Trend cluster
Category

Small
Indulgence

Miniature treats and sweets help consumers control consumption.

Mini Pie SnacksCute Miniature Confections (UPDATE)Chocolate CigarettesSaucy Thin Crust SuckersPerfectly Puny Pies

Trend

What is the Small Indulgence trend?

Small Indulgence: Bigger isn’t always better, especially when it comes to junk foods. With society’s emphasis on healthy eating, consumers are stuck in a struggle between indulgence and control, and miniature-sized versions of their favorite treats help to bridge the gap. By offering bite-sized takes on cakes and other saliva-inducing foods, brands are letting consumers have their cake, and eat it too—without guilt.

Trend themes

Themes within the Small Indulgence trend

Three behaviours holding the trend together
01

Miniature-sized treats

Small indulgence has paved the way for miniature-sized versions of their favorite treats, creating opportunities for brands to offer bite-sized takes on cakes and other food items, letting consumers have their cake, and eat it too—without guilt.

02

Personalized dessert

Products of cute and mini culinary confections like Bakerella's Cake Pops and Simplethings 'Cute Pies' cater to the consumer with a small social circle, finding methods to sell their products that will not only be visually pleasing but also easy to eat.

03

Healthy twists

Portion-controlled food items like Baked Potato Bites and Lollipop-Pies by Luxirare offer healthy twists to classic indulgent snacks, giving businesses the opportunity to modernize their products while appealing to consumers who prioritize healthy eating.

Industry implications

What the Small Indulgence trend means for industry

Where the trend changes the playbook
For

Food and beverage

The food and beverage industry can reference these examples for opportunities to innovate by offering miniature and personalized products tailored for individual consumers based on their lifestyle and preferences.

For

Health and wellness

The health and wellness industry can reference these examples as a means to create healthier alternatives to traditional snack foods, allowing businesses to modernize and cater to consumers who prioritize healthier lifestyles.

For

Entertainment and events

The entertainment and events industry can reference these trends to create modern and unique ways to cater to their guests while providing healthy and indulgent options, allowing them to stand out among competitors.

Trend signals

Trend signals for Small Indulgence

Trend score 1.9 out of 10, from popularity 22%, activity 28%, freshness 8%.

Popularity22%
Activity28%
Freshness8%
Audience
10%Men
90%Women
  • Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
  • Gen Z
  • Millennial
  • Gen X
  • Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe