Trend cluster
Category

Liquid
Dessert

Consumers turn to iced coffee beverages to satisfy sweet cravings.

Temporary Valentine's Day MenusIndulgent Customized CoffeesChocolatey Coconut CoffeesCookie-Inspired Coffee DrinksIced Eggnog Lattes

Trend

What is the Liquid Dessert trend?

Liquid Dessert: The time-crunched consumer is becoming more accustomed to enjoying life's pleasures while on-the-go. Instead of sitting down for meals that include dessert, many consumers are opting for iced coffees with rich, indulgent flavors specifically made to mimic dessert. This best-of-both world's approach is informing the flavor progression of the beverage industry, especially iced coffee, which is boasting a growing flavor profile akin to that of hot coffee.

Trend themes

Themes within the Liquid Dessert trend

Three behaviours holding the trend together
01

Iced coffee as dessert substitute

Consumers are opting for iced coffees with rich, indulgent flavors specifically made to mimic dessert, influencing new best-of-both worlds approach and flavor progression of the beverage industry.

02

Customized coffee drinks

Coffee chains are offering customized coffee beverages, allowing customers to create their own version of classic drinks and promoting innovation opportunities in the beverage industry.

03

Seasonal and co-branded flavored coffee drinks

Popularity in seasonal and co-branded flavored coffee drinks, which represent a fun and indulgent alternative to traditional hot coffee beverages, is driving innovation in the beverage industry.

Industry implications

What the Liquid Dessert trend means for industry

Where the trend changes the playbook
For

Food and Beverage

The food and beverage industry should focus on creating innovative ways to add indulgent flavors and texture to iced coffee.

For

Technology and AI

The technology and AI industry should explore developing personalized, on-demand ordering systems for customized coffee drinks.

For

Marketing and Advertising

The marketing and advertising industry could focus on creating more co-branded beverages and limited-edition menus to appeal to customers looking for seasonal and unique flavors in their coffee drinks.

Workshop question

What's a beloved product in your category? How could you integrate its best elements into your existing offering?

Trend signals

Trend signals for Liquid Dessert

Trend score 2.4 out of 10, from popularity 32%, activity 31%, freshness 8%.

Popularity32%
Activity31%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen Z
  • Millennial
  • Gen X
  • Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe

Evidence

Examples of the Liquid Dessert trend

6 featured examples from May 23, 2015 to Apr 26, 2016
Temporary Valentine's Day Menus
CategoryLifestyle

Temporary Valentine's Day Menus

This Chain is Offering Limited-Edition Valentine's Day Beverages

Innovations in limited-edition menus can be applied to various food and beverage establishments to attract customers during festive seasons.

Indulgent Customized Coffees
CategoryLifestyle

Indulgent Customized Coffees

Coffee Bean Now Allows You to Customize Its Ice Blended Drink

The hospitality industry can leverage the trend of allowing customers to personalize their food and beverage items to create unique and memorable experiences for their guests.

Chocolatey Coconut Coffees
CategoryLifestyle

Chocolatey Coconut Coffees

These Homemade Ice Coffees are Made with White Chocolate

The beverage industry can leverage the trend of flavorful ice coffees by creating innovative and indulgent products that appeal to consumers seeking unique taste experiences.

Cookie-Inspired Coffee Drinks
CategoryLifestyle

Cookie-Inspired Coffee Drinks

This Iced Macchiato Contains Pieces of Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

As consumers seek new and unique drink experiences, coffeehouses and cafes can create innovative beverages that stand out and attract customers.

Iced Eggnog Lattes
CategoryLifestyle

Iced Eggnog Lattes

Torani's Iced Coffee Blend Features Holiday-Flavored Syrup

Coffee shops can offer seasonal menu items to attract customers looking for unique options.

Co-Branded Specialty Coffees
CategoryLifestyle

Co-Branded Specialty Coffees

Dunkin' Donuts Flavored Iced Coffees Boast Familiar Cookie Flavors

Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative food and beverage products that satisfy consumers' cravings for unique and indulgent flavor experiences.