• We crave chocolate and we love it because it's just plain good! It tastes good. Smells good. It pampers the taste buds as it melts on the tongue. Nicknamed "the gift of the gods", chocolate is indeed a multisensory product, which produces a response in the chemistry of the whole body.
Barry Callebaut, chocolate manufacturer from Switzerland, makes, in August 2021, a study on the behavior of consumers in Brazil, China, France, Great Britain and the United States of America regarding the varieties of chocolate on the market.
Chocolate - a product for well-being
Loved by an impressive number of people, chocolate is the first choice for many when they want to indulge in something good and sweet. This is one of the main reasons why people consume chocolate.
54% of consumers say that chocolate and chocolate products are related to the feeling of indulgence. Containing compounds that increase the level of serotonin and dopamine in the body, also known as the "hormones of happiness", Chocolate it helps us to be more relaxed and in a better mood.
The study carried out by Barry Callebaut Group mentions that, when asked what product they would choose if they were to celebrate something (a birthday, a promotion, an anniversary or any other celebration), 56% of consumers answered chocolate.
At the same time, 27% of the respondents admitted that in the last year they ate more chocolate, something related to the period we are going through globally.
Taste - main criterion of choice
Dozens of chocolate assortments have appeared on store shelves over time to the delight of consumers, taste being the main criterion for choosing the favorite product.
Globally, milk chocolate remains the top choice for 44% of consumers, while 33% prefer the benefits of dark chocolate, which is much richer in antioxidants.
We must not forget the growing popularity of pink chocolate, which, since its launch in 2017, has gained more and more followers especially among young people.
Even though eating a chocolate bar stimulates all the senses, taste is the most important decision-making factor for 61% of respondents. In second place as a decision factor is the attractive appearance, so that the last place is occupied by the sugar content.
Trends in chocolate consumption
Even though indulgence and celebration remain very important to consumers, they are increasingly paying attention to healthy choices. Thus, 81% of consumers agree that chocolate must be tasty, but at the same time good for health and with minimal impact on the environment.
This trend, dubbed "Mindful indulgence", is achieved by sourcing the product from organic, plant-based, low-sugar and sustainably sourced ingredients.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor of Arta Albă
Read on White Art and: Top 6 trends to watch in pastry, confectionery, chocolate and bakery
