Making the most of your menu means adding desserts to the mix. 21 per cent of diners say that they’ve eaten dessert in the last 24 hours, but studies show that number is actually closer to 63 per cent.

Following the trends and appealing to demand are the tricks to making desserts the star of your menu – and an impressive source of revenue for your restaurant. Datassential’s report breaks down what consumers are looking for and how you can integrate those diner demands into a successful, profitable menu.

Sweet treats

More and more consumers are eating dessert as a snack between meals, rather than as a strictly after-dinner treat, and that changes the game. While 82 per cent of diners are interested in mini versions, 57 per cent are looking for large-sized options.

Because people are treating themselves between meals, this presents an opportunity for restaurants to capitalize on this trend with smaller desserts offered throughout the day. Restaurants wanting to grow their dessert sales should consider offering sharing plates, sampler platters, or mini versions of customer favourites to gauge customers’ interest.

Full of flavour

Nostalgia remains as a trend, with consumers looking to enjoy flavours from their childhood. S’mores, cookie dough, birthday cake, and banana pudding are among the top flavours diners are choosing. Embracing these flavours could distinguish one restaurant from another, as only two in five operators are offering desserts with a nostalgic feel these days.

New trends are always emerging, however, with mascarpone, sesame, ube, and brown butter gaining popularity as the next top flavour trends. Adding a mix of comforting options and introducing emerging flavours may give restaurants just the balance they need to encourage guests to spend more on each visit.

Getting their attention

While appearance and taste certainly matter, consumers are drawn to ordering desserts for other reasons, too. Older consumers seem to be drawn to lower prices and premium ingredients, while younger generations are looking for sustainability, global inspiration, plant-based options, or dishes trending on social media.

Keep these factors in mind when it comes to your marketing. Focus on the elements you know will appeal to your guests, stay current, and get their attention by promoting your dessert menu across all mediums. By creating an attention-worthy dessert menu, you can stand out from the competition and increase your guest cheque totals.