# Plant Confection Candy products that are plant-based are rising in popularity. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Nov 12, 2018 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/plant-confection ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Plant Confection trend? **Plant Confection:** Brands that make candy are adopting plant-based ingredients in order to enhance the functions and perceived nutritional value of the products in question. These added ingredients offer benefits that range from mood-enhancement to mouth-cleansing. ## The consumer insight behind the Plant Confection trend Many health-conscious consumers understand that achieving nutritional goals isn't necessarily about restricting calories, but about the quality of the ingredients in food items. Choosing products they can feel good about indulging in ensures that they remain committed to their goals, while avoiding restrictions that are more difficult to maintain in the long term. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 21, 2018 to Feb 4, 2020 - Published: Nov 12, 2018 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Plant Confection trend ### Plant-Based Confection Brands are adopting plant-based ingredients to enhance the nutritional value of candies, and consumers are seeking better-for-you indulgences. ### Cannabis-Infused Confections Handmade cannabis confections in elegant crystal forms with low THC content are catering to those seeking a controlled and elevated experience. ### Seed Butter Frozen Desserts A new wave of products is emerging that puts a spotlight on creamy seed butter as a vegan-friendly alternative to traditional dairy bases in frozen desserts. ## What the Plant Confection trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Innovations in plant-based and cannabis-infused confections are disrupting traditional candy consumption and creating new markets for indulgences. ### For Dairy and Alternative Milk Plant-based desserts made with milk alternatives such as sunflower and nut butters are shaking up the dairy industry and creating new opportunities for sustainability and health-consciousness. ### For Cannabis and CBD-infused Products With the growing acceptance of cannabis and CBD-infused products, the confectionery industry can attract the health and wellness market and cater to consumers who seek controlled, elevated experiences. ## Workshop question Consider a natural element that your brand could incorporate into a product, or its production processes. ## Trend signals for Plant Confection Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 71%, activity 56%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 71% - Activity: 56% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Plant Confection trend 4 featured examples from Aug 21, 2018 to Feb 4, 2020. - [Gem-Shaped Cannabis Confections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cannabis-confection): Drip Sweets' Makes Candies Inspired by Crystalline Forms (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The cannabis edibles industry can explore the potential of incorporating handmade, crystal-inspired confections to cater to the evolving preferences of consumers. - [Better-for-You Plant-Based Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-based-candies): SmartSweets Now Makes 'Sour Blast Buddies' and 'Sweet Fish' (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: SmartSweets' plant-based candies are disrupting the traditional confectionery industry with their low sugar and free-from offerings. - [Dairy-Free Chocolate Medallions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-craft): Barry Callebaut's Plant Craft Chocolates are Creamy Yet Dairy-Free (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The chocolate industry can explore and innovate in the dairy-free segment to cater to the growing demand for plant-based indulgence. - [Sunflower Butter Frozen Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nondairy-frozen-desserts): Ben & Jerry's Newest Non-Dairy Frozen Desserts Have a Unique Base (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The rise of plant-based diets and the demand for vegan-friendly food products has created a gap in the frozen dessert market that can be filled by innovative seed butter-based pro… ## 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)