Sweet Dreams: The Complete Guide To Dessert Trends 2024

The History of Desserts:

Let's start with history. Desserts akin to those served today were actually an invention of the Renaissance. Back then, they were considered a symbol of social status. New ingredients, such as chocolate from the New World and vanilla from Mexico, made their way to Europe. Desserts containing these ingredients elevated the prestige of those who served and consumed them. It was not until the Industrial Revolution that desserts transformed from luxurious items into widely accessible products. Sweets ceased to be a sign of wealth. Instead, they became a symbol of modernity. Today, ingredients from around the world are at our fingertips, and technology allows for the creation of the most intricate compositions. When consumers reach for dessert nowadays, they're guided by different considerations: ecological awareness or health matters.

Healthy Desserts:

The results of most studies unequivocally point to health issues being key in 2024. While not a new trend, it's now starting to dominate. Cafes in Warsaw, such as Healthy Cake [Zdrowe Ciacho], Skinny Cake [Chude Ciacho], or Sweet-Free [Słodki Bez], have been successfully serving desserts without gluten, lactose, casein, sugar, or allergens for years. It is predicted that in 2024, exclusion products will gain strength. So will bakery, confectionery, or restaurant concepts offering, for example, bread with a low glycemic index.

Importantly, consumers are now demanding a little more from restaurateurs than just "a kitchen free of". The pro-health trend requires that sweet indulgences be not only harmless or healthy but also provide additional benefits for the body. "Healthy sweet snacks? The awareness of a healthy lifestyle is guiding us towards alternative ingredients: sugar-free substitutes, nuts, seeds, or superfoods. Thanks to this, we can enjoy delicious treats without compromising on health," assures Michał Iwaniuk, Creative Director at Belvedere Gourmet Group.

A fascinating example of putting these principles into practice is the menu at CofeSorir, a café in Wrocław. They serve desserts not only free from preservatives but also containing superfoods. Meanwhile, in Paris, Café Collagen has emerged as the first café where you can enjoy your favorite drink enriched with collagen, known for its beneficial properties.

A related phenomenon is the enduring popularity of vegan desserts. This is particularly evident in the ice cream market, which has undergone significant changes in recent years. Frozen desserts were traditionally made using animal-derived ingredients. However, today, many places offer milk- and egg-free alternatives. According to this year's Barry Callebaut report, the segment of vegan frozen desserts is expected to grow by a staggering 12.3% by 2027. This trend cannot be ignored.

Comfort Food & Good Mood:

Fitness in body, clarity in mind. The fast pace of life, stress, and overwhelming responsibilities have led to more and more people seeking ways to relax and quickly boost their mood. For many, the answer has been comfort food and mood food dishes. Mood-boosting food is primarily that which simply brings pure pleasure, often evoking memories of a happy childhood.

A nostalgic menu demands more from a restaurateur than just knowledge of grandma's recipes. It must primarily rely on top-quality ingredients and dress them in a unique concept. This way, it offers customers the full culinary experience they crave. Such is the case with the café Old Lady's Cake Conundrum [Masz babo placek] in Poznań. Here, not only the menu but also the interior décor takes guests back to grandmas’ flats from the times of the Polish People's Republic. The café prides itself on excellent yeast cakes, often served straight from the oven, still warm, just like grandma's. Similarly, at Janka Paszkowskiego's restaurant "Oma" in Warsaw both its décor and menu embody the essence of the good mood trend.

Exotic Desserts:

On the flip side, there's a trend associated with the popularity of cuisines from the farthest corners of the world. The Kimpton Hotels network, in a report published this year, pays special attention to the increasing influence of Asian and French influences in dessert dishes. Guests can therefore expect sweeter and spicier combinations on the hotel menu, such as carrot mochi and croissants with smoked salt chocolate. These will feature alternative sugars, such as date, beet, and coconut.

The situation is no different in Poland. In the first days of March, two "mochimats" were installed in Warsaw — vending machines with mochi ice cream desserts from Miss Ti. Previously, this Japanese delicacy was only available in stores of the Biedronka and Żabka retail networks. However, it sold out so quickly that many people didn't get a chance to even try it.

In Poland, specialties from Japanese cuisine are slowly being joined by offerings from other, less explored Asian countries, such as South Korea. Consumers are still seeking surprising flavour combinations. Spicy desserts, fresh edible flowers, and the fusion of ingredients from different cultures pose a challenge, but also an opportunity, for dessert creators in the near future.

Sugar Technology:

Mochimats also align with another trend this year: the use of innovative technological solutions in confectionery. There's an increasing buzz about 3D-printed cakes, which aren't widely available yet, but food enthusiasts are already eager to try them. One notable figure in this regard is Diana Rakasko, who gained fame for her unconventional desserts. She utilizes a 3D printer to create innovative cakes and pastries that not only impress with their taste but also look like something out of a sci-fi series.

Don't overlook the fact that more and more people expect not only exquisite taste but also unforgettable experiences accompanying their meals. Until recently, simply pouring hot sauce over dessert to melt the chocolate shell was enough. Today, consumers anticipate a real spectacle. It's supposed to be beautiful, fascinating, and sensual. Instagram is flooded with baking rolls in various forms, overflowing with creamy fillings.

The trend of "Instagrammable interiors" continues to reign supreme. The worldwide network of cafes, EL&N London, capitalizes on this perfectly. The décor of its Warsaw branch is inspired by the architecture of early last century's train stations. The pink-and-green space is full of elements reminiscent of an old railway carriage, a ticket booth, and neon brand slogans adorning the walls. It's an ideal spot for a photo shoot and picture-perfect selfies. Paired with ridiculously good-looking desserts, it serves as excellent inspiration for all those hungry for culinary experiences.

Little Luxuries:

Equally enchanting is the space of Nanan café in Wrocław. Its name means "sweets" in French – a word that perfectly captures not only the character of the local desserts but also the interior. The walls are covered in pink velvet, with éclairs being the main motif. The result is spectacular. This unique concept fits perfectly into the trend that The Whole Foods labeled "little luxuries" in its report this year.

 So, what's behind this move? It's when consumers, despite an unfavourable economic situation, indulge in purchases that go beyond their daily budget. They're not just doing it to improve their mood. They also want to treat themselves. It's not about comfort food; it's about something truly exceptional. Beautiful single servings and exquisite desserts work perfectly in this case.

Remember, in the face of high inflation, customers opting for such an expenditure expect a product that shines in more than one way. Not only should it be delicious and prepared from top-quality ingredients but also presented and served in a unique manner. This is confirmed by the report from the Kimpton hotel network, which indicates that consumers continue to seek culinary experiences that go beyond just taste. They want holistic experiences.

Summary:

The pastry industry is a part of the culinary business. It is now more diverse than ever and subject to faster and more intense changes. Consumer preferences are evolving, accompanied by growing expectations from restaurateurs. It's worth staying up to date with the latest trends and analyzing which ones will stay with us longer. If you meet customer expectations, sweet victory awaits you. A robust dessert menu is now an opportunity to attract new customers. Moreover, over 60% of restaurateurs claim that they have significantly increased profits thanks to delightful desserts on the menu.