to brands responding to the demands of health-conscious consumers without diluting experience, the parameters of what bakery can deliver are being redrawn.


Popping boba in baked goods Popping boba has long been synonymous with the colorful world of bubble tea, but at Zentis North America, Director of Marketing Nils        potential far beyond the beverage space. With their US-made Kültee Kaviar, Zentis saw the potential for a new market.


“While tapioca-based boba is traditionally linked to bubble tea, we saw an opportunity to reimagine its potential with our US-made Kültee Kaviar popping boba,” Nils explains. “With an ultra-thin      pop that goes beyond beverages. Our unique 6mm miniature boba blends effortlessly into baked goods and desserts without overpowering.” Today’s consumers are hungry for new sensory experiences, especially ones that look great on social media. “Consumers today are drawn to   long embraced boba in a range of products, which inspired us to explore applications in Western bakery formats—from classic to bold,” Nils adds. “Social media food culture also fuels the trend; Kültee Kaviar’s playful,


photogenic appeal


resonates with younger, trend-savvy audiences.” Kültee Kaviar has sparked surprising creativity among chefs and pastry professionals, who are  have been remarkably inventive with Kültee Kaviar,” Nils says. “Standout examples include raspberry boba layered atop cheesecake with drizzled caramel and chocolate, and milk chocolate boba used in éclairs in place of ganache for a lighter twist. These applications showcase boba’s versatility—not just as a garnish, but a key element of the dish.” That versatility is opening doors for innovation


     naturally into several ongoing trends that are emerging in the bakery sector right now. “Popping  textural exploration,


and visual storytelling.


Consumers, especially younger ones, want familiar formats with a twist—like scones paired with chai  He continues: “There’s growing interest in using local ingredients with global inspiration: think matcha loaf with mango boba or strawberry tart with hibiscus boba. Boba’s versatility makes it a standout ingredient in the bakery landscape.” As chefs and bakeries incorporate Kültee Kaviar into their offerings, the “feedback has


bakeryproduction.co.uk


Standout examples include raspberry boba layered atop cheesecake with drizzled caramel and chocolate, and milk chocolate boba used in éclairs in place of ganache for a lighter twist”


been overwhelmingly positive, especially around the visual and textural ‘wow’ factor,” Nils shares. “Emerging trends include: 1. Familiarity with a twist – For instance, strawberry shortcake layered with all- natural strawberry boba.


1. Flavour fusion – Experimentation with


1.


bolder, cross-category combinations like spicy mango boba on French macarons or  Seasonal


storytelling – Limited-


time offerings aligned with holidays or trends, such as cranberry boba in holiday loaf cakes.”


Kennedy’s Bakery Production June/July 2025 23


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