It makes everything better. In fact, it may just be the most important meal of the day. Forget breakfast. We’re talking about desserts. It’s no secret that consumers have a sweet tooth, making dessert a key source of inspiration for craveable flavors. But the same old, same old chocolate cakes and lemon meringues just don’t cut it anymore. When it comes to dessert, it’s time to think outside of the box – and the country. With globally inspired foods and flavors growing increasingly in demand, there’s a major opportunity to bring exciting international desserts stateside, in a variety of formats. From offering them as-is or translating them into flavors for snacks, dairy, and more, the opportunities are seemingly endless. Get ready to be inspired by these trendy global desserts!
Mediterranean & Middle East
Baklava – Hailing from Turkey, baklava features nuts and a sweet syrup layered between phyllo. With foods and flavors from the Middle East on the rise, and nuts trending for their potential health benefits, baklava – and baklava inspired flavors – are sure to be a hit with consumers.
Basbousa – Popular throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East, basbousa is a delicate sweet cake that often features orange blossom water and lemon. Because it is highly customizable – some variations include coconut or nuts – there are numerous possibilities to bring basbousa to the mainstream.
Asia
Mochi – Mochi isn’t just a dessert; it’s a tradition. In Japan, this sweet bite-sized dessert made from rice and stuffed with ice cream is often served on important holidays. There are so many delicious – and colorful – flavor options for mochi, consumers will never get bored of it.
Gulab Jamun – The first word that comes to mind when we think of this Indian specialty: decadent. Fried balls of dough are soaked in a sweet syrup for a deliciously indulgent dessert.
South America
Brigadeiros – Reminiscent of a truffle, this fudgy Brazilian dessert will appeal to adventurous and not-so-adventurous consumers alike. Look to the rich chocolatey taste of brigadeiros for endless inspiration.
Chaja Cake – Where has this dessert been all of our lives? Originating in Uruguay, this yummy cake puts peaches in the spotlight. Consumers will be obsessed with this fruity and delicious global take on a classic cake.
Africa
Koeksister – We’ve never met a doughnut that we haven’t liked, but the koeksister stands out as one that we love. This South African braided donut has a crispy crust and sweet flavor – something consumers of all ages can appreciate.
Meskouta – This one takes the cake! Moroccan meskouta is an orange cake, bursting with bright citrusy flavor! With African cuisine and citrus flavors trending recently, consumers won’t be able to get enough of this instant favorite.
Europe
Clafoutis – Why have pie when you can have clafoutis? Pronounced cla-foo-tee, this French dessert features a tart-like crust that has a similar consistency to a pancake, filled with fruit and topped with powdered sugar. Can you say obsessed?
Bavarian Cream – A German classic, this custard is sweet and overwhelmingly delicious. Its richness and silky smooth consistency will easily win over consumers.
Getting inspired by global? Our R&D team can help you create a custom seasoning, inspired by beloved global desserts. Contact us today to bring your vision to life!
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