Top 6 Trends
to Watch in Bakery

Download the Report
As a chocolate manufacturer with offices around the world, Barry Callebaut has a unique pulse on global bakery trends. Discover the top 2022 trends Barry Callebaut sees in North American bakery & pastry products and download our reports to see what’s trending in Asia & Europe as well!

Bakery products are staples in North American households with 94% of US consumers saying that they purchased a bread or bakery item in the last 6 months1. 

What are the key themes to consider as you create the bakery/pastry products of tomorrow? 

We have reviewed our own proprietary research, tracked new product launches, and synthesized various industry data sources to determine the most important trends influencing North American bakery and pastry today.

Top 6 Trends to Watch in Bakery and Pastry in 2022:

 

 

Emotional Well-being

Today’s consumers have a lot of stress and there has been increased attention on mental well-being.  Consumers have turned to baking as a way to unwind and nostalgic flavors have been a popular way to deliver comfort. 

According to Mintel, 72% of US consumers agree that they enjoy things that remind them of their childhood2. 

Baking kits like the Duncan Hines S’Mores Brownie Kit offer consumers an easy & convenient way to continue their new found baking hobby while providing a unique twist on a classic nostalgic flavor at the same time. 

Epic S'mores Brownie Kit
Source: Duncan Hines
Dessert charcuterie board
Source: Cheryl's Cookies

Celebration

Celebrations have always been important to the bakery category but this year, there is even more to celebrate. 

We see confetti, sparkles, seasonal flavors, and new formats for sharing that deliver happiness for consumers.  On social media channels, consumers are creating “dessert charcuterie boards” filled with sweet treats instead of the traditional meat and cheese. 

Brands like Cheryl’s Cookies have been tapping into this trend to target social occasions and moments of celebration. 

Extraordinary Experiences

Consumers are seeking adventure and this applies to their baked goods too.  New flavors, bold colors, and increased textures are on trend as consumers search for new experiences. 

According to IRI, 67% of consumers want snacks that are fun to eat, this being up 3 points vs. 20193.  Michel et Augustin’s Croissant Chips meet this consumer demand for new flavor and texture experiences. 

We also predict that consumers will continue to seek out experience driven products as we have seen examples like tsunami cakes and take & bake products introduced over the last few months. 

Augustin's Croissant Chips
Source: Drugstorenews.com
Simple Mills Double Chocolate Cookies
Source: Simple Mills

Added Goodness

By using wholesome ingredients that provide health benefits, baked goods can steal from the snack aisle. 

Whether it’s dark chocolate or nut flours, baked goods such as these Simple Mills Double Chocolate cookies satisfy indulgent cravings while being nutritionally superior to other options in the market, making them particularly attractive to today’s consumers who have their health top-of-mind. 

Customized Needs

Consumers will continue to desire products that meet their individual dietary needs. 

Baked goods that are “designed for a specialized  diet”:  paleo, allergen friendly, keto, vegan are becoming ubiquitous with keto claims growing a CAGR of 298% from 2016-20204. 

Hu recently introduced grain-free cookies which not only are gluten and grain free but also meet the requirements of the keto diet, paleo diet, contain no added sugar, no dairy and more. 

Hu Grain-Free Cookies
Source: Hu Kitchen
Renewal Mill Dark Chocolate Brownie Mix
Source: Renewal Mill

Treats for the Planet

Clean, transparent products are on trend as consumers seek to be close to nature. 

Nearly 1 in 3 adults in Canada look for all natural ingredients when seeking out healthier baked goods, +3 points vs. 20195.  More and more consumers are committed to sustainability and products that are better for the planet. 

Renewal Mill claims to help you “fight climate change from your kitchen” as they use food byproducts to create their plant based baking mixes.

Top 6 Trends to Watch in Bakery 2022 Report

Look for these trends to influence what's happening in bakeries and drive exciting new innovations.

bakery trends report cover image - chocolate cake on tray

Complete the form below to request your exclusive Bakery Trends reports:

Sources: 

  1. Mintel Reports, In-Store Bakeries - US - February 2021
  2. Mintel Reports, Baking and Mixes - US- March 2021
  3. IRI, How America Eats- The Snacking Frenzy in 2021 and Beyond - April 2021
  4. Innova, Top 10 Trends Bakery & Cereals - 2021
  5. Mintel Reports, A Year of Innovation in Baking Ingredients & Sugar - April 2021

Related Products

Trends & Insights

Cereal mix with caramel chunks, apple & banana

Caramel pairings & twists

Adding a twist to your caramel creations will attract consumers attention and tempt their curiosity: some caramel flavors going from nostalgic to experimental.
Ice cream consumers

3 Types of Ice Cream Lovers

Discover 3 types of ice cream consumers. From the Health Enthusiasts to the Trend Spotters to the Exquisite Explorers. Learn what they want in an ice cream product.
illustration of guy looking at a hat rack with three tenets of the future of indulgence

The Future of Indulgence

Find out how consumers' approach to life is impacting the manner in which they indulge.

Get in Touch