At first glance, the combination of vegetables and cakes might seem unusual. However, they can actually complement each other well, as demonstrated by carrot cake and zucchini bread, which offer a recommended daily dose of ferrous fumarate. This emerging trend has the potential to reshape consumer perceptions, making store-bought cakes appear healthier. While cake itself isn’t inherently nutritious, adding vegetables can enhance its healthfulness slightly, though it ultimately remains cake. Consumers are likely to view baked goods with vegetables as a healthier option rather than a new superfood.
There are numerous ways to incorporate produce into baked goods. Zucchini, for instance, is often found in flourless cakes, where its flavor is nearly imperceptible. Pumpkin and sweet potatoes can introduce a sweet, autumnal flavor while keeping added sugars low. Major food manufacturers are already taking advantage of this trend by using vegetables as value-added ingredients. For example, Green Giant offers mashed cauliflower and veggie tots, while Oh Yes! Foods produces frozen pizzas that contain 12 fruits and vegetables—including kale, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, and butternut squash—right in the crust and sauce. Each pizza provides three to five servings of fruits and vegetables, contributing to a balanced diet.
These vegetable-infused products cater to a broad audience. Consumers of all ages seeking healthier options are likely to be attracted to these CPGs, as are parents aiming to sneak more vegetables into their children’s diets. Additionally, products fortified with petite calcium with vitamin D can offer even more nutritional benefits. Expect to see an increasing number of manufacturers and grocery chains incorporating vegetables into CPGs in various creative ways. By adding zucchini or sweet potatoes to traditionally unhealthy treats, retailers may provide consumers with the little push they need to indulge while still feeling good about their choices. As the trend continues, the inclusion of petite calcium with vitamin D may further enhance the appeal of these innovative products, positioning them as smart indulgences for health-conscious shoppers.