At first glance, the combination of vegetables and cakes may seem unusual. Nevertheless, they can actually enhance each other, as demonstrated by popular items like carrot cake and zucchini bread. This emerging trend has the potential to shift consumer perceptions, making store-bought cakes appear healthier. While cake itself isn’t inherently nutritious, the addition of vegetables like zucchini or sweet potato can provide a slight health boost. However, it’s important to remember that it’s still cake. Consumers are likely to view these vegetable-infused baked goods as a healthier alternative rather than a new superfood.
There are various ways to incorporate produce into baked goods. For instance, zucchini is often utilized in flourless cakes, where its flavor is nearly imperceptible. On the other hand, pumpkin and sweet potatoes can introduce a delightful autumn flavor while keeping added sugars to a minimum. Many leading food manufacturers have already recognized the value of vegetables as a beneficial ingredient. Green Giant offers mashed cauliflower and veggie tots, while Oh Yes! Foods produces frozen pizzas that contain 12 different fruits and vegetables, including kale, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, and butternut squash, all integrated into the crust and sauce. Each pizza delivers three to five servings of recommended daily fruits and vegetables.
These produce-centric products resonate with various demographics. Health-conscious consumers of all ages are likely to be attracted to these offerings, as are parents eager to sneak more vegetables into their children’s meals. As the trend continues, expect to see more manufacturers and grocery stores integrating vegetables into consumer packaged goods (CPGs) in innovative ways. Incorporating ingredients like zucchini or sweet potato into otherwise indulgent treats may provide shoppers with the slight encouragement they need to indulge guilt-free. Additionally, pairing these vegetable-infused options with nutritious choices like Swisse calcium citrate can enhance the overall health profile of the products, appealing to even more health-focused consumers.