# Unexpected Confectionery Sweets are added to unconventional food items for experiential allure. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Jul 29, 2015 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/unexpected-confectionery ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.9/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Unexpected Confectionery trend? **Unexpected Confectionery:** No longer satisfied with traditional consumption, consumers, particularly those of a younger generation, are turning to obscure food pairings for experiential allure. Adding sweets like cotton candy to savory dishes and beverages, consumers are seeking to not only heighten flavor, but also to add an element of intrigue to typically ordinary meals. This reflects a growing desire to constantly adapt and alter routine. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 2, 2014 to Aug 17, 2015 - Published: Jul 29, 2015 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Unexpected Confectionery trend ### Experiential Food Pairings Younger generation seeking to heighten flavor and add an element of intrigue to typically ordinary meals. ### Hybrid Foods Innovators creating innovative food pairings like meaty cotton candy confections, yam-shaped ice creams. ### Flavor Innovation Trend of combining traditional savory foods with sweets like the cotton candy beverage and cotton candy shooters. ## What the Unexpected Confectionery trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Industry Opportunity to create unique hybrid food items by combining traditional foods with sweets or other unexpected flavor profiles. ### For Hospitality Industry Experiential dining options can be introduced to appeal to younger generations of diners seeking playful and imaginative restaurant experiences. ### For Consumer Goods Industry Manufacturers and distributors can create unique and adventurous new products based on trending consumer preferences, such as the desire for experiential food and flavor innovation. ## Workshop question How can you repackage your offering in a completely unexpected way? ## Trend signals for Unexpected Confectionery Trend score 2.9 out of 10, from popularity 43%, activity 36%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 43% - Activity: 36% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Unexpected Confectionery trend 5 featured examples from Sep 2, 2014 to Aug 17, 2015. - [Yam-Shaped Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shaped-ice-cream): Japan's Roasted Sweet Potato-Shaped Ice Cream is an Icy Treat (Category: Unique) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for food manufacturers to experiment with designing and producing ice cream treats that imitate popular foods. - [Meaty Cotton Candy Confections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-candy-floss): This Bizarre Dish Combines Sweet Candy Floss with Savory Pork Belly (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Restaurants, cafes and bars can offer experimental food and drink options to attract and retain customers. - [Cotton Candy Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cold-tea-beverage): This Cold Tea Beverage Tastes Like a Favorite Fun Fair Snack (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Beverage companies can capitalize on the trend of nostalgic and unique flavors to create new and exciting products for consumers. - [Cotton Candy Shooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ice-cream-shots): This Recipe For Ice Cream Shots Calls For Vodka and Flavored Ice Cream (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can tap into the growing trend of alcohol-infused desserts, experiential dining, and DIY dessert kits. - [Ramen-Infused Ice Cream](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taste-of-instant-noodles): This Frozen Dessert is Flavored with the Taste of Instant Noodles (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The F&B industry can explore incorporating unconventional flavors and ingredients into their products to appeal to adventurous eaters and generate excitement. ## Recent trend clusters - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Calm Monitoring](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/calm-monitoring) (Lifestyle) - [Performance Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/performance-powders) (Lifestyle) - [Task Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/task-beverages) (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) - [Rapid Concussion Screening Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/infrared-eye-tracking) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)