Consumer Trends

Craft convenient, high-quality desserts for consumers craving comfort food

Photograph: Shutterstock

It’s called “comfort food” for a reason: Homestyle recipes and nostalgic flavors appeal to and attract consumers looking to de-stress and indulge in their favorite treats. But consumers’ love of the tried and true doesn’t mean operators should stop innovating. In fact, finding ways to increase the comfort factor of their dessert offerings will keep those options front of mind when consumers are seeking relief or a reward.

Operators can maximize the appeal of favorite comfort foods by giving diners the opportunity to enjoy their treat from the comfort of their own home, for example. Technomic’s 2019 Dessert Consumer Trend Report, released in early October 2019, indicated that demand for foodservice dessert deliveries had already skyrocketed across foodservice categories. Given that many operators have recently pivoted to focus their efforts on takeout and delivery rather than dine-in service, those numbers have likely seen significant growth.

Desserts made with real, high-quality ingredients, such as real sugar or real cocoa, also give operators an advantage in serving comfort-craving consumers. According to Technomic’s Dessert report, the vast majority of consumers (82%) find desserts made with real ingredients appealing. By offering recipes made without artificial ingredients, operators can leverage the comforting appeal of simple ingredients that consumers might use in their own kitchens.

To expand dessert sales, use high-quality ingredients to make delivery-friendly recipes with comforting flavors customers already know and love. Reformulated Foodservice OREO Cookie Pieces and Base Cake—now made without high fructose corn syrup—check every box.

With the same classic flavor customers love, Reformulated OREO Foodservice products combine nostalgic brand appeal with the high-quality ingredients consumers crave. Looking for inspiration? Consider these OREO treat ideas:

OREO products made with real cocoa and other high-quality ingredients help make it easier than ever for operators to deliver comforting desserts their customers will want to order again and again. For more recipes and creative inspiration, visit the Mondelēz International FoodserviceCulinary Center.

This post is sponsored by Mondelēz International Foodservice

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Leadership

Restaurants bring the industry's concerns to Congress

Neary 600 operators made their case to lawmakers as part of the National Restaurant Association’s Public Affairs Conference.

Financing

Podcast transcript: Virtual Dining Brands co-founder Robbie Earl

A Deeper Dive: What is the future of digital-only concepts? Earl discusses their work to ensure quality and why focusing on restaurant delivery works.

Financing

In the fast-casual sector, Chipotle laps Panera Bread

The Bottom Line: The two fast-casual restaurant pioneers have diverged over the past five years, as the burrito chain has thrived while Panera hit a wall. Here's why.

Trending