# Ritualized Dessert Donuts and drinking are married in unique crossover experiences. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Oct 15, 2018 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritualized-dessert ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.4/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Ritualized Dessert trend? **Ritualized Dessert:** Brands are offering a variety of indulgent experiences that see their dessert pastry cravings married with familiar drinking practices. This elevation of a treat once considered generic speaks speaks to how brands can reinvent standard items by focusing on experience. ## The consumer insight behind the Ritualized Dessert trend When it comes to foodie culture, the increased focus on "experimentation" that consumers have is fueled in-part by what looks good on social media. Viewing food trends and wanting to replicate them in shareable snapshots is still a common practice on social media, and young consumers in particular are drawn to brands that make this process inherent in their product experience. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: May 4, 2017 to Sep 5, 2018 - Published: Oct 15, 2018 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Ritualized Dessert trend ### Indulgent Experiences Brands are offering a variety of indulgent experiences that see their dessert pastry cravings married with familiar drinking practices. ### Experimentation in Foodie Culture The increased focus on "experimentation" that consumers have is fueled in-part by what looks good on social media, and young consumers in particular are drawn to brands that make this process inherent in their product experience. ### Unique Pairings Brands are experimenting with unique pairings as a way to open the minds of consumers and get them to see just how many ways beer, wine and cocktails can be enjoyed in unexpected ways, with both sweet and savory pairings. ## What the Ritualized Dessert trend means for industry ### For QSR QSR industry is experimenting with the release of its own branded beer. ### For Craft Beverages Craft beverage industry is experimenting with unique and unusual pairings to create a new and innovative taste experience. ### For Artisanal Food Products Increasing consumer focus on artisanal food products is fueling experimentation in the foodie culture. ## Workshop question How can you borrow from the rituals of a particular culinary practice in order to create an enriched product experience? ## Trend signals for Ritualized Dessert Trend score 3.4 out of 10, from popularity 49%, activity 44%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 49% - Activity: 44% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Ritualized Dessert trend 4 featured examples from May 4, 2017 to Sep 5, 2018. - [Brewery Inspired Donut Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rebel-donut-bar): The Rebel Donut Bar Seeks to Offer Miniature, Artisan Treats (Category: Marketing) Implication: Opportunity for food and beverage businesses to stay on trend by offering unique and exclusive flavors, and miniature versions of their products for sampling purposes. - [Craft Beer Donut Pairings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beer-donut-pairings): Grain&Grit Beer Co. and Donut Monster Hosted a Special Co-Event (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Craft beer companies can explore creative food and beverage pairings to increase customer engagement and customer satisfaction. - [Donut Cocktail Tastings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cocktail-tastings): The Clough Club Pop-Up Pairs Cartems Donuts with Mixed Drinks (Category: Marketing) Implication: Restaurants and bars can capitalize on the trend of donut and cocktail pairings by offering unique dining experiences and creative menu options. - [Donut Chain Coffee Beers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffee-flavored-beer): The 'DDark Roasted Brew' is Made with Dunkin' Donuts Dark Roast Beans (Category: Marketing) Implication: Breweries can capitalize on the popularity of coffee-infused beer and collaborate with coffee chains to create unique and flavorful products that stand out in a competitive market. ## 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)