Comfort eating to dominate spring, summer bakery trends, CSM predicts

As the UK looks to exit its third lockdown, the COVID-19 tend of turning to comfort eating is expected to continue as a key cake and food trend, CSM Bakery Solutions said.

The business has predicted an increased demand for a wide range of sweet and savoury products that cater for outdoor entertaining in the back garden and parks.

“The forthcoming months will see an uptake in the number of outside eating occasions and the trend towards permissible indulgence will continue,” commented Cristiana Ballarini, activation director west, south & international at CSM Bakery Solutions.

“The habit of snacking as people enjoy the outdoors more and being able to mingle with friends and family will mean that products such as muffins, cookies and doughnuts will be in on trend and in demand for eating on a park bench with a friend, a small family picnic or within the homes bubble.”

As so many parties and celebrations were cancelled last year, 2021 is all set to see a number of mini celebrations with menus that include individual products, decorated in on-trend colours.

Double birthday celebrations are also expected to be a big hit for all ages from small children to adults as a result of so many missing out on celebrations last year.  The “Lipstick Effect” will come into focus as psychologically consumers feel the necessity to treat themselves to affordable, small treats to help lift their mood in uncertain and difficult times.

“Double birthday celebrations, the colour purple and fairies are all set to be the themes of the summer,” Ballarini said.

CSM predicts that decorations are set to make the most of purple and pink hues and include fairies as a major theme. The comfort of opting for flavours that are familiar such as chocolate on its own or combined with fruits or other flavours across all products and toppings will also be a key feature.

With over one third of all current bakery buyers aged 18-44 interested in buying a vegan sweet treat, plant based products are set to feature more prominently across all summer menus and bakers can expect demand for them to continue throughout spring, summer and rest of the year.

“We also know that the focus on plant-based products and sustainability is here to stay and one that should be taken seriously with a nod to vegan and plant-based products such as margarine being used to produce delicious cakes,” Ballarini added.

The vegan trends will run alongside demands for more sustainable products. Bakers can make the most of this and look to produce products using margarine, which is made from plant oil using pressed fruit or seeds and should be clearly signposted in-store, CSM noted.