Evaluating the Pros and Cons of 2023 Dessert Trends for Franchises

2023 Dessert Trends

The food and beverage industry has always been an ever-evolving landscape. From local restaurants to franchises, businesses must be aware of the latest trends to stay competitive and profitable. With the continued rise of food delivery, plant-based desserts, and upgraded snacking, business owners must keep an eye on the newest movements and trends or risk staying behind their competitors.

When it comes to optimizing their franchised eats, many business owners are particularly frustrated by the current dessert trends of 2023. This can be especially confusing because some of the trends are incredibly popular among customers, while other trends are quickly becoming outdated. To better assess the current dessert trends and understand the pros and cons of each one, it’s important to consider the latest data gathered by Brizo.

At Brizo, we provide businesses with data that allows for highly targeted research and prospecting within the foodservice market. With our in-depth menu data and restaurant tech coverage, sales teams and marketers in the foodservice market can make more informed decisions, as well as streamline production and expand operations. From using our data for sales prospecting to marketing to the foodservice market, our data can aid decision-makers with their choices.

The following outlines the pros and cons of 2023 dessert trends, according to our data and insights:

Plant-Based Sweets

Veganism and flexitarianism are quickly on the rise, so much so that plant-based menu items have become a must-have on the roster of many franchises. As customers become more intrigued and educated on what options are available within plant-based desserts, the demand is growing and more businesses are finding themselves catering to a plant-based-focused group.

Pros

The primary advantage of embracing plant-based alternatives for desserts is the fact that it opens up the market to a wider customer base. As customers become more conscious and aware of animal-friendly, cruelty-free sweets, the increased interest in plant-based treats will result in a greater number of customers in 2023.

Cons

Although increasingly popular, plant-based desserts may not be the first choice for those with a sweet tooth. Many customers are craving more traditional dessert items that may not be available with plant-based ingredients. A common misconception about plant-based desserts is that they’ll be far less indulgent or, in other words, lack plenty of sweetness.

Personalized Treats

Derived from the ‘experience economy’ trend, personalized treats are a new twist on traditional desserts. Whether it’s celebrating a bit of nostalgia or giving customers something unique and celebratory, it’s a great way to bring customers into the franchise and keep them coming back for more.

Pros

Personalized desserts offer customers the chance to savor something totally unique and often customized for the individual’s tastes. Not only do customers appreciate the bespoke attention, but it also creates a memorable narrative that they’ll be eager to share with friends and family.

Cons

When considering the storage and production of personalized desserts, one of the biggest issues is time. As customizations often require unique prep time, the costs and labor associated with personalized treats can be fairly significant compared to traditional desserts. Not to mention, owners must constantly stay on top of their inventory in order to keep up with the demand.

Gourmet Snacking

Snacks have been around for centuries, but recently there’s been an uptick in gourmet snacking. This new movement looks to combine traditional indulgences with modern, health-conscious elements.

Pros

Gourmet snacking is a great way to offer customers value and convenience without sacrificing on flavor and quality. From small bites to oversized portions, gourmet snacks come in various shapes and sizes, making it an ideal choice for franchise owners who wish to cater to various needs and cravings. Plus, they’re often packed with nutrition and created with quality ingredients, making it a great way to offer healthier beverages.

Cons

Gourmet snacking isn’t always the go-to choice for everyone. Customers who are seeking a classic indulgence or a delectable experience are less likely to go for snacks than sweets. Not to mention, the price for ingredients can be costly and create a divide between those who are interested and those who are not.

The essence

Ultimately, when it comes to offering the perfect desserts, franchises must be aware of the current trends of 2023 in order to ensure their customers are receiving a five-star experience. Brizo data is here to provide companies with an extensive view of the current hot trends and their pros and cons. By staying informed on the trends, business owners can ensure they’re selecting the right desserts for their company, as well as their happy customers.