There’s a comfort in bakery foods, especially amid a global pandemic. From sweet snacks to loaves of artisan bread, bakery foods have the ability to awaken consumers’ senses and emotions. Simply put, bakery foods are the ultimate comfort food.
However, there’s been a shift in the consumer relationship with bakery foods. There is also now a desire for better-for-you options. This is great news for honey fans as the ingredient’s all-natural positioning make it the ideal sweetener for bakery foods formulated for consumers seeking a better-for-you option.
The importance of the better-for-you concept was reflected in Weston Foods’ first-ever Bakeology Report, which highlighted the change in relationships between consumers and bakery foods. The Bakeology Report found:
- About one-third of consumers said they’re more likely to buy all-natural baked goods, while 24% said they’re more likely to buy artisan-style baked goods.
- Americans are seeking out products that include words like all-natural, high in fiber and protein, non-GMO, made sustainably and artisan-style.
- 67% said they enjoy baked goods reminiscent of their childhood.
- People get a strong sense of gratification when eating their favorite baked treat, with 21% of Americans feeling “joyful” and almost half feeling “happy.”
Baking Business reported that every day sweet snacks “enjoyed modest growth” in 2020, due in part to consumers looking to find a sense of normalcy. With an increasing consumer need to balance comfort and nutrition, these made-with-honey products can help drive bakery food sales.
