What’s the Deal with Dairy Trends?

It’s time to take dairy to the next level! Of all categories, dairy, in particular, is positioned perfectly for something new and exciting. After years of minimal movement in terms of demand for new innovations, the dairy category is finally starting to see some shifts, with new trends emerging and consumers expressing interest in innovative, new products. Consumers are all about experiencing familiar favorites in unexpected ways, expecting brands to offer them modern, reimagined versions of products that have long been mainstays in their diets.

There is a general sense of restlessness among consumers, likely being driven by the various social, economic, and political issues that continue to impact daily life. This has impacted the food industry in many ways, including the expectations that consumers have for brands in terms of innovation. They want to be introduced to new things – all the time. For the dairy category, that’s meant that emerging trends have been taking hold faster than usual. As consumers continue to expect brands to push the limits with innovation, they’ll be on the lookout for dairy products that offer something different. Keep reading for our experts’ takes on how dairy brands can innovate with the latest trends.

Getting Inspired by Trending Ingredients & Cuisines

What flavors are consumers going to get excited to see in dairy products? The simple answer is: ones that they’ve never seen in dairy before. The dairy category tends to lag behind other categories in terms of the adoption of trending flavors, so looking to the latest trends for inspiration is a good place to start when it comes to flavor innovation.

For cheese, dips, and other savory dairy products, the flavors of exotic peppers, global inspired flavors, and the flavors of sophisticated ingredients are going to be where it’s at. Peppers that are less familiar to consumers have been catching on in other categories, as consumers have become bored of jalapeno and habanero. Consider featuring poblano, serrano, and shishito peppers in savory dairy products.

Global inspired flavors are known for generating significant buzz with consumers, especially given how adventurous and interested in global exploration they’ve become in recent years. Look to the flavors of trending regions, like Southeast Asia and Northern Africa, for flavor inspiration. And lastly, sophisticated ingredients like truffles have caught on with consumers who are looking to enjoy upscale experiences from the comfort of their homes. Incorporate these flavors into cheese and dip products to give these consumers something to get excited about.

When it comes to sweet dairy products, like ice cream, yogurt, and milkshakes, seasonal offerings are going to be key for grabbing consumers’ attention. LTOs have become increasingly popular with consumers who are growing tired of more of the same. Limited time offerings are perfect for building anticipation around particular seasons and holidays, while also showcasing innovative new flavor possibilities. Dairy brands should consider looking to seasonal produce, like watermelon in the summertime and apples in the fall, for flavor inspiration. Seasonal beverages are also ideal for inspiring new and exciting dairy-based LTOs.

Finding Inspiration in Butter Boards

Unsurprisingly, inflation has become one of the biggest drivers of trends recently. The way that it has been influencing dairy trends has been slightly different than what we’ve been seeing in some other categories, however. For example, plant-based products in other categories have begun to struggle, finally slowing down after years of unprecedented growth. As consumers have grown more mindful of their budgets amidst inflation, premium priced plant-based products, like meat substitutes, have been on the chopping block. Plant-based dairy alternatives, however, have not, still garnering significant amounts of consumer interest.

As consumers of all ages continue to gravitate towards plant-based dairy alternatives, brands should consider how they can make these products stand out. Offering unique, unexpected flavors that help mask the aftertastes that sometimes come along with plant-based products can also help consumers who might be hesitant to try these products to have an open mind.

Another way inflation is influencing the dairy market? Consumers are cutting back on eating at foodservice establishments, gravitating more toward cooking at home to save money. They’re looking to dairy-based ingredients to get inspired for their at-home cooking creations. Dairy brands can differentiate themselves by positioning their products as solutions for saving time, saving money, and getting creative with cooking at home.

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