# Peppered Confection Black pepper is incorporated into desserts for a more complex flavor. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Jul 3, 2017 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/peppered-confection ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.5/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Peppered Confection trend? **Peppered Confection:** As the average consumer palate becomes more accustomed to internationally informed spices, individuals are being drawn to sweets and desserts garnished with a hint of black pepper for a more well-rounded, exciting flavor experience. This progression highlights the perseverance of the sweet and savory flavor combination and suggests the continuation of the spirit of experimentation being at the center of eating experiences. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 15 to Jul 6, 2017 - Published: Jul 3, 2017 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Peppered Confection trend ### Savory Desserts As consumers become more adventurous in their tastes, savory ingredients like black pepper and rosemary are being incorporated into desserts to add complexity. ### Functional Foods Health-conscious consumers are looking for food and beverage products that offer added benefits, like anti-inflammatory properties or digestive aid, which can be achieved by combining natural ingredients like turmeric and black pepper. ### Unique Flavor Combinations In an effort to stand out and offer something different, food and beverage companies are experimenting with unconventional flavor combinations like blue cheese and pear, or basil and tomato. ## What the Peppered Confection trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage The rise of unconventional flavor combinations and functional ingredients, along with the growing demand for healthier and more unique options, presents opportunities for innovation in the food and beverage industry. ### For Health and Wellness The demand for functional foods and ingredients that offer health benefits, like anti-inflammatory properties or digestive aid, creates opportunities for innovation in the health and wellness industry. ### For Snack Foods The trend towards incorporating savory ingredients into snacks and desserts, as well as the desire for healthier snack options, presents opportunities for innovation in the snack foods industry. ## Workshop question What unexpected sensorial element can you add to your product offering in order to delight and surprise your customers? ## Trend signals for Peppered Confection Trend score 2.5 out of 10, from popularity 34%, activity 35%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 34% - Activity: 35% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Peppered Confection trend 7 featured examples from Mar 15 to Jul 6, 2017. - [Blue Cheese Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheese-and-ice-cream): This Salt & Straw Flavor Melds the Taste of Cheese and Ice Cream (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Dairy producers can innovate by experimenting with flavor combinations and developing new products that incorporate multiple dairy products into one package. - [Anti-Inflammatory Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/healthy-frozen-dessert): This Turmeric + Black Pepper Flavor is a Healthy Frozen Dessert (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The frozen dessert industry can benefit from developing more plant-based options that cater to health-conscious consumers. - [Superfood Latte-Inspired Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trader-joes-chocolate): Trader Joe's Chocolate Bar Tastes Like a Golden Turmeric Latte (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Incorporating functional ingredients to create healthy chocolate options. - [Cookie-Topped Dessert Cones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tall-ice-cream): The Oddfellows Ice Cream Company Serves a Tall Ice Cream Treat (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introducing new product variations and experiences in the ice cream industry by offering unique and innovative ice cream creations. - [Fruity Honey Water](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/water-with-honey): Blume Honey Water Introduces a New Kind of Water with Honey (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The beverage industry, especially the energy drink and sports drink market, could see Blume Honey Water's success and look to create similar healthy alternatives. - [Savory Wafer Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/verdiujns): Verdiujns Fine Biscuits Now Come in Three Savory Varieties (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The trend towards savory snacks creates an opportunity for innovation and growth in the snack food industry. - [Salad-Inspired Gelato Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelato-desserts): Eataly Chicago's Gelato Flavor Boasts the Savory Taste of Caprese (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can utilize the trend of savory gelato and create unique flavor combinations to attract customers. ## 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)