Most Consumers Eat Desserts at Least Monthly: Study
CHICAGO -- New research from foodservice consultancy Technomic here found that virtually everyone enjoys dessert from time to time. In a survey of 1,500 consumers, the vast majority (85 percent) said they eat dessert once a month or more, and no respondents said that they "never" eat dessert.
More than half of consumers (57 percent) reported eating dessert "very frequently" or "often" (at least once a week).
"Clearly, consumers love dessert," said Darren Tristano, e.v.p. of Technomic Information Services. "We see the overwhelming appeal of desserts as a great way for restaurants to boost incremental sales."
Even though traditional desserts such as chocolate-chip cookies, a dish of vanilla ice cream, or a slice of apple pie are most favored, the definition of dessert is changing. More consumers, for example, now view yogurt parfaits, fruit plates, or cheese samplers as appealing desserts.
Dessert toppings are growing in popularity, and not just for ice cream sundaes. Many consumers indicated that they like toppings on cakes, pies and cookies.
Consumers like to share desserts. In fact, some won't order dessert unless someone else in their party also plans to. This behavior varies by gender and ethnic group, with women, Asians and Hispanics more likely to pass on dessert unless they can either share it or know that they aren't the only one ordering a dessert.
When purchasing desserts at limited-service establishments, consumers look for portability and reasonably-priced options. At full-service restaurants, however, high overall quality is the most important attribute.
These and numerous other findings are presented in the new Dessert Consumer Trend Report, which was developed to give restaurant operators and foodservice suppliers vital market and consumer insights to drive business-building efforts in the dessert category.
For more information visit: www.foodpubs.com.
More than half of consumers (57 percent) reported eating dessert "very frequently" or "often" (at least once a week).
"Clearly, consumers love dessert," said Darren Tristano, e.v.p. of Technomic Information Services. "We see the overwhelming appeal of desserts as a great way for restaurants to boost incremental sales."
Even though traditional desserts such as chocolate-chip cookies, a dish of vanilla ice cream, or a slice of apple pie are most favored, the definition of dessert is changing. More consumers, for example, now view yogurt parfaits, fruit plates, or cheese samplers as appealing desserts.
Dessert toppings are growing in popularity, and not just for ice cream sundaes. Many consumers indicated that they like toppings on cakes, pies and cookies.
Consumers like to share desserts. In fact, some won't order dessert unless someone else in their party also plans to. This behavior varies by gender and ethnic group, with women, Asians and Hispanics more likely to pass on dessert unless they can either share it or know that they aren't the only one ordering a dessert.
When purchasing desserts at limited-service establishments, consumers look for portability and reasonably-priced options. At full-service restaurants, however, high overall quality is the most important attribute.
These and numerous other findings are presented in the new Dessert Consumer Trend Report, which was developed to give restaurant operators and foodservice suppliers vital market and consumer insights to drive business-building efforts in the dessert category.
For more information visit: www.foodpubs.com.