# Elevating Comforts Sophisticated ice cream concoctions add excitement to familiar indulgences. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 25, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/confectionary-cultivation ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.4/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Elevating Comforts trend? **Elevating Comforts:** While comfort foods often provide consumers with a sense of familiarity and satisfaction, the exposure to diverse cultural elements via mass media has promoted individuals to crave much more varied consumption options. Seeking to provide consumers with the allure of traditional goods with a new and stimulating edge, brands are revamping such classic items as ice cream with more sophisticated elements to expand market appeal beyond traditionally youthful groups. By adding exotic ingredients and elegant aesthetics to comforting desserts, brands seek to cultivate traditional goods with more refined touches, appealing to a demand for increased product variation. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: May 10, 2013 to Sep 16, 2014 - Published: Mar 25, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Elevating Comforts trend ### Sophisticated Comfort Foods Revamping classic items like ice cream with exotic ingredients and elegant aesthetics appeals to the demand for increased product variation. ### Alcohol-Infused Desserts Adding alcohol to frozen treats creates a buzz and provides a new level of indulgence. ### Unconventional Dessert Combinations Combining unexpected flavors and textures, like meat and traditional desserts, creates a unique and exciting experience. ## What the Elevating Comforts trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Innovative flavors and combinations of traditional comforts capture the attention of consumers looking for new and exciting food experiences. ### For Hospitality Introducing unusual and creative dessert options in restaurants and hotels can differentiate a brand and leave a lasting impression on guests. ### For Event Planning Incorporating unique dessert offerings at events can add an element of surprise and delight, making an event more memorable for guests. ## Trend signals for Elevating Comforts Trend score 3.4 out of 10, from popularity 44%, activity 49%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 44% - Activity: 49% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Elevating Comforts trend 6 featured examples from May 10, 2013 to Sep 16, 2014. - [High-Class Hybrid Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/macaron-ice-cream-sandwich): The Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich is a Delectable Dessert by Chef Payard (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can capitalize on the popularity of hybrid desserts by creating innovative and eye-catching dessert options. - [Garden Herb Cakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unusual-cake-recipe): Roberta's Unusual Cake Recipe Gets its Green Color from Parsley & Mint (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for bakeries and restaurants to innovate and offer unique cake flavors. - [Snazzy Sophisticated Sorbets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ice-cream-flavors): Jeni's Ice Cream Flavors Will Satisfy Any Adult Sweet Tooth (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: An opportunity for gourmet dessert companies to create and market distinct, upscale sweets and desserts. - [Deep-Fried Cookie Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/national-oreo-day): National Oreo Day is Being Celebrated in New York with Cookie Sliders (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: There is an opportunity for restaurants to create unique and creative dessert items to attract customers. - [Intoxicated Fruit Sorbet](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apt-2b-baking-co-rhubarb-gin-ice-cream): The ‘Apt. 2B Baking Co.’ Rhubarb Gin Ice Cream Has a Zing to (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore new opportunities by developing alcoholic dessert options and experimenting with unique flavor combinations. - [Unconventional Meat Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thanksgiving-dinner-ice-cream): Thanksgiving Dinner Ice Cream Makes Meal Flavors into Yummy Scoops (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food industry can capitalize on this trend by creating new and unique flavor combinations for ice cream, baked goods, and other desserts. ## Recent trend clusters - [Gentle Diagnostics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/home-heart-screening) (Lifestyle) - [Targeted Macros](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/functional-protein-ingredients) (Lifestyle) - [Flavor Borrowing](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/soft-drink-flavor-mashups) (Lifestyle) - [Silent Triage](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/passive-health-wearables) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Holiday-Inspired Potato Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-inspired-potato-chips) - [Influencer-Curated Cafe Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kit-keenan) - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Fashionable Frozen Yogurts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aritzias-aok-caf) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)