With healthy desserts, shoppers strike a balance

Consumers are looking for desserts that prove they can have it all — a healthy lifestyle with room for dessert. They’re looking for indulgences that fit into their diets but don’t feel like diet foods.Treats today need to live up to the standards consumers have come to expect from all packaged foods, meaning that whole ingredients, added benefits, and on-trend flavors are required.

"While consumers strive to live healthier lifestyles, strong engagement in the category suggests that there is still room for indulgence,” said Michael Averbook, food and drink analyst at Mintel in the consumer research firm’s 2018 ice cream and frozen novelties report. “This suggests that the key to balancing consumer desire for indulgence and healthier qualities is not just about less (fat or calories), but also sometimes about real."

In Mintel’s 2017 cookie reporter, Averbook cited better-for-you and premium cookies as growing segments. Whatever the dessert, the cherry on top for consumers is the guilt-free experience.

Contact Gloria Dawson at [email protected]

Follow her on Twitter: @gloriadawson