Indulgence matters more than ever
Consumers increasingly turn to indulgent foods and beverages to find comfort, boost their mood and enjoy a rich sensory experience. With busy lifestyles and global pressures shaping daily routines, small pleasure moments such as treats, rewards and feel good rituals have become more meaningful than ever.
Modern consumer expectations for indulgence
Indulgence today goes beyond taste. Consumers want a complete multisensory experience where products look, feel and taste satisfying while also delivering excitement and novelty. Research from the Innova Trends Survey 2026 shows that three in five consumers globally want to try something new when indulging. This reflects a growing appetite for premium experiences, unexpected flavors and emotional enjoyment.
However, indulgence has evolved. It is no longer defined only by pleasure. Modern consumers expect indulgent products to align with their well-being goals and personal values. This shift is driving demand for healthier indulgence that delivers comfort and sensory appeal while reducing guilt and supporting balance. Sustainability, responsible sourcing and ingredient transparency also shape what consumers consider truly guilt free.
In a recent Innova survey, consumers were asked what prompts their behavior with regards to seeking indulgence:
Healthy indulgence and the role of nutrition
Healthy indulgence is about enjoying a treat and feeling good afterward. Consumers still want the classic sensory experience but increasingly expect added benefits that support daily wellness.
This is why functional ingredients such as protein and collagen are gaining momentum in indulgent categories. Protein helps promote satiety and sustained energy while collagen is linked to beauty and wellness benefits. Together with other nutrients, these ingredients transform everyday treats into small acts of self care.
We now see protein rich ice creams, collagen enriched gummies and bakery items fortified with additional nutrition. The idea is simple. Consumers want to enjoy the flavors and textures they love while also giving their body something positive. Indulgence is becoming a feel-good choice that supports both pleasure and wellbeing.
Indulgence in snacks: when taste meets functionality
Snacking has shifted from occasional bites to intentional eating moments. Consumers reach for snacks to satisfy cravings, boost energy, manage mood or create comforting breaks in their day.
The trend toward indulgent and functional snacking is expanding rapidly. Popular formats include:
- Creamy protein bars
- High protein savory bites
- Collagen boosted gummies
- Snacks with added benefits
These products combine sensory enjoyment with purposeful nutrition, making them ideal for consumers who want both indulgence and functionality in the same moment.
How functional ingredients elevate healthy indulgence
To meet rising consumer expectations, manufacturers are rethinking traditional treats and enhancing them with:
- High quality hydrolyzed protein
- Premium bioavailable collagen
- Natural heme iron
- Nutrient fortification
- Clean label ingredients
This approach turns classic indulgent products into smart, satisfying choices that align with modern wellness and transparency demands.
Essentia solutions for healthy indulgence
Essentia supports the evolution of indulgence by offering high quality protein, collagen and natural heme iron ingredients that help manufacturers improve nutritional value and strengthen clean label appeal. Our solutions make it possible to create indulgent products that deliver both sensory enjoyment and meaningful wellness benefits.
Whether you are developing fortified snacks, protein enriched treats or better for you beverages, our ingredient experts can help you design the right nutritional profile for your brand.
Get in touch to co-create the next generation of healthy indulgence.
