Assisted Choices
Miso
Confection
Miso infused in sweet desserts becomes more common in North America.
Trend
What is the Miso Confection trend?
Miso Confection: Though North American consumers are more aware of miso's use in savory dishes, it has long been used as an addition to desserts in Japan – a fact which is slowly being introduced into the North American market. The increased inclusion of miso into sweet treats in North America speaks to the continuing rise of global foodie culture, and has the added benefit of offering a point of distinction that can be used to market to experiential foodies.
Trend themes
Themes within the Miso Confection trend
Three behaviours holding the trend togetherGlobal Foodie Culture
The increasing interest in globally inspired foods and flavors among North American consumers is opening up opportunities to introduce traditional ingredients in new and innovative ways, such as incorporating miso in sweet desserts.
Japanese Flavors and Aesthetics
There is a rising popularity in North America for traditional Japanese flavors and aesthetics, creating a potential market for miso-infused desserts and confections with kimono patterns and other cultural motifs.
Plant-Based Snacks
With an increasing number of consumers embracing plant-based diets, there is a demand for snacks that offer a fresh take on classic comfort foods, such as Snacklins' vegan alternative to pork rinds.
Industry implications
What the Miso Confection trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFood and Beverage
The food and beverage industry can incorporate miso in new and creative ways for sweet and savory dishes, as well as tap into the growing demand for global flavors and plant-based alternatives.
Confectionery
Confectionery companies can incorporate traditional Japanese motifs and flavors into sweets, confectioneries and chocolates to cater to the rising popularity of Japanese aesthetics and flavors among North American consumers.
Snack Foods
Snack food companies can introduce plant-based alternatives that offer a unique spin on traditional snacks, such as replacing pork rinds with veggie-based puffed crisps.
Workshop question
What unexpected benefits can your brand add to its products/services?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Miso Confection
Trend score 3.2 out of 10, from popularity 38%, activity 50%, freshness 8%.
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer
Evidence
Examples of the Miso Confection trend
6 featured examples from Sep 7, 2016 to Sep 18, 2018Innovative Sweet-Savory Desserts
The Emmerson Restaurant Offers Non-Traditional, Balanced Desserts
Restaurants can embrace the trend of innovative sweet-savory desserts to differentiate themselves and attract customers who are looking for unique dining experiences.
Plant-Powered Puffed Crisps
Snacklins' Puffed Vegetable Crisps Take Cues from Pork Rinds
The snack food industry could explore the development of innovative plant-based snacks to cater to the rising demand for healthier alternatives.
Cultural Motif Chocolates
Chocolat de Kissho's Japanese Sweets Boast Traditional Kimono Patterns
Incorporating traditional and unique flavors into high-quality chocolates and confectioneries, manufacturers can cater to an expanding global consumer base that values craftsmansh…
Savory Fish-Shaped Desserts
This Unique State Fair Food is Served in an Edible Fish-Shaped Cone
Innovation potential for manufacturers in the dessert space to create unique and attention-grabbing products, incorporating unexpected flavor combinations and packaging formats.
Umami Miso Ice Creams
Salt & Straw's Xocolatl de Davíd’s Miso Bar Dessert is a Collaborative Treat
The ice cream industry can innovate by incorporating unconventional flavors that appeal to the changing palate preferences of consumers.
Miso-Infused Butter Tarts
DaanGo Cake Lab's 'Miso Butter Tart' is a Twist on a Canadian Classic
Bakeries can explore incorporating Asian-inspired flavors and alternative sweeteners to offer unique and diverse dessert options that cater to different tastes.