and connection that is affordable and a unique experience. Dr. Pepper and Coffee Mate recently teamed up to capitalize on consumer interest, largely influenced by the virality of this trend on social media in 2022.
Initially bubbling up in Utah, Imbibe’s research indicates that 25% of consumers would consider trying dirty soda in the future.¹
Thirsty for more?
Email marketing@imbibeinc.com to see if our Epicurated – Food Service edition is right for you and your team! This 45-minute presentation illustrates some of the most popular flavors and behaviors shaping the food service and CPG landscape. Also available – Epicurated: Gen Alpha!
Listen to Food and Beverage Insights Podcast Episode #XX: Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxx
