Rich Products survey reveals consumer preferences towards snacking

Rich Products' survey found that 56% of consumers purchase doughnuts monthly.

Survey reveals consumer preferences towards doughnuts

courtesy of Rich Products

In advance of National Donut Day (June 7), Rich Products (Rich’s), a global, family-owned food company, has released the results of a proprietary consumer survey on doughnut trends, highlighting a shift in consumer preferences toward on-the-go snacking and an enduring partiality for traditional flavors, despite an influx of flavor options. The study, paired with information from Datassential, found that the doughnut market continues to grow as demand for the pastry expands across the retail bakery and foodservice industries.

“We’re constantly keeping an eye on consumer trends, so that we can help our customers stay ahead of the curve,” said Amanda Buonopane, senior manager, strategic insights, Rich Products. “Based on our consumer survey, doughnuts present a huge opportunity area for retail bakeries and foodservice operators. At Rich’s, we’re focused on driving innovation to not only deliver on these consumer trends but solve key customer needs—like our fully-finished doughnuts, which have a unique formula that allow them to stay fresh for twice as long as other bakery options, or our wide variety of flavored doughnut holes that help customers differentiate themselves.”

Highlights from Rich’s study include:

Doughnut market growth remains strong

Research shows that consumers have an enduring love for doughnuts. In fact, Rich’s study found that 56% of consumers purchase doughnuts at least once a month, and more than a third of consumers purchase the pastry multiple times per month. This demand is reflected in foodservice industry trends as well. Datassential found that inclusion of doughnuts on menus has grown 47% in the past 10 years, bolstered by an affinity for the sweet treat amongst a younger generation, families, and foodies.

Doughnuts are enjoyed on-the-go

While Rich’s study found that breakfast is still the most likely daypart when consumers are reaching for doughnuts, respondents indicated a growing preference for on-the-go indulgence, with over two-thirds (68%) of consumers citing snacking as a top occasion for doughnuts. This is driving higher demand for snackable solutions like doughnut holes, which nearly 50% of respondents noted as a favorite format to enjoy the treat. This sentiment is supported by Datassential data, which found that 76% of consumers love or like doughnut holes.

Traditional doughnut flavors remain on top

While Datassential noted the emergence of unique doughnut themes featuring savory and global flavors, Rich’s research shows that traditional flavors continue to drive the most consumer demand. The study found that 60% of consumers in the U.S. prefer traditional glazed doughnuts, while 37% prefer frosted or dipped doughnuts, as well as doughnuts with a cream filling. Exploring beyond the norm isn’t out of the question, however. With the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Rich’s study identified that consumers are curious about how the technology may impact doughnut flavor options available to them. When asked about their interest in trying AI-generated doughnut flavors, 46% of respondents answered they were “interested” or “very interested.”

To learn more about Rich’s full spectrum of doughnut products, visit richsusa.com/products/donuts.

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Liz Parker Kuhn is the senior editor of Candy Industry and Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, and has worked at BNP Media since 2012. She has written for CBS Detroit as well as for her own blogs. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Michigan. Liz can be contacted at (248) 839-7156 or at parkere@bnpmedia.com.