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GLOBAL, MINI, HANDHELD: BREAKFAST TRENDS DELI, DAIRY & BAKERY LEADERS NEED TO KNOW


Global Influences Reshape the Menu Global, Mini, Handheld: Breakfast Trends Deli,


Dairy & Bakery Leaders Need to Know Samantha Des Jardins, Content Marketing Manager, Datassential


What do Korean hotteok, everything bagel spice, and mini donut holes have in common? They’re all part of a breakfast revolution that’s reshaping what Americans expect when they start their day. For deli, dairy, and bakery operators, this shift represents both challenge and opportunity — but only if you know what to stock.


The Current State of Breakfast


While breakfast foods currently rank lower in consumer interest for prepared food areas — with only 30% of respondents in a Datassential survey likely to purchase over comfort foods and fresh salads — this presents an opportunity rather than a limitation. The consumers who are seeking breakfast options are increasingly sophisticated in their preferences, creating space for innovation and differentiation.


Bold Flavors Taking Center Stage


The flavor landscape for breakfast has moved far beyond traditional offerings. Everything bagel spice has seen explosive growth of 1,057% over four years, while Nashville hot flavors have surged 356% during the same period. These are signals that consumers are ready to embrace bold, distinctive flavors in their morning routines.


This shift toward global eating extends beyond simple spice blends. Daypart blurring has become a defining characteristic of modern breakfast menus, with traditionally lunch and dinner flavors like marinara and buffalo sauce making their way into morning offerings. For deli operators, this means rethinking classic breakfast sandwiches and considering how savory, bold flavors can elevate standard items. Think BBQ pork chop Benedict or Tuscan egg bowls — offerings that challenge conventional breakfast expectations while delivering familiar satisfaction.


Perhaps the most significant trend reshaping breakfast is the incorporation of global influences. Forty-six percent of U.S. consumers have expressed interest in international breakfast dishes such as Turkish menemen, Chinese jianbing, and global pancake styles like Korean hotteok and Finnish pannukakku. This isn’t about creating authentic replicas of international dishes — it’s about bringing approachable, diverse options that introduce consumers to new flavor experiences. Try taking one of these unconventional flavors and pairing it with a beloved handheld or mini format (more on those later) for an approachable and exciting trial.


For bakery departments, this global influence is particularly relevant. Mexican panadería culture and viral Korean pressed croissants are gaining traction, signaling a departure from traditional Western European bakery origins. Middle Eastern flavors like shakshuka are moving through the proliferation stage of trends, while Asian-inspired breakfast dishes continue to gain momentum. Regional specialties influenced by immigrant cultures — New Orleans beignets, Wisconsin’s kringle, and Texan kolaches — are also seeing increased adoption, showcasing the rich diversity of American breakfast offerings.


These global influences provide a roadmap for innovation. Bakery leaders can explore herb and floral flavors such as rosemary, sage, lavender, and hibiscus in both savory and sweet pastries. These unique profiles appeal to consumers seeking sophistication in their morning selections while remaining accessible enough for mainstream adoption.


Health-Conscious Innovation


The demand for health-conscious breakfast options continues to grow, with operators reporting strong interest in high-protein breakfast items and next-generation breakfast bowls. Keto-friendly and gluten-free options are becoming more prevalent, aligning with consumer demand for diet-specific prepared foods.


For dairy departments, this trend intersects naturally with product offerings. Dairy milk consumption during the morning daypart has remained stable in recent years. Yogurt and other dairy-based items maintain their ubiquity in traditional breakfast menus, but there’s room for innovation — think high-protein Greek yogurt parfaits with globally inspired toppings or cream-based dishes that incorporate dessert-inspired flavors.


The key is balancing indulgence with nutrition. Consumers want options that support their health goals without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. This is where the intersection of dairy, deli, and bakery becomes particularly powerful — creating breakfast offerings that combine protein-rich dairy, innovative deli preparations, and bakery items that offer portion control without compromising on flavor.


WHAT’S IN STORE | 2026 © 2026 International Dairy Deli Bakery Association


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