Since the onset of COVID-19, consumers’ daily food and beverage routines have adjusted to incorporate more things that make them feel good*. Studies also show that 82% of consumers believe it’s equally or more important for businesses to keep up with trends post-COVID**.

With that in mind, let’s dive into creative ways you can embrace trends and step up your menu offerings this fall!

Spice Up Your Fall LTOs

With fall around the corner, customers are already smelling the pumpkin in the air. Give them something more this fall by combining their familiar fall favorites with a twist. And don’t forget that cold beverages have proven to be a year round hit! Give your customers the options they want by offering cold beverage preparations alongside traditional hot drinks.

Add a pop of seasonal color, texture and flavor to your standard holiday menu!

• Flavored whipped cream
• Cold foam topper
• Cinnamon sticks
• Dried orange slice
• Candied pumpkin seeds

Feelin' Nostalgic

Right now, consumers are looking for anything that will remind them of “the good old days”. The effects of COVID-19 has caused many to become sentimental and long to go back to simpler times.

• 71% of US consumers enjoy things that remind them of their childhood.***
• According to Forbes, “Associating brand messaging with positive references from the 90s, 80s — and even the 70s — humanizes brands, forging meaningful connections between the past and present.”***

_{***Mintel Trend Driver Global Survey on Fona.com, March 2020}

Clinging to Comfort

“Self-treating” has become a way for consumers to cope with this new normal. This is evident in the drastic increase in demand of popular snack options during the pandemic.

• Popcorn sales rose 48%
• Pretzel sales rose 47%
• Potato chips sales rose 30%

_{(Bloomberg.com Food Article Neilsen Data, March 21, 2020)}

“Homemade” baked goods flavors often evoke this sense of comfort. Consider how you can include some of these flavors in your menu:

• Cheesecake
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
• Cupcake
• Gingerbread
• Shortbread