Emerging bakery ingredients driving category innovation in 2025

GlobalData's Ai Palette innovation and consumer insights platform has analyzed the data from thousands of ingredients, pinpointing six that offer brands the opportunity to align with evolving consumer trends in the bakery market.

Ramsey Baghdadi, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, commented: “The health and wellness trend has led to the bakery market facing stiff competition from other snack categories, particularly nuts and seeds, as well as whole grain natural formulations that maintain energy levels and provide consumers with essential nutrients throughout the day. As consumers become more health-focused and preferences shift towards convenient, portable, and healthier low/no sugar options, traditional bakery products could focus on innovation that provides unique flavors and ingredients, premium offerings, nutritional benefits and unique taste experiences.”

The company’s latest report, “Industry Insights: Emerging Flavors and Ingredients in Bakery”, uses findings from Ai Palette’s “foresights engine”, to identify one standout “high-growth” ingredient for each of six key markets analyzed, that is suitable for bakery innovation. These include miso in the US, cardamom in Germany, and purple yam in Australia.

Leveraging the world's largest consumer data lake, each of the six selected ingredients is classified as having “high growth” and “high engagement” based upon consumers' interactions with them across social media, retail, and restaurant industry sites over the last two years, as measured in May 2025.

In the research report, GlobalData has placed each of the six ingredients into an ingredient family, provided suggestions for other compatible ingredients, identified key product categories that these ingredients could be suitable for and reviewed how bakery brands can use these ingredients in their products.

Miso’s popularity extends beyond Japanese food

Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning with a rich umami flavor, made from fermented soybeans, salt and koji, and grains like rice or barley. In baked goods, miso adds a unique flavor to cookies, breads, and pastries. The bakery sector has seen a surge in miso-based patents from 2020 to 2024, primarily driven by the focus on health and wellness, according to GlobalData’s Patent Analyser. The ingredient pairs well with brown butter, butterscotch and praline, and is experiencing growing popularity in the US.

Morello cherry appeals to boomers seeking premium ingredients

Morello cherries, known for their tart, sweet flavor, are commonly found in syrups, jams, and used as garnishes, according to GlobalData’s ingredient profiles database. In bakery, cherries are a key ingredient in cheesecakes, cupcakes, and panna cotta, and pairs well with orange peel, chocolate and molasses. The morello cherries' distinctive flavor in baked goods would appeal particularly to the 38% of Boomers who seek premium ingredients, according to GlobalData's 2025 Q2 global consumer survey. By incorporating morello cherries in bakery formulations, producers can meet consumer expectations for both superior quality and reasonable pricing, ultimately fostering customer loyalty and driving sales.

Cardamom’s natural flavors gaining popularity in Germany

Cardamom extract, derived from dried fruit shells, imparts a fresh, juicy, spicy, and pungent taste, and is particularly favored in the production of sweets, confectionery, and savory recipes. The German bakery industry is paying attention to the ingredient as its natural flavors can elevate the taste profile of bakery products, aligning with consumer preferences for authentic and robust taste experiences.

The powder version of durian is gaining momentum as an ingredient in various beverages, and bakery products, especially in China  (Photo copyright: Mauhorng I Dreamstime.com)

Durian powder gaining traction in bakery products

A cherished ingredient across Southeast Asia, durian is a sweet and savory tasting tropical fruit known for its distinctive odor and creamy, custard like flesh. As consumer interest in unique flavors and functional foods continues to rise, durian powder is gaining traction as an ingredient in various beverages, and bakery products, especially in China. In bakery durain can be used as a flavoring agent in cakes, pastries, and bread, and as a purée it serves as a filling for pastries, buns and tarts.

Figs provide essential nutrients for health-conscious consumers

Figs, both fresh and dried, serve as versatile ingredients in various culinary applications, gaining particular popularity in the UAE bakery market. Rich in essential nutrients such as potassium, fiber, calcium, and antioxidants, figs serve as natural sweeteners and moisture retainers in baked goods, enhancing flavor and texture while appealing to health-conscious consumers.

Purple yam gives a distinctive color to a variety of bakery items

Purple yam, also known as “ube”, is a starchy root vegetable, with a vibrant purple hue and a sweet, nutty flavor. Rich in antioxidants, purple yams are emerging as a versatile ingredient choice in bakery, especially in Australia. Often used in pastries and as a filling for pies, tarts, and buns, it is also a popular ingredient in cakes. However, according to GlobalData’s 2025 Q1 consumer survey, 52% of consumers are unfamiliar with this ingredient, indicating a potential for education and further market penetration.

“The six bakery ingredients identified by GlobalData’s Ai Palette platform are emerging in real time, each possessing unique benefits that appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers seeking novelty flavors, indulgent ingredients, and healthier alternatives. These ingredients present unique innovation opportunities across various bakery categories, empowering brands to confidently explore new recipes and menu items,” Baghdadi said.