HORECA

Top food
trends
by Chocolate Academy™

The ultimate food guide to please

customers with the hottest food trends

Date of release July 2021

 The Chocolate AcademyTM is here to boost your menu with the key food
trends of this year. To help you create trendy recipes consumers will crave
for, we’ve analysed the main food trends on the market. What types of food
are popular right now, and why? With our six macro food trends, you’ll get the
inspiration you need to create the ultimate menu. Sunshine on your plates
and in your customers’ stomachs and hearts, that’s what we’re after!

The changing demands of guests

Some cannot wait to visit their favourite The past months, they’ve worked hard
restaurant again and try new carefully to meet the new consumption patterns

Life never
composed dishes, while others are looking
for extraordinary experiences at even
more extraordinary locations. Customers
want to explore, to indulge themselves,
of customers. Digital menus, touch-free
payments and automatic hand sanitizers
are installed to provide peace of mind
for safety-conscious consumers. What’s

felt so
relax and enjoy with their partner,
friends or family. Often, a restaurant is
the preferred location to enjoy and bond
with loved ones. It’s the ultimate place for
sensation and astonishment. And that’s
more, chefs have been busy with creating
new flavours and textural complexity,
searching for new, healthy ingredients or
rethinking food plating as it stimulates
the appetite before the first bite.

good
what they will get! Chefs, sommeliers,
waiters, … – the whole staff! – are full of
expectation to welcome guests again.

What has changed,

is changing & will change
Some guests are looking for extraordinary experiences, while
Fi-na-lly we can meet our friends and family again, enjoy a good glass
others can’t wait to try new carefully composed dishes.
of wine at our favourite café and have dinner at fancy restaurants.
Digital menus, touch-free payments, hand sanitizers, … The food industry
Life never felt this good! But it’s no secret that restaurants, bars,
is working hard to meet the new consumption patterns of customers.
hotels, cafes and brasseries have struggled the past year.
New flavours, textural complexity, new and healthy

From lockdown measures that forced many to close their doors, to ingredients, … will conquer every plate this year.

employee management and opportunities such as take away or food

vending machines. As restrictions finally begin to ease, the catering
sector can gradually reopen across Europe, a relief for all of us.
 EARTHY
BROWN
TRAIL MIX • NUTS & SEEDS ,
SPICES & ROOTS

Whole grains and oats, nuts & seeds and

trail mixes contain important proteins, fibres,
antioxidants and minerals, and all directly or
indirectly refer to the earth or its earthy tones.
Also spices and roots are part of the macro trend
Earthy Brown, as they’re nature’s finest on a plate.

The six food

trends of
this year
We’ve classified the hottest and most relevant food trends
of the moment into six different categories to help you
navigate better through the report and get inspired.
MELLOW
YELLOW
CITRUS • TROPICAL FRUITS
What’s the most energetic colour of all
colours? Yellow of course! Happiness and
laughter are associated with yellow. It’s
no surprise citrus and several tropical
fruits add sunshine to every dish
and are the star in sweet recipes.
HEALTHY
GREEN
PLANT-BASED, VEGAN • FRESH
FLAVOURS • GREEN FRUITS
Green symbolises nature, freshness and renewal.
Plant-based and vegan products are moving from
trend to food revolution status and include a healthy,
green lifestyle. Cool, minty flavours and fresh green
fruits such as apple or cucumber will also continue
trending this year, as they have their own kind of kick.

HOT MAGIC SWEET

RED
SPICY FLAVOURS
The most passionate colour of them
all, with a hint of aggressiveness, is red.
Heat and depth are what customers are
looking for, and flaming red peppers or
chile sauce are exactly what you need!
PURPLE CARAMEL
All set to create
the most
BERRIES • FLORAL FLAVOURS NOSTALGIA • CHOCOLATE MANIA
flavoursome
recipes
Mystery, magic and stimulation for the After a stressful 2020, people have turned to food as based on the
hottest food
body and mind. Berries, floral ingredients a means of comfort, wellbeing and community more
and the colours purple and pink all have than ever. The colour caramel refers to sweetness
these characteristics in common and are and nostalgia. Cookie dough, caramel, vanilla, trends?
a rising trend in the culinary landscape. brownies, honey and chocolate take us back to our
grandparents’ place, where love and comfort abound.
earthy
TRAIL MIX
DELICIOUS, ALL-DAY ENERGY

During the pandemic, an increase in snacking was observed in the behaviour of

brown
people.3 This is where trail mixes come into play, offering a balance between nutrition
and reward. They are an easy way to avoid junk calories and unnecessary sugars
while tailoring the nutrient ratio to fit your needs and tastes. Nuts, peanuts, dried
fruits, chocolate, granola, … are the core ingredients of a trail mix. Are your customers
going out for a casual all-day hike? Prepare a trail mix with more protein and fat. A
faster, more intense workout on the programme? Then they’ll need more carbs!

The global trail mix

market is projected
to grow at a CAGR of

during the forecast

period (2020-2025)1

1 in 3 trail mix consumers

say their household
is purchasing more
compared to a year ago2

1
Mordor Intelligence, Trail Mix Market – Growth, Trends, Covid-19 Impact and Forecasts (2021-2026)
2
Euromonitor, Nuts, Seeds and Trail Mix Report, UX, Dec 2020
3
Thinking Hats Consumer insights LLP, Snacking Behaviour during COVID-19
 01.

02.

earthy
brown
03. THESE ARE THE 5 MOST POPULAR
NUTS AND SEEDS IN THE WORLD6
04. 01. MACADAMIA
Macadamia nuts have a high oil content and are
consumed raw or roasted over hot coals. They’re native
to Australia, but known (and eaten) in the whole world.

02. GINNAN
Ginnan, or Japanese ginkgo seeds, have a soft
and sticky texture, and a slightly bitter flavour.

NUTS & SEEDS In the last years, the

03. BRAZIL NUT
Despite their name, the most important exporter
of Brazil nuts is Bolivia! With its numerous health

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES amount of nut-based benefits, the nut is considered a superfood.

vegan drinks, desserts 04. PISTACHIOS

As the trend of healthy snacking and the love for desserts
Fystiki Aeginas is the most famous Greek pistachio,
continues, nuts and seeds are often included in savoury and frozen desserts
traditionally cultivated on the island of Aegina. These
05.
snacks and are considered superfoods. Bars, packaged launches has pistachios are loved for their famous aroma and taste.
single-variety nuts and seeds, nuts and seed mixes, … The 4
05. ALMONDS
possibilities are endless! People use cardamom seeds Marcona almonds are believed to be an excellent
and pods in curries, desserts, and meat dishes, as well source of beneficial oils and are available
as in beverages, such as coffee and chai tea nowadays. in blanched, fried or roasted versions.

Also hazelnuts and almonds are ready for a bigger

role in food and beverages. Hazelnut or almond milk,
hazelnut spread, hazelnut- or almond-flavoured coffee
Almonds continue to be the
and chocolate bars with hazelnuts and almonds are even
n°1 ingredient in global new
trending! The health halo, higher profile and growing
popularity are all important assets for the industry. products and are considered
the favourite ingredient
4
Food Ingredients First, Beyond the Mediterranean
in chocolate products by
Mordor Intelligence, Trail Mix Market – Growth, Trends, Covid-19 Impact and Forecasts (2021-2026)
global consumers5
5

6
Taste Atlas, Top 10 Most Popular Nuts and Seeds in the world, 2021
earthy
brown 1 in 2 European consumers

SPICES & ROOTS are interested in seeing

more products with
Chef’s tip!
‘ROOTING’ FOR YOU more herbs and spices7 Cocktails or mocktails are the perfect
Consumers are craving new experiences and their palates are summer refreshment after a long day
now awakening to more adventurous flavour profiles. That’s
Ginger is in the at work! Be experimental with your
why more consumers will be pursuing global seasonings this
year, including different sorts of spices and roots. The vibrant summer cocktails and add a pure
spice turmeric, for example, is definitely finding its way into the
western kitchen. Turmeric vanilla lattes, savoury roasted carrots
shot of ginger juice to punch your
with turmeric and cumin, … The spice’s presence will definitely drinks up. Cut up a pound or so of
grow in the coming years, gaining popularity in sweet and
preferred by ginger, add to your food processor or
savoury applications, as it is believed to support digestion.
consumers while
blender, and add just enough water
drinking carbonates6
Also ginger root or ginger is widely used as a spice and folk to cover the blades. You can try out a
medicine. Even though the spice is extremely popular today,
ginger margarita or a ginger whiskey
being used in drinks and desserts, the global ginger processing
market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.40% during 2021- sour, for example!
20269. And let’s not forget about cinnamon! It has been our
favourite household spice for ages and has been used around 6
Taste Atlas, Top 10 Most Popular Nuts and Seeds in the world, 2021

the world for centuries. A warming spice that’s used in both Kerry, 2021 Taste Trends Europe & Russia
7

8
Ibid
sweet and savoury dishes, cinnamon is a kitchen essential. 9
Business Wire, Ginger Processing Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026
10
Food & Wine, How Ginger Juice Can Punch Up Your Summer Cocktails
 EASY PEASY LEMON SQUEEZY!

mellow
After a crazy and life-changing 2020, people will continue to focus on holistic
health and wellness this year. They are trying to live a happy and healthy life where
taste and health go hand in hand. As citrus fruits are recognised as important
components in human healthy life, it’s not surprising that trending foods, desserts
and beverages will feature bold citrus flavours. Citrus fruits naturally possess

yellow
vitamin C and are also associated with immune function support. Refreshing citrus
flavours also signal feelings of happiness, mental clarity and increased energy.17

YUZU, A CITRUS FRUIT BELOVED BY MANY CHEFS

Are ‘yuzu’ ready to try something new? An exotic citrus that

should be on your radar is yuzu. Incredibly fragrant, tart and

CITRUS
The global Citrus Flavours super sour, the funny-looking yellow fruit is mainly cultivated
of consumers prefer market was valued at USD in Japan, Korea and China. The so-called wonderfruit is
7361.8 in 2020 and will reach
citrus flavours to lift a key ingredient in Japanese cuisine and is hardly eaten
A YEAR FULL OF CITRUS USD 9697.6 million by the end
their spirits and make alone, but rather used as seasoning. It’s available as tea,
Lemons, oranges, lime, yuzu, clementine, of 2027, growing at a CAGR
them feel happy 14 spice, juice or as soft drink. Recently, yuzu is accelerating
grapefruit, … There are over 100 different of 4.7% during 2022-202716
enormously in its representation on social media. The
varieties of citrus fruits! Citrus fruits do Firmenich Human Insights survey18 even crowned yuzu
some heavy hauling for three of the five (together with ginger) as flavour of the year 2021 as the
main flavours. Some of these brilliant and
The use of yuzu has inviting yellow fruit is a symbol of renewed hope. Sweet,
fragrant fruits, oranges for example, are floral and tart, the fruit is ready to conquer your plates.
sweet when you peel their skin. Others, such
as lemons, are seriously sour, excellent for
intensifying the flavour in recipes. Lime, over the past five years15
for example, stands out for its bitterness.
Chef’s tip!
*in new product developments

Clementines pair amazingly with salty or creamy

cheeses.19 Feta, mascarpone, ricotta, goat cheese, …

14
Food Ingredients First, Firmenich unveils citrus oils range delivering freshness and authenticity The sweet acidity of the fruit is well balanced out by
15
Firmenich, Flavor of the Year 2021
16
Food Business News, Flavor trends go fruity and functional for 2021
the fatty richness of the cheese. Moreover, the unlike
17
Food Ingredients First, Tailored for health: ADM pins citrus and exotic flavors to star in 2021

Food Ingredients First, Firmenich crowns ginger and yuzu flavors of the year for 2021
combo looks stunning on a cheese platter!
18

19
Kitchn, 10 Things to pair with clementines for a winning snack
mellow Consumers will
be more

yellow
with their food and
beverage choices20

Mango consumption in
the US is estimated to

TROPICAL FRUITS THE KING OF FRUIT

in the next 10 years. Mango also
Mango, pineapple, coconut, passionfruit, star fruit,
has become a “fashionable
fruit” and is “highly valued”* 21 pomegranate, etc. are some of the best tropical
fruits. They are found in various parts of the world
LET’S GO ON AN ADVENTURE! *By consumers in North America
and apart from being enjoyed as fresh fruits, they
With this past year setting back many people’s are often used by natives to cure ailments. What’s
plans, consumers are in search of new experiences, There’s a more, they also form an important part of local
and crave for more adventurous and exotic culture. In India for example (and in other countries
flavours. It’s predicted that there will be bursts of abounding in coconut), almost every part of the
exuberance because people want to make up for for passionfruit, coconut and the coconut tree is used. The fruit, the
lost time, lost holidays and lost eating experiences. guava and dragon nut, the shell and the leaves all serve their purpose.
More than ever, your guests will be looking for fruit in beverages22
subtlety and complexity in flavours and want
But the fruit that will bring the tropics to your
their dishes more sophisticated than ever.
customers is mango. As it is known as one of the
most delicious and nutrient-dense fruits, mango is
often called the king of fruit. The on-trend tropical
fruit has been cultivated for ages in South Asia
20
Dairy Processing, Post-pandemic flavor trends to watch and is ready to conquer your menu in appetizers,
21
InfoAgro.com, Mango consumption in the US is estimated to double in the next 10 years
salads, drinks and desserts. Mangolicious!23
22
Beverage Industry, Domestic, exotic fruit flavours create tastes that ‘travel’
23
Rajan S. (2021) Mango: The King of Fruits. In: Kole C. (eds) The Mango Genome. Compendium of Plant Genomes. Springer, Cham.
 In addition to meeting their wellness standards, the brands and products they support must be
responsibly sourced as well. Transparent supply chains and sustainability initiatives are a must.
These consumers look to balance their personal wellness with the wellness of others and
the planet. They do not want to make choices that prioritize their wellness at the expense of

healthy
others. In general, conscious vegan or dairy-free consumers are looking for 4 key aspects.27

1. Environment
Animal welfare and a lesser climate impact are the key environmental issues that consumers relate
to. For example, they take a stand against animal exploitation and look to lower their carbon footprint

green
by avoiding products of animal origin.
2. Health & Nutrition
Nutrition is a critical part of health and development. A healthy diet throughout life supports normal
grown and helps to maintain a healthy body weight. Milk and yoghurt do have high levels of protein,
but there are plenty of other non-dairy sources to choose from. Soybeans for example, contain all the
amino acids necessary for human nutrition. Together with almond milk, coconut milk, etc. they’re a
perfect alternative for dairy products.
87% of consumers 3. Affordability

PLANT-BASED,
expect companies Plant proteins such as pulses, nuts and soy, can offer a cheaper, more affordable protein alternative
to invest in to meat and dairy.

VEGAN
24 4. Taste exploration
The adventurous consumer can explore new ingredients or
different formats. A whole new world of possibilities!

A HOLISTIC LIFESTYLE ZERO WASTE

Brands and products that
Millennials (born from 1980 to the mid-1990s) and In 2020, 53% would Reusable straws, zero-waste toothpaste, reusable can bring together these
Centennials (born in late 1990s and early 2000s) are consider
bags, … Packaging free, and safe zero waste factors will fall in good
two generations that embody the idea of holistic solutions are finding their way into the mainstream favour of Millennial and
living to the fullest. They are looking for products they nowadays. And of course, our chocolates and cacao Centennial consumers.
consider to be healthy and feel good about buying. alternatives because
products are committed to bring their share.
they’re considered
They vote with their wallets, looking for products that healthier 26 Cacao Barry™ WholeFruit Chocolate, for example, is
align with their wellness goals but also with their desire
different from normal chocolate as it has a unique sensory
to do right by the planet and those around them.
and nutritional profile. Moreover, it is the most impactful
chocolate since it valorizes a fruit that used to be largely
47% of consumers discarded as waste. Normally, 70% of the cacao fruit is
say they consume discarded as waste. Today 70% of the cacao fruit goes to
24
Innova Market Insights, Consumer Survey 2019 waste with only the beans being used to produce chocolate.
25
Dairy Processing, Post-pandemic flavor trends to watch
26
Ibid
WholeFruit upcycles 25% more of the cacao fruit as its
27
Barry Callebaut, Everything you ever wanted to know about the vegan, plant-based and dairy-free
alternatives at least sugars come from the excess pulp that is usually discarded,
28
Barry Callebaut, New WholeFruit Chocolate
once a week 25 offering farmers an additional revenue stream28.
healthy REFRESHING FLAVOURS

green
We all know koala bears are fond of eucalyptus
leaves, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This year,
eucalyptus will also make its way into your customers’
diet. For example, it contributes a cooling element
to seltzers, premium coffee, juice drinks, and more.
Eucalyptus leaves also bring an unusual freshness
to desserts. It transforms conventional combinations
Flavours that into something out of the box. But be careful, because
there’s a fine line between delicious and disastrous!

FRESH FLAVOURS
are a trending On the other hand, mint, peppermint, spearmint

movement in 2021 29 and other minty flavours have their own kind of kick.
Fresh mint, for example, is great to have on hand and
ICE ICE, BABY!
adds an extra dimension to dishes. With its clean,
The fresh, cooling rush from a mint refreshing taste and cooling effect, mint is a welcome
gum is what people long for when addition to sweet and spicy dishes and drinks.
it’s hot hot hot outside. A cooling
element in dishes is said to be
helps improvement
trending, as it offers awakening and
refreshing attributes for a boost
in memory, increased Chef’s tip!
alertness and
of energy many customers are
decreased levels Did you know that it’s common practice for fishermen
looking for after the pandemic.31
of frustration30
in Portugal to put a eucalyptus leaf dipped in sea

water over the charcoal fire when smoking fish?32 The

eucalyptus imparts a rich smoky flavour to the fresh

catch. Try this at your restaurant or brasserie when

29
Nutritional Outlook, 2021 Flavor Trends for Food and Beverage
30
Healable, Is Mint Good or Bad?
grilling fish, meat or vegetables!
31
Nutritional Outlook, 2021 Flavor Trends for Food and Beverage
32
Our Every Day Life, The Culinary Uses of the Eucalyptus Leaf
healthy
green
GREEN FRUITS
GREEN LOVE
An apple a day, keeps the doctor away! We all
know fruits and vegetables are nature’s candy,
containing important vitamins and nutrients.
Let’s not forget about cucumbers for example
­– yes, they are a fruit! – easy to add to recipes,
low in calories and high in nutrients. No wonder
they’ll conquer the food market this year!
33
MarketBites by Givaudan, Summer Flavor: Watermelon
34
Love my Salad, Cucumber Fun Facts
Watermelon is on 13%
of US menus with a
growth in the WATERMELON SUGAR HIGH!
last 4 years33
Whenever someone says ‘watermelon’, the popular song
of Harry Styles pops up in every Millennial’s mind. And the
British singer is right, is there anything that screams ‘pure
Cucumbers contain happiness’ more than slicing open a fresh watermelon?!
most of the The green fruit is sweet, while being simultaneously intense
and subtle, yet a little sour. Furthermore, eating watermelon
is an excellent way to stay hydrated in the heat, as the
you need every day34 fruit exists more than 90% out of water. Watermelon is also
part of a healthy diet and a fit for a growing emphasis on
(Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium,
Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc)
immunity in menu development, with vitamins C and A.
hot
red HEATH AND DEPTH OF FLAVOUR

We all know the jalapeño pepper, originating in Mexico

but grown worldwide for its popular flavour and mild heat.
Jalapeños aren’t super-hot in comparison to hotter peppers
like cayenne peppers or ghost peppers, which don’t find

SPICY FLAVOURS of consumers aged

their way into normal grocery stores. Jalapeños are the
most common peppers to keep it hot in the kitchen and
are beloved for their versatility. Also, the interest in other
18-34 prefer very
chili types, such as aji amarillo, guajillo, habanero and
spicy foods36
poblano is growing, as they add heat and depth of flavour.38
LET’S SPICE THINGS UP!

With the heightened interest in spicy food

and pepper types, the heat will definitely rise
this year. As consumers were forced to stay
at home without even the most mundane
travel, they’re desperate to try something new. Chilis have more
Consumers are willing to experiment with new, Vitamin C (242mg per
extraordinary flavours. Even the most familiar 100g) than oranges Chef’s tip!
flavours are getting a makeover! For example, (53mg per 100g)35
several brands transformed their vanilla with Spicy food really does keep you cooler in the summer! It
cherry, cinnamon or chili to spice things up. 37 seems counterproductive to eat salsa while baking in the

sun, but spicy foods excite the receptors in the skin that

35
Chillibom, 66 Fascinating facts about hot sauce and chilli
normally respond to heat. The result? Sweat. The evaporation
36
Ibid
37
Nutritional Outlook, 2021 Flavor trends for food and beverage of sweat removes the heat from our bodies.39
38
Ibid
39
Quartz, Spicy food really does keep you cooler in the summer
magic
purple
The popularity of
berries is expected to

this year40

5 REASONS WHY BERRIES ARE ONE OF THE HEALTHIEST FOODS ON EARTH42

Blueberries primarily

BERRIES consist of 14% carbs,

84% water, and
1. Loaded with antioxidants
Berries are often called the crown jewels of summer because they deliver
small amounts of antioxidants such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid and resveratrol that help fight
Superfoods come and go, but the classic blueberry
protein and fat41 disease. Next to pomegranates, it is said that blueberries, blackberries and raspberries
is here to stay. Your customers love them ‘berry’
have the highest antioxidant activity of commonly consumed fruits!
much, that’s for sure. They add colour to your
desserts and possess sweet and tart characteristics. 2. High in fibre
What’s more, berries are accessible for the whole Different sorts of berries are a good sort of fibre. They reduce
family as they can be used to make birthday hunger and increased feelings of fullness.
cakes, coulis, jams, popsicles, … But did you know
3. Extremely nutritious
they’re among the healthiest foods on earth?
Another reason why berries are among the healthiest fruits on earth, is that they are low
in calories and extremely nutritious. Berries, especially strawberries, are high in vitamin
C. In fact, 1 cup (150 grams) of strawberries provides 150% of the RDI for vitamin C!43

4. Strong anti-inflammatory properties

Inflammation is your body’s defence against infection or injury. The
Food Ingredients First, Trending naturality: Citrus, berries and flavors for meat alternatives thrive amid COVID-19 pressures
antioxidants in berries may help lower inflammatory markers.
24

25
Healthline, Blueberries 101, Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

Healthline, 11 Reasons Why Berries Are Among the Healthiest Foods on Earth
5. Heart-healthy food
26

27
NutritionData, raw nutrition facts & calories

Berries may help you lower your cholesterol levels and are thus heart-healthy food.
 Purple passion

magic
Floral flavours such as sakura or cherry blossom, hibiscus
and lavender are expected to play a key role in the coming
year. As said before, the pandemic made consumers pay
more attention to health and wellness. And there’s no sign the
hype will slow down soon. Floral tonalities offer an aromatic
Over the past 5 years,
escape and culinary inspiration such as colour and texture

purple
hibiscus has been
to certain flavours. Today, flowers already play a starring role
showing growth around
in many restaurant’s signature dishes . Lilac, violet, lavender,
the globe with a
geranium, orchid, etc., and the ever-popular hibiscus are
used in many fancy cocktails or as edible decoration.

increase in new
Sakura fever
products since 201445
Did you know Starbucks Japan releases a limited-time
and extremely popular pink cherry blossom frappuccino
Food & Beverage
every year? In Japan, the entire city gets ‘sakura fever’
launches with a

FLORAL
once the first blossoms begin to form. Cherry blossom
floral flavour have
decorations, a cup of sakura tea, … Chances are high

FLAVOURS
that the trend of sakura flavoured food and beverages
will also explode in Western Europe soon! Who doesn’t
love the beautiful pink cherry blossoms with their subtle
in the last five years44
sweet taste? Straight out of a fairy tale and excellent in
cocktails, we’re ready to sip gently in the summer breeze.

Chef’s tip!
After coconut water or matcha, hibiscus water is the

newest beverage trend capturing attention! Fill a pot

with water and add two cups of dried hibiscus flowers.

Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat and let the

44
Food Ingredients First, Yuzu, cherry blossom and dill pickle among top tastes for 2021, says Beck Flavors water cool. Run it through a strainer, and store the
45
Fona International, Flavor Insights: Hibiscus
46
Food Ingredients First, Stepping into spring: Increased “blossom appeal” in flavor NPD, while hibiscus and elderflower reign supreme water in the fridge. Don’t forget to serve with ice!
 CHILDHOOD FAVOURITES

sweet
Especially flavours and ingredients from our childhood
seem to be skyrocketing, a trend that has been
happening for years. They offer some form of escapism
and remind us of heart-warming and mouth-watering

caramel
dishes and flavour profiles. Birthday cakes, cotton
candy, caramel, peanut butter, … are expected to be
a long-lasting trend, often with a modern twist!49

Sentimentality is most common in older generations, as

the tendency to look back at the past with rose-tinted
glasses grows over time. Consumers can introduce the
foods they loved in their childhood to their own children,

NOSTALGIA
sharing memories and connecting with each other. Whilst
of global consumers
the ageing population is fuelling this trend, all consumer
like moments of
groups can experience this phenomenon. For example, as
indulgence where
Gen Z consumers are making the difficult transition from
they pay no attention
teen to adult, they often return to candy that reminds them
THE RENAISSANCE OF NOSTALGIC FLAVOURS
to nutritional intake48
of being a kid, to escape from the pressures of growing up.
With the current social climate, the need for
comfort has taken a whole new meaning. Some More than
customers are desperate for something new and
exotic, while others turn to more recognisable
flavours. When locked down, they favoured familiar
consumers agree
tastes, flavours and ingredients. And why not? The
that they like flavours
nostalgia factor of familiar recipes helps us cope
reminiscent of their
with stress and unexpected situations. In times of
past childhood47
stress, they provide us the much-needed comfort.
Chef’s tip!
Spicy food really does keep you cooler in the summer!
You can incorporate caramel into refreshing summer
It seems counterproductive to eat salsa while baking in
desserts.
the sun, A delicious
but spicy caramel
foods excite sauce with
the receptors vanilla
in the skin ice
that normally respond to heat. The result? Sweat. The
cream, for example, is oh-so-easy and flavourful!
47
Nutritional Outlook, 2021 Flavor trends for food and beverage
evaporation of sweat removes the heat from our bodies.39
48
Ibid
49
Ibid
sweet
caramel Indulgent moments
Since COVID-19, comfort food
has become more important to
consumers. Confectionery can
support emotional well-being
Chocolates I trust
Around the world, cocoa is in the
spotlight from a sustainability
perspective. More chocolate
lovers want to make sure they
With a 33 billion euros now, and in ‘the next normal’. can indulge in their favorite

CHOCOLATE turnover and 2.8%

forecasted CAGR on
Whether consumers are seeking
comfort, finding moments
treat without harming the
planet & its people. They

MANIA
the 2020-25 period in to celebrate, or looking for also value provenance and
Western Europe, Chocolate ways to escape the ordinary, craftsmanship of chocolate,
confectionery is a steady chocolate has a role to play. because it communicates
growing category.51 quality they can trust..
Treats are an important aspect of
emotional well-being. Turning to Over the next 5 years, Good for me Taking new forms
chocolate for a moment of escape is part the global chocolate We still want our chocolate The shift to at home occasions
of that. Whether consumers are seeking market is forecast to confections and snacks to be is reshaping and accelerating
comfort, finding moments to celebrate, or grow sales on average treats, but consumers also want change in consumer behaviour.
looking for ways to escape the ordinary, healthier options. An increasing Chocolate remains a top

chocolate has a role to play in those number of consumers are flavour in treating, which led
following eating lifestyles that to manufacturers and brands
occasions. Consumers are looking for. 50

have specialised needs, or taking cocoa into new formats

each year50 seek extra goodness infused
in their chocolate. These
‘better-for-me’ alternatives
are expected to accelerate,
as health and wellbeing have
become top priorities.
and categories to meet this
new demand. As a result,
chocolate categories continue
to mutate and borders blur,
while snacking and gifting are
going through a little revolution.

50
Barry Callebaut, Discover the Top Chocolate Trends 2021 in Europe
51
Ibid
52
Barry Callebaut, Discover the Top Chocolate Trends 2021 in Europe
 EARTHY
BROWN
Culture Freaks
Feed My Brain

Explore how
to bring the DISCOVER

hottest food
RECIPE

trends to life MELLOW HEALTHY

Leverage the learnings of this Food Trends report
YELLOW GREEN
to create trendy recipes, incorporating appealing, Beach Lovers All Inclusive Fans
consumer-driven ingredients. To give you a
Citrus Wave Some Like It Frappé
helping hand, the Chocolate AcademyTM Chefs
Dries Delanghe and Francisco Moreira created
these six desserts that feature the six macro
food trends of this year. Discover them now!

DISCOVER DISCOVER
RECIPE RECIPE

HOT MAGIC SWEET All set to create

RED PURPLE CARAMEL the most
Curious Globetrotters Cool Clubbers Brave DIYers flavoursome
Exotic Burrito Ruby-Biscus Cocktail Twisty Cone
recipes
based on the
hottest food
trends?
DISCOVER DISCOVER DISCOVER
RECIPE RECIPE RECIPE
Always by your side to create
chocolate delights…

The Chocolate Academy aims at educating and inspiring chefs around

the world. It’s a place to connect, learn and share. Find out more about
the Chocolate Academy at www.chocolate-academy.com or get in
touch via chocolate_academy_belgium@barry-callebaut.com.

© 2021 CHOCOLATE ACADEMY™

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Date of release July 2021