Seems like the chocolate frenzy among consumers is here to stay, folks! Chocolate sales are soaring high, with a whopping 9.2% increase, reaching a staggering $17.3 billion in the 52-week period ending on July 10th (Candy & Snack Today). And hold your horses, that's even before the holiday season frenzy kicks in! But hey, their taste buds have evolved, and so has their chocolate wishlist. Here's what's making waves at the top of their must-have list.
Plant-Powered & Free-From
The biggest trend isn't about what goes into their chocolate, but what's left out. These days, they want their chocolate to be plant-based (no animal products, please!) and free from palm oil (Candy Industry).
Want to show that you're on point with the trends? Offer products that proudly display their plant-based status through catchy names and eye-catching packaging. If a plant-based treat comes from a well-established premium brand like Lindt Classic Oatmilk Salted Caramel Bar, well, that's just the icing on the cake!
But even when they're going for plant-based options, they crave unexpected flavors too. Take Chuao's Plant-Based Baconluxious Bar, for example. It features milk chocolate with subtle hints of maple, sprinkled with bonfire-smoked sea salt, and packed with bits of plant-based 'bacon'. And for the health-conscious crowd, how about snack bars bursting with indulgent plant-based chocolate flavors like Keto Krisp's Plant-Based Peanut Butter Chunk Bar? It's loaded with creamy roasted peanuts and rich chocolate, with only 4g of net carbs, 2g of sugar, and a whopping 10g of protein per serving.
On top of being plant-based and palm oil-free, 20% of consumers are seeking products made with natural ingredients and simple goodness (Candy Industry). That's why plant-based chocolate with simple ingredients, creating bold flavors like those offered by Endangered Species, will be at the top of their shopping list. Endangered Species' oat milk bars cover everything from classic combinations like Dark Chocolate and Rice Crisp or Dark Chocolate Sea Salt to more exotic choices like Dark Chocolate Coconut & Almonds and Mixed Berries, catering to every taste bud out there.
Their desire for simple, palm-free ingredients doesn't mean they're willing to compromise on indulgence. That's why we're head over heels for Darrell Lea's chocolate bars. Palm oil-free and made with simple ingredients, Darrell Lea serves up a delightful assortment of comforting flavors. Imagine Milk Chocolate Peanut Brittle Bar, loaded with salty peanuts and crunchy caramel pieces, or Rocklea Road, a mouthwatering blend of marshmallows, coconut, and peanuts. And let's not forget Milk Chocolate Caramel Craving, featuring a double dose of caramel from caramel fudge AND crunchy caramel chips. For those who prefer to keep things simple, Darrel Lea Milk Chocolate is a solid choice.
Pistachio Power
Move aside, peanuts and hazelnuts, there's a new nut that's driving confectionery enthusiasts crazy – pistachio (Candy Industry). There's no particular way consumers want to enjoy pistachio, as long as that subtly sweet flavor is present! Want to tempt their gourmet side? Chuao's Dark Chocolate Triple Nut Temptation is your go-to, with its luxurious medley of whole roasted pistachios, almonds, and hazelnuts.
But why stop there? You can incorporate the pistachio flavor into other confectionery trends. How about a snack bar made with simple ingredients like Thunderbird's Pecan Goji Pistachio Snack Bar? It's packed with wholesome dates, golden berries, pecans, and, of course, pistachios. And for a straightforward snack bar filled with premium flavors and a sugar-free twist, Sweetwell Cashew Pistachio & Milk Chocolate Keto Bars sweetened with stevia are a perfect choice.
Functional & Fun
Today's consumers want their treats to be both fun and functional. That means they're on the lookout for bars that boast high fiber content, no added sugar, or low sugar claims (Candy Industry). One brand that truly embodies the FUN-ctional aspect is Chocolove, a gourmet chocolate brand with its XO line of no-sugar-added, fiber-rich chocolate bars. These bars are free from sugar (sweetened only with inulin from chicory root and isomalt from beets), but they don't skimp on indulgent flavors. You'll find options like Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel, Dark Chocolate Mint, and even Salted Peanut Butter, along with Elderberries & Blueberries.
For those who prefer their sweetness to come from stevia, there's Lily's chocolate bars. They're Fair Trade, gluten-free, and sweetened exclusively with stevia. Lily's satisfies their cravings for chocolate and simple, sugar-free ingredients. They offer all-time favorites like Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel, Dark Chocolate Almond, and Extra Dark Chocolate Sea Salt.
Sugar-free is just one of the functional ingredients that's gaining attention in the confectionery section. A lot of consumers are now embracing the 'pro' probiotics movement. Be the trendsetter by offering probiotics combined with protein and indulgent flavors, like Lenny & Larry's The Boss! Immunity Snack Bars. These bars are made with both dairy and plant-based protein, infused with BC30 Probiotics, and packed with delightful flavors such as Chocolate Mint Brownie, Peanut Butter Cup, and Caramel Macchiato. Lenny & Larry's The Boss! Immunity Snack Bars will cater to their need for functional ingredients without compromising on taste.
Consumers' love affair with chocolate is long-term, and they enjoy spicing things up every now and then. Keep the flame of chocolate love burning hot by offering confections that encompass the choco-LOT of today's trends.
