# Unexpected Sweet As consumers grow to expect the obscure, flavor reversals take rise. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Jun 23, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/unexpected-sweet ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.1/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Unexpected Sweet trend? **Unexpected Sweet:** The urban foodie has developed their palate to require constant stimulation; flavor reversals -- as seen with dips being changed from salty to sweet -- are augmenting different cuisines to be intermixed in a non-committal way. Sweetened dips are the first step toward a redefinition of what deems a flavor interesting. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 3, 2013 to Jun 18, 2014 - Published: Jun 23, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Unexpected Sweet trend ### Flavor Reversals As consumers grow to expect the obscure, flavor reversals take rise ### Savory and Sweet Mix Conventional savory foods being adapted into a sweet version and vice versa ### Cultured Condiments Cultured condiments from unheard of sources starting to enter the condiment market ## What the Unexpected Sweet trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage As a highly innovative industry, the food and beverage market needs to constantly challenge convention and continue to drive forwards. ### For Agriculture The need to find new and exciting flavors that can adapt the existing food industry means agricultural practices will need to adapt. ### For Consumer Goods As these flavors become more recognized, subscription-style deliveries and international specialty suppliers will go a long way in continuing to innovate and diversify markets. ## Trend signals for Unexpected Sweet Trend score 3.1 out of 10, from popularity 51%, activity 33%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 51% - Activity: 33% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Unexpected Sweet trend 6 featured examples from Sep 3, 2013 to Jun 18, 2014. - [Salad Dressing Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ranch-dressing): Yogurtland Created an Outlandish Ranch Dressing Frozen Yogurt (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The frozen yogurt industry can explore and develop new and unique flavor offerings to attract adventurous consumers. - [Poultry-Infused Breakfast Syrups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-n-waffles): The Chicken 'n Waffles Syrup by Torani is Sweet and Savory (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Beverage companies can explore creating more unique and interesting syrup flavors that can add a new twist to classic drinks or cocktails. - [Cultured Relish Condiments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polish-condiment): Saucy by Nature's Polish Condiment Gives Snacks the Right Kick (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The trend for globally inspired flavors opens up new opportunities for companies in the food and beverage industry to create innovative, culturally diverse condiment options. - [Alcoholic Chocolate Spreads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omid-spreadable-beer): Omid Spreadable Beer Lets You Have Booze for Breakfast (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore more alcoholic-infused products beyond chocolates for its customer base to expand. - [Sweettooth Nacho Dips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/7layer-dessert-dip): The 7-Layer Dessert Dip Transforms the Superbowl Food Staple (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new dessert product lines, innovative flavor combinations, and alternative ingredients for the food and beverage industry. - [Subtly Sweet Salsas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oaxaca-white-chocolate-salsa): NAKED Infusions' Organic Oaxaca White Chocolate Salsa is Unusual (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Innovations in unconventional flavors can disrupt the traditional food and beverage industry. ## 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)