Diners who eat at takeout joints aren't typically the same folks who are militantly concerned with getting their daily intake of fruits and vegetables, but the latest food craze at those fried food restaurants, taffy grapes, shows that even comfort food-lovers can use a bit of roughage. To be sure, taffy grapes aren't a health food — as the name implies, they're covered in candy or frosting coating. Rather, the sweet snacks are akin to candy apples; technically it's fruit, but the doctor wouldn't recommend it for everyday consumption.
They might not be healthy, but by all accounts taffy grapes are delicious. They're typically prepared with green grapes, as that variety's tartness is a better contrast against the sweetness of the coating. The taffy grapes' coating is also normally covered with chopped nuts for added crunch.
Taffy-Covered Grapes
Taffy Grapes Have Become Popular in Chicago Takeout Restaurants
Trend Themes
1. Sweet Treat Healthier Alternatives - There's a growing trend in the food industry to offer healthier alternatives to traditional sweet treats like taffy-covered grapes, which can open up opportunities for businesses to capitalize on consumers' desire for healthier snacking options.
2. Fruit-based Snacks - The popularity of taffy-covered grapes suggests a trend toward fruit-based snacks that appeal to people who may not normally eat enough fruit, presenting opportunities for businesses to develop and market new fruit snack options.
3. Tart and Sweet Combinations - The popularity of taffy-covered grapes shows a trend toward the combination of tart and sweet flavors, providing opportunities for businesses to create new products and flavor combinations in this area.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - The food and beverage industry can capitalize on the trend of sweet treat healthier alternatives by developing and promoting options that satisfy consumers' sweet cravings while also providing nutritional value.
2. Snack Foods - The popularity of taffy-covered grapes suggests the snack foods industry can benefit from developing more fruit-based snacks, which appeal to a growing segment of consumers seeking healthier snacking options.
3. Confectionery Manufacturing - The trend of tart and sweet flavor combinations presents opportunities for the confectionery manufacturing industry to create new products and flavor profiles that appeal to consumers' desire for unique taste experiences.