# Celebratory Flavor Birthday cake-flavored products highlight its new role as a standalone flavor. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Jun 2, 2017 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/birthday-cake-essence ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.7/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Celebratory Flavor trend? **Celebratory Flavor:** Following in the same vein as everything bagel in becoming a flavor in its own right, birthday cake is now an mainstream flavor offered in a variety of food and beverage categories. This shift highlights the comfort in familiar experiences such as shared celebrations and the ability to evoke the positive connotations of such events in exciting new flavor offerings. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 7, 2016 to May 17, 2017 - Published: Jun 2, 2017 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Celebratory Flavor trend ### Celebratory Flavors Products are increasingly being flavored to celebrate events as flavors become standalone entities. ### Dessert-Inspired Snacks Snack brands are developing products in dessert-inspired flavors to create healthier and guilt-free alternatives to traditional desserts. ### Branded Beverages Collaborations between food and beverage brands provide opportunities to expand reach through innovative offerings with complementary brands. ## What the Celebratory Flavor trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Companies in the food and beverage space should anticipate the trend to offer celebratory and dessert-inspired flavors to remain relevant and expand product offerings. ### For Packaging Packaging plays a key role in differentiating products and building excitement around exclusive product offerings. ### For Marketing Marketing brands with the opportunity to collaborate on complementary products drives buzz and expands reach. ## Workshop question What nostalgic element does your product already appeal to and how can you capitalize on that? ## Trend signals for Celebratory Flavor Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 48%, activity 55%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 48% - Activity: 55% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Celebratory Flavor trend 6 featured examples from Jan 7, 2016 to May 17, 2017. - [Special Edition Sesquicentennial Cereals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/froot-loop): The Kellogg's Birthday Cake Froot Loops Celebrate Canada (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The packaged foods industry can offer unique, limited-edition products to maintain consumer interest in a market inundated with virtually identical items. - [Dessert-Inspired Almond Spreads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/almond-butter-spread): Buff Bake's Almond Butter Spread Tastes Like Birthday Cake (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: In the food and beverage industry, there is an opportunity to create and market novel protein-packed spreads that mimic dessert flavors, attracting health-conscious consumers look… - [Birthday Cake Chewing Gum](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cake-chewing-gum): Project 7's Gourmet Gum is Inspired by a Classic Childhood Treat (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce gourmet gum products in the food and beverage industry to offer unique and healthier alternatives to traditional snacks and desserts. - [Birthday Cake-Flavored Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taste-like-birthday-cake): This Sweet Soda is Designed to Taste Like Birthday Cake (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The introduction of new and unique flavored beverages can attract consumers and set companies apart in the competitive market. - [Cake-Flavored Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birthday-cake-hersheys-kisses): The New Birthday Cake Hershey's Kisses Celebrate the Brand's Anniversary (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The confectionery industry can leverage the trend of birthday-themed chocolates by developing new flavors and innovative packaging designs that appeal to celebratory occasions. - [Ice Cream Brand Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cold-stone-creamery): The Sweet Offerings Cold Stone Creamery Hot Cocoas are Indulgent (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The introduction of ice cream-inspired hot cocoa flavors presents an opportunity for the beverage industry to attract new customers and expand their product offerings. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)