Candy brands incorporate ruby chocolate as a natural alternative to food dye
Trend - There has been a rise in the use of ruby chocolate, which is made with unfermented cocoa beans, in the confectionery category. The use of this new ingredient appeals to consumers who are seeking naturally-sourced ingredients that satisfy their zealousness for novelty and social media-friendly indulgence.
Insight - With an abundance of choice in the food industry, consumers either turn to what's already familiar to them, or what's unique enough to spark interest. Products and ingredients that are entirely new offer a sense of novelty for consumers who have "seen it all," especially when they have the added benefit of being inherently shareable on social media platforms for their designs or presentation.
Insight - With an abundance of choice in the food industry, consumers either turn to what's already familiar to them, or what's unique enough to spark interest. Products and ingredients that are entirely new offer a sense of novelty for consumers who have "seen it all," especially when they have the added benefit of being inherently shareable on social media platforms for their designs or presentation.
Workshop Question - Consider how a new innovation in your brand’s space could help you appeal to modern consumer interests.
Trend Themes
1. Naturally Sourced Ingredients - The use of naturally-sourced ingredients appeals to consumers who are seeking healthy alternatives and also satisfy their zeal for novelty and social media-friendly indulgence.
2. Novelty Products - Products that are entirely new offer a sense of novelty for consumers who have seen it all, especially when they have the added benefit of being inherently shareable on social media platforms for their designs or presentation.
3. Unconventional Flavor Combinations - To build upon the unique flavor of ruby chocolate that is entirely new to the average consumer, ruby chocolates are being paired with unconventional flavors such as Wasabi and Yuzu.
Industry Implications
1. Confectionery Industry - The confectionery industry should explore using naturally-sourced ingredients and unconventional flavor combinations to create novelty products that capture the attention of social media users.
2. Food and Beverage Industry - The Food and Beverage industry should keep an eye on natural food coloring trends and ruby chocolate as a potential ingredient to create unique and novel food products.
3. Marketing Industry - As consumers seek fun and exciting products, the marketing industry should explore creating social media campaigns that celebrate the new and unique products that they develop.
