# Miso Confection Miso infused in sweet desserts becomes more common in North America. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Feb 16, 2018 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/miso-confection ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.2/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 7, 2016 to Sep 18, 2018 - Published: Feb 16, 2018 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Miso Confection trend ### Global 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. ## What the Miso Confection trend means for industry ### For Food 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. ### For 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. ### For 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 for Miso Confection Trend score 3.2 out of 10, from popularity 38%, activity 50%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 38% - Activity: 50% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Miso Confection trend 6 featured examples from Sep 7, 2016 to Sep 18, 2018. - [Innovative Sweet-Savory Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emmerson-in-boulder): The Emmerson Restaurant Offers Non-Traditional, Balanced Desserts (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puffed-crisps): Snacklins' Puffed Vegetable Crisps Take Cues from Pork Rinds (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-sweets): Chocolat de Kissho's Japanese Sweets Boast Traditional Kimono Patterns (Category: World) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/state-fair-food): This Unique State Fair Food is Served in an Edible Fish-Shaped Cone (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xocolatl-de-davds-miso-bar): Salt & Straw's Xocolatl de Davíd’s Miso Bar Dessert is a Collaborative Treat (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The ice cream industry can innovate by incorporating unconventional flavors that appeal to the changing palate preferences of consumers. - [Miso-Infused Butter Tarts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/butter-tart): DaanGo Cake Lab's 'Miso Butter Tart' is a Twist on a Canadian Classic (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Bakeries can explore incorporating Asian-inspired flavors and alternative sweeteners to offer unique and diverse dessert options that cater to different tastes. ## 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)