As trends come and go in the cookie market, it’s important to stay ahead of the competition by anticipating what may be popular when it comes to our senses. We’ve explored consumer interactions across social media, reviews, and data sources to find some of the trending sensory attributes for 2023. From delightful textures to interesting cookie shapes and exciting packaging options — these trends will give you insight into how to appeal to your customers now so they won’t have time to make other brands their cookie-snacking destination!
Leveraging our White Space AI-powered platform, we studied hundreds of product labels to bring you the top cookie trends for 2023.
Oval
The most promising sensory attribute for 2023 is oval-shaped cookies. This can be seen in products such as Oreo’s new Oval Cookies and Nabisco’s Joyfilled Ovals. These cookies offer unique shapes and textures that consumers are looking for, providing a different snacking experience than the traditional round or square cookie.
Fantastic Taste
While the shape may be fun and interesting, the taste of a cookie is still key. Products emphasizing fantastic flavors will continue gaining traction with consumers as they seek more unique tastes. Oreo Thins are a great example of this trend, as they combine crispy layers of chocolatey goodness with a light and creamy center that will satisfy any cookie lover. Experiment with new ways to offer fan favorites, like combining flavors, to keep up with the competition. Plus, with a low competition score, you’ll have less competition for taste-driven customers.
Cherish
With very high demand and low competition, our data reveals consumers will be looking for cookies that evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia. This can be seen in products such as Famous Amos’ Chocolate Chip Cookies, which use classic ingredients to create a timeless cookie with a home-baked taste. Offering products that bring back memories of eating cookies with friends and family will be a surefire way to please customers in 2023.
Unforgettable
While every cookie brand wants to offer an unforgettable cookie-eating experience, unforgettable can apply to more than just taste. Consider unforgettable packaging or marketing campaigns. We’ve seen brands such as Tate’s Bake Shop offer creative packaging solutions that differentiate themselves from the competition with their memorable designs. In addition, offering products that are packaged with sustainability in mind can also help create an unforgettable experience that customers will remember.
Crumbly
Get creative when it comes to marketing cookie texture. Despite having a very negative passion score (nobody likes a cookie that falls apart), crumbly cookies will still be in demand. Products such as Pepperidge Farm’s Shortbread Cookies, which have a buttery flavor and crunchy texture, give customers a great snack without worrying about the mess. By embracing a different type of cookie texture, you can offer something special to customers that no one else is doing.
Little
When we say little, we mean bite-sized cookies, like in the Mrs. Fields 30 Nibblers Tin. Consumers crave the convenience of a little cookie that can be enjoyed on the go, but it can be difficult to stand out in a crowded field. Get creative with your marketing campaigns to make a big splash with this high-competition sensory attribute.
Golden
Consumers will get excited by cookie products promoting golden brownness, such as the Keebler Fudge Stripes. The golden color reminds them of home-baked goodness and is a visual cue for great taste. If your products leverage natural ingredients such as honey and molasses, promote how that gives your product the golden hue for an unforgettable snack experience. Very high demand paired with low competition makes this a great way to stand out from the competition.
Neutral
With high demand and neutral consumer passion, neutral packaging and flavors will be key for 2023. Use familiar ingredients and flavors that appeal to a broad range of cookie lovers, such as traditional chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin. Market the convenience of having a cookie that appeals to a wide range of consumers. These little changes can make all the difference in creating an unforgettable cookie-eating experience.
Golden Brown
Similar to golden above, golden brown is another way consumers will talk about their favorite cookie brands. With the addition of the word “brown”, consumers indicate they’re interested in a more home-baked cookie. Emphasize nostalgia and promote how your product captures that golden brown color, especially if your product uses natural ingredients. By playing up the visual appeal of your product, you’ll be able to create that memorable and unforgettable sensory experience.
Multipack
Consumers will be drawn to multipack cookie products in 2023 – think of individually wrapped packages, perfect for snacking on the go. Use creative packaging and marketing campaigns to draw attention to your product’s convenience and affordability. Emphasizing the value of getting multiple types of cookies for a discount can help create an unforgettable experience for cookie lovers.
Conclusion
With our list of trending cookie sensory attributes for 2023, you can ensure your product stands out from the competition. By understanding the sensory demand, passion score, and competition score for each attribute, you can get creative with your product offerings and marketing campaigns to create an outstanding cookie experience. Whether it’s capitalizing on the demand for little cookies, leveraging nostalgic golden brownness, or the convenience of multipacks, you can ensure your product is designed to meet consumer needs.
For the latest on 2023 cookie trends, check out our blog.
If you’re ready to see Simporter AI in action and learn what it can do for you, request a demo on our website for more insights on key trends. Predicting need trends is just one way Simporter can help brands grow their business, so to learn more about how we can help you, please visit us at simporter.com.