# Autumnal Coffee Shop Breakfasts Starbucks' New Oatmeal Flavor Features Sweet and Salty Toppings By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-09-07 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oatmeal-flavor References: [chewboom](http://www.chewboom.com/2016/09/06/starbucks-launches-new-fall-treats-2016/) & [news.starbucks](https://news.starbucks.com/news/new-starbucks-beverages-and-food-for-fall-2016) [Starbucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/winter-menu) recently expanded its breakfast range with the addition of a new oatmeal flavor. In recent years, the global coffee shop chain has made a strong effort to bolster its early-morning menu. Now it is giving consumers even more breakfast options with the addition of a [sweet and savory oatmeal](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quaker-oats-fruit). Starbucks' new Dark Chocolate and Caramelized Banana Oatmeal is a seasonal breakfast dish introduced as part of the brand's [fall 2016 menu](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cozy-fall-menu). The dish itself consists of a traditional oatmeal base topped with a sweet banana compote that is heated and caramelized to a brûlée. The oatmeal is then finished with a mixture of sweet and savory toppings, which include roasted almonds, salted toffee bits and pieces of single-origin Columbian dark chocolate. Starbucks' new oatmeal flavor demonstrates the brand's continued effort to provide a wider range of early-morning options that go beyond the standard breakfast sandwich. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Expanded Breakfast Range:** There is an opportunity for coffee shop chains to innovate and expand their breakfast menus to attract more customers in the morning. - **Sweet and Savory Combinations:** Developing breakfast dishes that combine sweet and savory flavors can create unique and appealing options for consumers. - **Seasonal Menu Offerings:** Introducing seasonal flavors and dishes can help coffee shop brands generate excitement and keep customers engaged. ### Who This Affects Most - **Coffee Shop Chains:** Coffee shop chains can benefit from exploring new breakfast options and flavors to attract more customers and increase morning sales. - **Food and Beverage Manufacturing:** Manufacturers have an opportunity to develop innovative breakfast products and toppings to meet the demand for unique and delicious morning options. - **Culinary Consulting Services:** Culinary consulting firms can assist coffee shop brands in creating and implementing creative menu options that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Seasonal Ready-To-Eat Oatmeal Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apples-cinnamon.md) - [Exclusive Canadian Breakfast Items](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/winter-menu.md) - [Customizable Oat Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oakmeal.md) - [Icy Oat Milk Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iced-shaken-hazelnut-oatmilk-espresso.md) - [Fall Cafe Beverage Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pecan-oatmilk-cortado.md) - [Dessert-Like Oatmeal Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oatmeal-bowls.md) - [Seasonal Coffee Launches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-8.md) - [Warming Apple Cinnamon Oatmeals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/warm-apple-oatmeal-bowl.md) - [Oat-Based Frappuccino Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oat-milk-frappuccino.md)