Taste may be the most important factor when buying baked goods. But when consumers are browsing the aisles, they won’t be able to take a bite before they buy.
While labels play a role in helping consumers evaluate a product, how a product looks can often be an indication of how it tastes and whether it’s worth the purchase.
Here are some of the benefits of a product that looks as good as it tastes.
Satisfying cravings
Sometimes a food’s presentation leaves such an impression that it’s hard to pass up. It can awaken cravings that tempt consumers to buy, even if it’s not an item on their shopping list.
For instance, a pastry or dessert with a creamy center, fluffy frosting, or shiny glaze might spark a craving for something sweet. And the crust texture and color on a loaf of bread can be an indicator of its crunchy, fresh, and delectable taste.
Some shoppers may also gravitate toward single servings and smaller portions, especially if it’s a food they consider a rare treat. Miniature cupcakes, snack-sized cookies, and personal pizzas are often an allowable indulgence for those who don’t want to cheat on their diet.
Creating a picture-perfect treat
A brand’s best friends are its customers — if they like a product enough, they’ll even help out with its marketing. And a photo-worthy product is more likely to find its way to social media.
Eye-catching color combinations, decorative frostings, and garnishes are made for capturing and sharing. This not only keeps customers coming back for more, but brings in newcomers who may not have heard of the brand or its products before.
Encouraging healthy eating
When purchasing food based on taste, the healthier a baked good looks, the less likely consumers are to purchase it. That’s because they associate certain visual characteristics with health and, consequently, a diminished taste.
For example, a study evaluating oat cookies found that consumers rated products with noticeable, pronounced textures as “healthier.” Conversely, they considered cookies with softer, smoother features to be “tastier.”
What does this mean for food manufacturers? The key to selling products with health-focused ingredients might just be a matter of altering their presentation.
Aside from texture-related features, it could be a lack of color, toppings, or fillings that’s turning customers away. The challenge is finding a way to make products look more appetizing while still using better-for-you recipes.
Boosting sales
All this focus on appearances ultimately pays off in profits. Depending on what they’re looking for, consumers may be willing to spend more on products that look delicious, especially if those products also happen to be fresher or healthier than other options.
The right bakery equipment is crucial for producing products that look as good as they taste. Whether you make artisan-style breads, pastries, cupcakes, or pizzas, we can help you determine the best equipment to put on your line. Contact us to learn more.