The sweet goods category is taking bold and exciting directions as consumers redefine balance by embracing indulgence. Sweet browns—think caramel, toffee, butterscotch, and brown sugar—are experiencing a resurgence, offering rich, nostalgic indulgence with a modern twist.  

Meanwhile, the lines between sweet and savory are becoming delightfully blurred, with flavor pairings like salted honey, miso caramel, and chili chocolate captivating adventurous palates. These are just a few of the trends that we expect to see dominate the category this year.  

Check out our 5 Trends to Watch in 2025 featuring Sweet Goods: 

 1. Sweet Browns Evoke Comfort 

 Sweet brown flavors like caramel, toffee, and brown sugar will be trending because of their comforting and nostalgic appeal. As consumers seek indulgent experiences that evoke warmth and familiarity, these flavors resonate deeply, especially during uncertain times. Additionally, their versatility allows them to pair seamlessly with trending ingredients like salted or smoky notes, enhancing their premium appeal. 

2. Sweet and Savory Mash-Ups 

This trend will bring a new level of indulgence by blending the comforting sweetness of pastries, cookies, or cakes with savory ingredients like sea salt, herbs, cheese, or spices. Examples include salted caramel cookies, rosemary-infused shortbread, and cheddar-stuffed croissants. These innovative combinations appeal to adventurous eaters looking for unique taste experiences while offering a balance that satisfies cravings for both sweet and savory profiles. 

3. Redefining Balance 

A refreshing trend emerges this year: the acceptance that people aren’t perfect—and that’s okay. Instead of rigidly adhering to the “healthiest” choices, consumers are embracing indulgence, particularly in sweet goods. Whether it’s a decadent dessert or a nostalgic treat, the desire for comfort and joy is redefining balance. This shift highlights the growing recognition that a sustainable lifestyle isn’t just about restriction but also about savoring life’s simple pleasures. For brands, this trend is an opportunity to craft offerings that blend indulgence with authenticity, catering to a more self-compassionate consumer mindset. 

4. Cocoa Reduction 

Cocoa is at historically high prices and manufacturers are partnering with flavor suppliers to develop taste solutions that will help reduce the amount of cocoa derivatives needed in formulations. 

5. Visual and Textural Appeal 

Eye-catching designs are becoming essential. Bright colors, bold decorations and vintage buttercream piping are making a comeback. Additionally, textures like torched meringue and creamy fillings are popular, enhancing the indulgent experience. 

Let’s Chat 

To help deliver consumer expectations for bold and unique flavors in functional products, Synergy’s sweet goods experts will help you every step of the way. From proactively addressing the rise in cocoa prices with flavor to redefining balance by blending indulgence with authenticity, our collaborative environment will help you create great-tasting sweets with our natural flavors, extracts, essences and taste modulation solutions. 

Contact us to learn more about our sweet goods expertise. 

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