# Mediterranean Confection These exotic, health-associated ingredients are used to lighten desserts. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Jul 19, 2016 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/mediterranean-confection ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.6/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Mediterranean Confection trend? **Mediterranean Confection:** In the midst of the health wave's rise to the mainstream, exotic ingredients are seen as a health-associated phenomenon evoking images of seasonality and new superfoods. As a result, Mediterranean flavors are permeating the world of frozen confections. This accommodates consumers who are interested in health benefits, but not necessarily performative foods. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 2, 2014 to Aug 10, 2016 - Published: Jul 19, 2016 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Mediterranean Confection trend ### Exotic Ingredients and Seasonality Exotic ingredients like rose water, tahini, and camel's milk are becoming more popular in desserts due to the health wave and a desire for seasonality. ### Vegan and Dairy-Free Desserts Vegan and dairy-free options continue to gain popularity, as seen with vegan avocado pudding pie and lavender coconut ice cream. ### Floral and Exotic Flavors Floral and exotic flavors, such as rose water, lavender, and cardamom, are being used more often in desserts to create unique and unexpected tastes. ## What the Mediterranean Confection trend means for industry ### For Health and Wellness Consumers are seeking out healthier dessert options and are more interested in ingredients with health benefits. ### For Alternative Milk Products Alternative milk products, such as camel's milk, goat's milk, and sheep's milk, are gaining popularity as healthier and more sustainable alternatives to cow's milk. ### For Vegan and Vegetarian Foods There is a growing demand for vegan and vegetarian foods, leading to more creative and unique options in the dessert category. ## Workshop question What new material or ingredient can you incorporate into your offering to present a more practical function in a consumer's life? ## Trend signals for Mediterranean Confection Trend score 3.6 out of 10, from popularity 48%, activity 52%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 48% - Activity: 52% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Mediterranean Confection trend 7 featured examples from Oct 2, 2014 to Aug 10, 2016. - [Camel's Milk Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/milk-from-a-camel): Camelicious Specializes in Making Products with Milk from a Camel (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The dairy alternative industry can tap into the increasing popularity of camel, goat, and sheep milk products to expand their product offerings and meet consumer demand for plant… - [Gothic Popsicle Recipes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coconut-popsicle): The Black Sesame Coconut Popsicle is Sprinkled in Freeze-Dried Berries (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Embrace the growing demand for unique flavors and visually captivating food products by offering innovative creations in the food and beverage i… - [Mediterranean Dessert Smoothies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Baklava-Milkshake): Mad Greek Cafe Restaurant Features Baklava Milkshake Products (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: By incorporating new and unique flavors, restaurants and cafes can create signature products to attract adventurous foodies and expand their customer base. - [Floral Coconut Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lavender-ice-cream-recipe): This Vegan Lavender Ice Cream Recipe Also Contains Blueberry Flavors (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore disruptive innovation by expanding their range of vegan ice cream flavors and introducing unique floral flavor profiles. - [Chocolate Avocado Pies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chocolate-avocado-pudding): This Seasonally Suited Chocolate Avocado Pudding Pie is a Vegan Dessert (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The trend of vegan desserts like this chocolate avocado pie presents an opportunity for the plant-based food industry for creating and marketing innovative, nutritious, and satisf… - [Floral Tahini Raspberry Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raspberry-popsicles): These Creamy and Tart Raspberry Popsicles Contain Rose Water (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Innovation in the creation of unique and creative frozen treats. - [Vegan Sesame Seed Brownies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/national-brownie-day): This Recipe Provides a Great Way to Celebrate National Brownie Day (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Adapt to the growing demand for healthier and alternative food options by creating and marketing products that cater to specific dietary prefere… ## 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)