# Confectionery Experimentation Eclectic chocolate treats add allure to traditionally simple goods. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 24, 2014, updated Mar 25, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/confectionary-experimentation ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.3/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## What is the Confectionery Experimentation trend? **Confectionery Experimentation:** Sticking to tradition is often a great way to maintain brand loyalty, but with the variety of retailers on the market, adhering to conventional designs just won't cut it within the rapidly developing market. In an attempt to revamp classic products with more alluring features, retailers are adding eclectic and over-the-top components to such traditional treats as chocolate to give it an edge over other similar goods. This illustrates how constant reinvention is required to maintain consumer interest. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: May 24, 2013 to Sep 30, 2015 - Published: Mar 24, 2014 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Confectionery Experimentation trend ### Unusual Combinations Business professionals can explore the possibility of combining unusual ingredients to create innovative confectionery products. ### Lab-Themed Experiences Creating lab-themed experiences can be an innovative way to present products such as nitrogen ice cream and create brand loyalty. ### Revamping Classic Products Revamping classic products with unique and over-the-top components can help maintain consumer interest and give brands an edge in the market. ## What the Confectionery Experimentation trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage The food and beverage industry can leverage unusual flavor combinations and lab-themed experiences to create new products and engaging customer experiences. ### For Hospitality Restaurants, bars, and hotels can incorporate unusual and over-the-top confectionery products into their menus and dessert offerings. ### For Retail Retailers selling confectionery products can differentiate themselves by revamping classic products with unique and over-the-top components. ## Trend signals for Confectionery Experimentation Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 74%, activity 47%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 74% - Activity: 47% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Confectionery Experimentation trend 8 featured examples from May 24, 2013 to Sep 30, 2015. - [Chocolate Fried Chicken](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chocochicken-by-adam-fleischman): ChocoChicken by Adam Fleischman is a Coo Coo Concoction (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunities for creating innovative and upscale food concepts that merge unexpected flavors. - [Nitrogen Ice Cream Parlors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquid-nitrogen-ice-cream): This Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Parlor is the Coolest Restaurant in Town (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for existing or new ice cream shops to differentiate themselves by offering liquid nitrogen ice cream and attracting customers with a cutting-edge dessert experience. - [Bean-Flavored Chocolate Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zunda-kit-kat): The Green Zunda Kit Kat is Made from Ground Edamame (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The confectionery industry could benefit from experimenting with unusual flavor profiles to create exciting and memorable products. - [Boozy Wasabi Truffles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wasabi-peas): These Chocolate Truffles are Infused with a Vodka Made from Wasabi Peas (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for food brands to develop new products and recipes that explore unconventional flavor combinations. - [Decadent Chocolate Shooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chocolate-shot-glasses): Combine Two Guilty Pleasures in One with These Chocolate Shot Glasses (Category: Unique) Implication: Foster partnerships between chocolatiers and alcohol brands to experiment with a chocolate-alcohol hybrid product line. - [Fluffernutter Apple Nachos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-nachos): This Shareable Dessert Recipe is a Sweeter Variation on Classic Nachos (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce innovative food and beverage products that cater to the growing demand for unique and shareable desserts and snacks. - [Chocolate Pasta Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chocolate-pasta): This Recipe Turns a Classic Entree into a Sweet Treat (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity to introduce chocolate pasta dishes as an innovative dessert option in restaurants and food establishments - [Luxury Pork Strips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/23k-gold-chocolate-bacon): The 23k Gold Chocolate Bacon is Fit for a King (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for luxury food brands to tap into the market of high-end, gourmet food products. ## Recent trend clusters - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Calm Monitoring](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/calm-monitoring) (Lifestyle) - [Performance Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/performance-powders) (Lifestyle) - [Task Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/task-beverages) (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) - [Rapid Concussion Screening Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/infrared-eye-tracking) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)