Better choices for elevated indulgence

Pleasure, redefined for everyday reality

Process of making fresh handmade macaroons in restaurant kitchen. Colourful macaroons cookies on baking trays
Indulgence still plays a big role in food innovation, but its meaning is changing. Consumers continue to look for pleasure and reward, but they want indulgent products to fit into their everyday lives.
Innova highlights that indulgence is evolving from a purely multisensory experience into a multidimensional one. It now combines taste and texture with physical wellbeing and emotional benefits (Innova Market Insights, 2025). Indulgence is about more than richness and excess – it's about how a product makes people feel.
This shift is visible in the market. New food and beverage launches with indulgent claims grew by 26% between 2024 and 2025 (Innova Market Insights, 2025). Both familiar sensations and bold new ideas continue to attract consumers.

The evolution of indulgence across regions

Enjoyment is universal, but how it shows up in food differs by region

Americas

Indulgence is strongly linked to snacking, comfort and bold flavors. Consumers look for exciting textures, familiar formats with a twist and small treats that feel satisfying without being too heavy. Growing awareness around portion size and satiety is also influencing how indulgent products are designed.

EMEA

Indulgence is closely connected to emotional comfort and relaxation. Many consumers turn to small treats as a way to unwind or reward themselves. Even in times of cost pressure, people continue to look for quality, strong flavor and a premium feel, especially in chocolate, bakery and hot drinks.

APAC

Taste remains the main driver. Consumers enjoy trying new textures, colors and flavor combinations. Indulgence is often linked to novelty and sensory experience, but products that also offer some nutritional value are becoming more attractive.
Several factors are shaping how indulgence evolves:
  • the need for small moments of comfort in fast-paced lifestyles
  • growing focus on balance and personal wellbeing
  • demand for experiences that combine strong sensory impact with emotional uplift
Indulgence is becoming multidimensional. Consumers expect taste, texture and visual appeal, as well as mood support and a sense of balance (Innova Market Insights, 2025).
Expectations are changing. People still want pleasure, but they look for it in a more balanced way. Across markets, they value:
    rich taste and strong flavor impact
    interesting textures and layered experiences
    smaller portions that still feel satisfying
    options that combine enjoyment with better nutrition
  • playful, visually engaging formats that resonate strongly with Generation Alpha
This has led to the rise of “better-for-you indulgence”, where products offer reduced sugar, added protein or fiber, or more natural ingredients while keeping the experience enjoyable (Innova Market Insights, Top Trends 2026).
Elevated indulgence is changing how products are developed. Manufacturers need to:
    keep strong taste and texture while improving nutrition
    manage sugar, fat or calories without losing enjoyment
    offer premium experiences that still feel accessible
    use format, texture and flavor to create excitement
We help create indulgent products that deliver strong sensory impact while staying practical to produce. Our portfolio supports:
    flavor and color systems that create bold, appealing taste experiences
    texture solutions that combine creaminess, crunch, smoothness and aeration
    stabilizing and enzymatic solutions that help build structure and maintain quality
    sugar and cocoa optimization that supports cost balance and improved nutrition
    clean-label solutions that keep indulgence natural and trusted

The new indulgence

Concepts developed by our global Food Innovation & Application Centers
Delicious chocolate royal dessert created by Brenntag Food Center.

EMEA

Chocolate Royal Reimagined
A mini layered dessert combining crisp, smooth and airy textures. Designed with enzymatic solutions and partial cocoa replacement to balance indulgence, cost and structure in a small-portion format.
Lollipops in different colors and fruity taste

Americas

Sugar-Free Mocktail Lollipops
Lollipops inspired by classic cocktail flavors such as Manhattan and Limoncello. Made with sugar replacers, fiber enrichment and natural colors and flavors to deliver indulgence without added sugar.
Refreshing Boozy Korean Yogurt Soju Cocktail in a Glass

APAC

Fizzy Drinking Yoghurt
A carbonated, nutrient-enriched yoghurt that brings a playful sensory experience while offering a lighter and refreshing alternative to traditional indulgent drinks.
In 2026, indulgence is not disappearing. It is becoming more thoughtful and more personal. Consumers still want moments of pleasure, but they expect them to fit into their daily routines and wellbeing goals.

Get in touch

Looking to create indulgent concepts that combine strong experience with smart formulation? Our experts and application teams are ready to support your next step.