The State of the Dessert Business in 2024

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State of the Dessert Business

There’s an incredible variety of desserts around the world, ranging from scrumptious pastries like cookies and cake to frozen desserts like ice cream and sherbet. As in every sector, there are a number of factors that impact the dessert industry, such as consumer preferences for healthy eating, trends such as increased interest in global flavors, and even social media influencers.

In this guide, we’ll explore the current state of the dessert business in 2024, including the most and least popular desserts, who is eating the most desserts, and broad trends related to dessert sales and innovations.

In this article:

What Are the Different Types of Desserts?

Spread of different types of desserts on display

The world of desserts is incredibly diverse, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Desserts can be categorized into a few different types, with hundreds of variations within each.

Here’s a look at the various types of desserts available today.

Traditional Baked Goods

Donuts on display, traditional baked goods

Traditional baked goods include desserts such as:

There’s a range of flavors and styles within each of these subcategories. Cookies, for example, come in hundreds of varieties, from classic chocolate chip and other popular, well-known cookie flavors to French macarons and unique and innovative varieties like cornflake cookies.

Likewise, there are hundreds of different cake varieties. Some desserts don’t fit clearly in one category but are a hybrid of two or more types of desserts. Whoopie pies, for instance, could arguably be classified as a cookie or a cake.

Frozen Desserts

Ice cream cones with various flavors of ice cream

Frozen desserts include treats such as:

  • Ice cream
  • Gelato
  • Sorbet
  • Frozen yogurt
  • Sherbet
  • Popsicles
  • Italian ice
  • Milkshakes

If ice cream is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of frozen desserts, you’re not alone. Aside from this popular creamy treat, frozen desserts encompass hundreds of different frozen delights, from popsicles to ice cream sandwiches.

Candy & Confections

Different types of candies in containers with tongs

The candy and confections category includes sweets such as:

  • Chocolates
  • Hard candies
  • Gummy candies
  • Truffles
  • Mints
  • Toffee
  • Brittle
  • Fudge

Given the varied types of candies and confections, this category encompasses an extensive array of flavors and textures, from smooth, hard candies to decadent, melt-in-your-mouth chocolates. In other words, there’s truly something for everyone in this dessert category.

Some types of desserts are most often associated with post-meal indulgences, while others are largely eaten as snacks at any time of the day. Cheesecakes, pies, and cobblers are typically enjoyed as a treat after a meal, while cookies and ice cream are often enjoyed as snacks.

Dessert Consumption Trends

Desserts are quite popular, with 95% of consumers reporting that they’ve had a dessert within the past week, according to the Dessert Decadence report by Datassential. In the same survey, nearly two-thirds (63%) of consumers said they enjoyed dessert within the past day, and 21% said they enjoy dessert every day.

Dessert At Home or Away From Home

Woman and child eating dessert at home

These sweet treats are enjoyed by many consumers, both at home and in restaurants. Even fast-food restaurants such as McDonald’s and Arby’s offer dessert options to cater to sweet cravings after a meal. According to Datassential, 77% of consumers said they had their last dessert at home, while 23% said they had their last dessert away from home.

Those who enjoy dessert in the comfort of their home may prepare it themselves (from scratch or from a box), purchase it ready-to-eat from a grocery store or other retailer, or purchase a frozen dessert that requires final preparation.

Convenience Matters

https://twitter.com/edible/status/1616174537543925778

Fresh-made home-delivered desserts are increasingly popular due to the convenience, delicious taste, and variety of desserts offered. For example, Edible Arrangements® offers an extensive collection of fresh baked goods like cookies, brownies, cheesecake, and more, in addition to our signature fresh fruit arrangements and chocolate dipped fruits—all of which we’ll hand-deliver to your (or your recipient’s) doorstep.

Many of Edible Arrangements®’ products can be delivered or picked up from your local Edible® Store within just an hour. It’s the ultimate convenience for satisfying all your sweets cravings. (Find the nearest Edible® Store here.)

Everyone leads busy lives today, and convenience is a priority for many consumers. It comes as no surprise that there’s a trend towards “fresh on demand” desserts, or freshly-baked items that are available anytime and have options for easy preparation or completion at home.

When Do Consumers Eat Dessert?

Two people enjoying popsicles in the middle of the day

More than one-fourth (26%) of consumers reported eating their last dessert as a late-night snack. Twenty-three percent (23%) had their last dessert as an afternoon snack, and another 23% had their last dessert at dinner.

While dessert is less commonly enjoyed in the morning, there are still many consumers who enjoy sweet treats earlier in the day. In Datassential’s survey, 13% of respondents said they had their last dessert at lunch, 8% had their last dessert for breakfast, and 7% enjoyed dessert as a morning snack.

Restaurant Dessert Sales

Desserts are a vital component of a restaurant’s revenue, and they also help to create a positive customer experience and drive repeat business. According to Datassential, 60% of restaurant operators say that desserts help to drive profit.

Fortunately for restaurant operators, dessert sales are on the rise. Nearly half (45%) of operators reported an increase in dessert sales over the past year.

When Do Most Restaurant Dessert Sales Occur?

Half (50%) of restaurant dessert sales happen during dinner, while 15% of restaurant dessert sales are associated with snacking occasions.

The most popular desserts sold at restaurants are desserts that require little preparation or can be enjoyed on the go. Cookies are the most popular desserts sold at restaurants, accounting for the highest percentage of revenue and profit margins among all types of desserts.

There are several broad trends that are impacting the evolution of desserts and the state of the dessert business in 2024.

Nutrition and Diet-Specific Desserts

Woman eating a fruit parfait, healthy dessert

Does nutrition matter when it comes to dessert? Not so much, according to Datassential’s research. Nearly half (47%) of consumers reported that they don’t think about nutritional information related to desserts.

When it comes to selecting a dessert away from home, flavor is one of the top three considerations for more than 50% of consumers, more so than health and other factors that may impact other food choices.

However, Datassential also found that 80% of consumers are at least somewhat interested in mini desserts. In fact, the term “vegan” is the fastest-growing term on frozen dessert menus.

There’s also interest in diet-specific desserts, with 26% of consumers overall, 39% of Gen Z consumers, and 35% of millennial consumers interested in smaller dessert options.

If you’re looking for some delectable treats that meet your dietary needs, the following resources offer some excellent recipes and ideas:

Global Dessert Inspiration

Variety of traditional Indian desserts

There’s a growing interest in globally inspired desserts, especially frozen desserts from global cuisines. Several of these types of desserts—pot de crème, mochi, halwa, and churros—are among the 10 fastest-growing desserts on restaurant menus, according to Datasssential’s research.

According to elRestaurante, 41% of consumers are interested in these globally inspired desserts, and just 28% of restaurants have such options on their dessert menus. However, 38% of operators expressed interest in adding desserts from other cuisines to their menus.

Want to experience dessert flavors from around the world? Find some great recipes and ideas in the resources below:

Nostalgic Desserts

Children eating cotton candy

According to Datassential’s research, 57% of consumers are interested in nostalgic desserts. Gen Z consumers are especially interested in nostalgic desserts, with 62% say they love these old-school desserts.

Plastic Container City refers to this trend as “Newstalgia,” and describes it as blending classic flavors with unique, modern twists to create new and exciting combinations.

Generational preferences also impact the types of desserts consumers consider nostalgic. For example, Gen Z consumers prefer nostalgic flavors like cotton candy, sour apple, and Nutella, while for older generations, desserts like pineapple upside down cake, fruit cobbler, and cherries jubilee offer a sense of nostalgia.

If you want to enjoy a taste of the past, check out the following resources for some recipes and inspiration:

Fusion Cuisine

Fusion cuisine at a restaurant

Desserts are increasingly found as sweet and savory combinations or sweet and spicy combinations. Called “fusion cuisine,” this trend is appearing in baked goods with combinations like jalapeno cinnamon rolls and sriracha-glazed donuts, as well as sweet and savory pairings like salted caramel.

Find some inspiration for experimenting with the fusion cuisine trend in the following resources:

Street Food-Inspired Desserts

Man getting food from a food truck or street food vendor

Creative desserts inspired by street food are also on the rise. Think tacos filled with cheesecake or brownie burgers. These desserts are growing in popularity so much that—if you’re searching for ways to enjoy this unique twist on deliciousness—you’ll find numerous roundups of the most decadent street food-inspired desserts, such as:

The Top Trending Desserts & Emerging Trends

Nestlé Professional released a report highlighting the recent dessert trends. This report classifies the level of trend establishment in three categories:

  • Emergent: A dessert trend classified as Emergent has a “limited number of occurrences on social media” and “low prevalence in food service,” including both high-end and street food.
  • Gaining Momentum: A dessert trend classified as Gaining Momentum has moderate awareness, but it’s beginning to generate online buzz. There is some prevalence in independent restaurants, pop-ups, and street food.
  • Becoming Mainstream: A dessert trend classified as Becoming Mainstream has “strong awareness from food lovers” and is “prevalent in supermarkets as new launches in top-tier retail.” Desserts designated as Becoming Mainstream are also increasingly present in mainstream media and food magazines.

Let’s take a look at the top trending desserts, according to Nestlé Professional.

Becoming Mainstream Desserts

Tiramisu

  • Mousse: An aerated dessert, mousse is used extensively with various flavors. It’s found in quick-service restaurants (QSRs), full-service restaurants (FSRs), catering, and bakeries​.
  • Waffles: While waffles are certainly not a new food concept, they are evolving into an established dessert format. They’re now seen in variations like bubble waffles and hybrid formats such as croffles (croissant waffles) and puffles (puff pastry waffles). Waffles are found in cafes, FSRs, and QSRs​.
  • Tiramisu: Offering comfort with its classic coffee, cocoa, and mascarpone combination, tiramisu is appearing in new formats and flavors, including boozy variations. It’s found in cafes, bakeries, FSRs, and casual dining spots.
  • Crème brulée: An old-school dessert, crème brulée is being reinvented in inventive forms with fruits, spices, and regional ingredients. It’s found in cafes, bakeries, FSRs, and catering services​.

Gaining Momentum Desserts

Lemon meringue pie

  • French Toast: Now a gourmet choice, French toast is gaining momentum with creative creams, sauces, toppings, and different bread types. It’s found in cafes, bakeries, FSRs, and casual dining places.
  • Lemon Meringue Pie: This classic dessert is now being used in various formats like cheesecakes, milkshakes, and bakery goods, leading a new wave of citrus flavors​. It’s found in cafes, bakeries, FSRs, and catering.
  • Sandwiches: Enjoying a global surge in popularity, dessert sandwiches use baked goods like cookies, waffles, and donuts as carriers. Dessert sandwiches are gaining momentum in cafes, bakeries, and QSRs​.

Emergent Desserts

Mochi

  • Mochi: This glutinous rice ball has seen a global surge in popularity, with new forms like fried, toasted, and bruléed mochi emerging in cafes, catering services​, and even in CVS retail locations.
  • Soufflé Pancakes: Hailing from Japan, these light and airy pancakes made with egg whites and sugar are emerging as a must-have, especially in Asian cafes and dessert shops.
  • S’mores: This North American campfire snack is now being found in various formats like waffles, donuts, and cookies. You’ll find s’mores in cafes, bakeries, and kiosks​.
  • Banoffee Reinvented: Gaining popularity in Australia, the UK, and Brazil, this dessert is being reinvented with elements like dulce de leche and miso. It’s appearing in cafes, QSRs, FSRs, and CVS locations.
  • Croissant Wheel: Originating from a New York City bakery, this circular, highly-laminated croissant is an emerging trend, especially in the bakery hotspots of Australia, the UK, and Singapore.

Final Thoughts

Variety of desserts

The world of desserts is always evolving, with trends and eating habits influenced by various factors such as seasonality, current diet trends, innovations, and even the economy. The dessert business is here to stay, and there’s plenty of opportunity to experience exquisite flavor combinations as dessert businesses continue to create unique delicious treats.

State of the Dessert Business FAQs

What desserts are trending in 2024?

Mousse, waffles, tiramisu, and crème brulée are the top trending desserts. Other desserts are gaining popularity, such as French toast, lemon meringue pie, and dessert sandwiches. Street food-inspired desserts like chocolate ice cream tacos are also popular among consumers.

What are the dessert flavor trends?

There’s a trend towards globally inspired dessert flavors, as well as fusion cuisine, or the blending of sweet and savory or sweet and spicy flavors to create a unique flavor experience.  Additionally, nostalgic dessert flavors are currently popular, although what desserts are considered nostalgic differs between generations.

What dessert do people eat the most?

There are numerous desserts that have become staples in the dessert industry due to their popularity. Chocolate chip cookies, apple pie, ice cream, and chocolates are among the desserts people eat the most.

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