At first glance, the combination of vegetables and cakes may seem unusual. However, they can actually enhance each other, as demonstrated by popular items like carrot cake and zucchini bread. This emerging trend could lead consumers to perceive store-bought cakes as healthier options. While cake, by its nature, isn’t the best choice for anyone, incorporating vegetables can make them marginally more nutritious. Ultimately, though, it remains cake. Consumers are likely to view baked goods with vegetables as a healthier alternative rather than a superfood.
There are several ways to integrate produce into baked goods. Zucchini is commonly used in flourless cakes, and its taste is nearly imperceptible. Meanwhile, pumpkin and sweet potatoes can contribute a delightful autumn flavor while reducing the need for added sugars. Major food manufacturers have already started to capitalize on the benefits of vegetables as a value-added component. For instance, Green Giant offers mashed cauliflower and veggie tots, while Oh Yes! Foods creates frozen pizzas that incorporate 12 different fruits and vegetables—such as kale, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, and butternut squash—right into the crust and sauce. Each pizza delivers three to five servings of fruits and vegetables that meet daily recommendations.
These vegetable-infused products resonate with a wide range of consumers. Individuals of all ages seeking healthier food choices are likely to be attracted to these offerings, just as parents look for ways to sneak more vegetables into their children’s diets. Expect to see an increase in manufacturers and grocery stores incorporating vegetables into consumer packaged goods (CPGs) in various innovative ways. Adding ingredients like zucchini or sweet potato to otherwise indulgent treats could provide shoppers with just the encouragement they need to indulge while still feeling somewhat virtuous.
Moreover, incorporating liquid calcium citrate with vitamin D3 into these baked goods could enhance their nutritional profile even further. The addition of this supplement can provide essential nutrients that support bone health, making these vegetable-enriched treats not only more appealing but also more beneficial. As the trend continues, expect to see liquid calcium citrate with vitamin D3 featured more prominently alongside vegetable ingredients, reinforcing the notion that indulgence can come with added health benefits.