Trend Alert: Whimsical Ingredients

Who said playing with your food was only for kids? These days, adults, and specifically Millennials, are seeking out fun, whimsical options for food and beverages. It all started with the unicorn latte. And it’s gotten even crazier since. Bright colors, glitter, and new sensory experiences have been on the rise in foodservice and retail. Let’s face it: consumers look to food for stress relief. By incorporating whimsical ingredients into your product lineup, you can offer consumers a unique experience that brightens their day and provides escape.

First, let’s break down what’s driving this trend. Millennials and now Gen Zers are constantly seeking out what’s new and what’s next. They expect their food to not only taste great, but to also deliver an experience and look good on Instagram. For that reason, foods and beverages with bright colors have been trending. Vibrant colors featured in a usually non-colorful product is a great way to grab consumers’ attention. Think rainbow pancake stacks and hot pink lattes. Not only does color elevate these products by delivering something unexpected, but they’re also social media shareworthy. Read more about the bright color trend here.

Beyond color, edible glitters and edible gold can also add visual appeal, while offering an expected sensory experience. There’s nothing like a little shimmer to get consumers attention. These kinds of ingredients add some unexpected flair to everyday food and beverage products. There really are no limits here either. Add some edible glitter to an existing product as an LTO to shake things up with traditional product. Or, combine edible glitter with a bright color and/or whimsical flavor for a showstopper that will drive sales and social media shares.

When it comes to out-of-this-world sensory experiences, look to unique ingredients like popping rocks. Consumers are seeking out interesting textures, as they continue to grow less interested in what’s ordinary. Popping rocks add some whimsy and fun, but they also deliver on nostalgic appeal too. Add them to a fun kid-friendly flavor like Blue Raspberry for an exciting product that consumers of all ages can enjoy. Or, feature them a sparkling or carbonated flavor profile, like Strawberry Champagne or Root Beer Float, to really drive home the flavor. Not only that, but these ingredients allow consumers to become immersed in the flavor experience.

Getting creative with ingredients is where it’s at as consumers look for fun, innovative products. That’s why we introduced our Limited Edition Sweet Dreams Collection. Learn more about this special collection that offers fantasy-inspired ingredients here.

Need help navigating ingredient challenges?  Contact us to see how we can help you make something special. And check out Food Technologist Brian Duffy’s blog about working with these ingredients from a technical perspective.