Assisted Choices
Liquid
Dessert
Consumers turn to iced coffee beverages to satisfy sweet cravings.
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 togetherIced 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.
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.
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 playbookFood and Beverage
The food and beverage industry should focus on creating innovative ways to add indulgent flavors and texture to iced coffee.
Technology and AI
The technology and AI industry should explore developing personalized, on-demand ordering systems for customized coffee drinks.
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%.
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Evidence
Examples of the Liquid Dessert trend
6 featured examples from May 23, 2015 to Apr 26, 2016Temporary 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
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
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
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
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
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.