The Current State of Dessert: 2025 Dessert Trends & Flavors

Everyday occasions, casual get-togethers, important celebrations – desserts play a significant role in every gathering, big or small. Desserts are a cornerstone of connection – something to awaken your senses, a conversation piece, a celebratory sentiment, a sweet ending to the gathering. In 2025, we’re seeing we’ll see desserts take on new dimensions that offer opportunities for people to bond over nostalgic treats and discover new flavors together. Here are some trends to help you find your edge and drive traffic to your in-store bakery.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS AND SOCIAL GATHERINGS ARE HAVING A MOMENT

The amount of ‘special occasions’ continues to grow, as do special occasions offering desserts. In a post-COVID world, these ‘special occasions’ are shifting to smaller, casual everyday gatherings beyond just birthdays and anniversaries, including book club meetings, game nights, dinner parties or impromptu weeknight gatherings. Desserts guarantee a sweet time and encourage shared indulgent moments, no matter the occasion. Trending sharable treats like cookies and pastries lend themselves perfectly to everyday celebrations.

NEWSTALGIA: SWEET MEMORIES, SHARED TOGETHER

Recalling nostalgic memories together is a part of shared experiences with family and friends. A top trend driving consumer spending across markets today is ‘Newstalgia’—updating nostalgic items into something new, as highlighted in the Datassential 2024 Food Trends Report (2023). With desserts, this means taking classic desserts or old-time favorites and adding a new and unique twist on them—or tying in an iconic, time-honored brand. Newstalgic desserts at gatherings give people an opportunity to share sweet nostalgic memories and new eating experiences with one another.

REIMAGINING OLD FLAVORS AND DESSERTS

SHARING NEW EXPERIENCES THROUGH GLOBAL DESSERTS

Global flavors and desserts are making waves as people seek new, exciting ways to connect with one another and try new foods together. Desserts like tres leches and churro-inspired sweets offer the chance to explore the cultures that inspire them and bond over new tastes and experiences.

HISPANIC-INSPIRED FLAVORS GAINING MAINSTREAM APPEAL

ACHIEVE GLOBAL STATUS

EXPLORE THE FUTURE OF FRESH BAKERY PLAYBOOK

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1 Rich Products Sept. 2023 Shopper Insight Study, 2 SNAP! Datassential Dessert Keynote, 2023, 3 Greenbook ‘Nostalgia’s Impact on Consumer Likes and Dislikes,’ June 2024, 4 SNAP! Datassential ‘The World of Sweet Flavors,’ 2024, 5 Datassential 2024 Food Trends Report, 2023, 6 Tastewise, 2024, 7 NIG Latest 52 Weeks Ending 6/17/23