# Ruby Confection Candy brands incorporate ruby chocolate as a natural alternative to food dye. By [Hayley McGlone](https://www.trendhunter.com/hayley_mcglone), Manager, Client Research & Strategy | Published Jan 30, 2019 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ruby-confection ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.5/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Ruby Confection trend? **Ruby Confection:** 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. ## The consumer insight behind the Ruby Confection trend 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 18, 2018 to Jan 29, 2019 - Published: Jan 30, 2019 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Ruby Confection trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Ruby Confection trend means for industry ### For 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. ### For 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. ### For 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. ## Workshop question Consider how a new innovation in your brand’s space could help you appeal to modern consumer interests. ## Trend signals for Ruby Confection Trend score 3.5 out of 10, from popularity 47%, activity 50%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 47% - Activity: 50% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Ruby Confection trend 5 featured examples from Jan 18, 2018 to Jan 29, 2019. - [Naturally Pink Chocolate Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ruby-chocolate-kit-kat): The Ruby Chocolate Kit Kat is Made with Ruby Cocoa Beans (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate natural and unique flavors into traditional confectionery products to attract new customers. - [Experimental Pink Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pink-ruby-chocolate): 'Chocolate Passion' Pairs Pink Ruby Chocolate with Wasabi & More (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The confectionery industry can capitalize on the trend of experimental pink chocolates by creating unique and exotic flavors that appeal to adventurous consumers. - [Ruby Cocoa Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limitededition-chocolate): The Minor Finezza Ruby Limited Edition Chocolate Boasts a Natural Hue (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation in the food industry by introducing visually striking and unique chocolate products made with ruby chocolate. - [Naturally Pink Chocolate Biscuits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chocolate-biscuits): The 'Choco Petit Beurre Ruby' Contains the Fourth Chocolate Type (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The introduction of naturally pink ruby chocolate biscuits opens doors for innovation within the chocolate confectionery industry, enticing consumers with unique flavor experience… - [Faceted Pink Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pink-chocolates): Libeert Formed Its Ruby Chocolate Creation into a Gemstone Shape (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for chocolate manufacturers to explore the production and marketing of naturally pink chocolates, tapping into the growing consumer demand for innovative chocolate exp… ## 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) - 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