# Liquid Dessert Consumers turn to iced coffee beverages to satisfy sweet cravings. By [Vasiliki Marapas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Vasiliki.Marapas), Research Advisor & Writer | Published Sep 23, 2015 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/liquid-dessert ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.4/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: May 23, 2015 to Apr 26, 2016 - Published: Sep 23, 2015 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [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 ## Themes within the Liquid Dessert trend ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Liquid Dessert trend means for industry ### 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 for Liquid Dessert Trend score 2.4 out of 10, from popularity 32%, activity 31%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 32% - Activity: 31% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Liquid Dessert trend 6 featured examples from May 23, 2015 to Apr 26, 2016. - [Temporary Valentine's Day Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/valentines-day-beverages): This Chain is Offering Limited-Edition Valentine's Day Beverages (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Innovations in limited-edition menus can be applied to various food and beverage establishments to attract customers during festive seasons. - [Indulgent Customized Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customized-coffee): Coffee Bean Now Allows You to Customize Its Ice Blended Drink (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/homemade-ice-coffee): These Homemade Ice Coffees are Made with White Chocolate (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chocolate-sandwich-cookies): This Iced Macchiato Contains Pieces of Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: As consumers seek new and unique drink experiences, coffeehouses and cafes can create innovative beverages that stand out and attract customers. - [Iced Eggnog Lattes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eggnog-latte): Torani's Iced Coffee Blend Features Holiday-Flavored Syrup (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Coffee shops can offer seasonal menu items to attract customers looking for unique options. - [Co-Branded Specialty Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flavored-iced-coffees): Dunkin' Donuts Flavored Iced Coffees Boast Familiar Cookie Flavors (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative food and beverage products that satisfy consumers' cravings for unique and indulgent flavor experiences. ## 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)