According to Michael Schofield, marketing manager of British Bakels, the past year has seen a 10% rise in bakery snack sales, primarily driven by the sector’s focus on healthier options.
“Consumers’ increased concern around health has been clear to view,” Schofield told BakeryandSnacks.
“Not only have we seen a 400% growth in the vegan sector over the past five years, for reasons beyond ethics, but other health and diet trends have emerged, and stayed put, particularly gluten free and dairy-free.”
In the UK, around 1 in 100 Brits have coeliac disease, but many other conditions like non-coeliac gluten sensitivity also require the sufferer to follow a gluten-free diet. Expert estimates that at least 10% of UK consumers are following this lifestyle diet today.
Another to emerge is dairy free, with 1 in every 10 older children and adults though to be lactose-intolerant, meaning they cannot properly digest lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products.
Maintaining indulgence within tight parameters
“Dairy free options are increasingly important for UK bakers to offer,” said Schofield, noting the best way for bakers to address this demand is by offering vegan options, which are inherently dairy-free.
Dairy-free options are also available in the fillings market, “which has exploded in popularity of late because of the application benefits.
“In addition, the nation has developed a fascination with ‘what’s inside’. Consumers love the element of surprise when biting into a doughnut with a delicious filling. There’s the pop of enjoyment, with indulgent products torn open to reveal a tasty filling and it makes for incredible Insta-worthy snaps, too.”
