At first glance, the combination of vegetables and cakes may seem unusual. However, they can actually enhance each other, as demonstrated by popular items like carrot cake and zucchini bread. This emerging trend has the potential to reshape consumers’ perceptions of store-bought cakes, making them appear healthier. Although cake is not inherently healthy, the inclusion of vegetables can offer a slight nutritional boost; nonetheless, it’s still cake at the end of the day. Consumers are likely to view baked goods with vegetables as a healthier alternative rather than a new superfood.
There are various ways to integrate vegetables from the produce aisle into baked goods. For instance, zucchini is often incorporated into flourless cakes without altering the flavor significantly. Meanwhile, pumpkin and sweet potatoes can introduce a delightful autumn flavor while minimizing added sugars. Furthermore, using ingredients like calcium citrate and omega-3 fatty acids can enhance the nutritional profile of these treats.
Many leading food manufacturers have already recognized the benefits of adding vegetables as a value-added ingredient. Green Giant offers mashed cauliflower and veggie tots, while Oh Yes! Foods produces frozen pizzas that incorporate 12 different fruits and vegetables, including kale, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, and butternut squash, directly into the crust and sauce. Each pizza delivers between three to five servings of the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables, along with beneficial nutrients like calcium citrate and omega-3 fatty acids.
These vegetable-focused products attract a wide range of consumers. People of all ages who are trying to eat healthier are likely to be interested in these offerings, as are parents eager to sneak more vegetables into their children’s diets. As the trend continues, expect to see more manufacturers and grocery chains incorporating vegetables into their consumer packaged goods (CPGs) in various innovative ways. By adding zucchini or sweet potato to an otherwise indulgent treat, shoppers may feel more inclined to indulge while still making a healthier choice.