Last Crumb’s head baker and co-founder acquired fresh ube (a sweet potato variety characterized by its bright purple color) directly from the Philippines (the country his family hails from) to produce the items. The newest cookie harnesses the sweet, nutty richness of ube, with no food dyes.

A bright purple tuberous root hailing from the Philippines, ube has gained international recognition for its exquisite purple hue and distinctive earthy, nutty and sweet flavor profile. 

"Maximizing pleasure and minimizing stress, as one Trendspotter put it, encapsulates the panel's picks for 2024," said Denise Purcell, vice president, resource development, for SFA.

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) Trendspotter Panel has predicted what will be hot in specialty food for 2024. Ranging from soup to cell-based meat and seafood to peach to value–and more–the Trendspotters have set their sights on a diverse list of trends for the $194 billion specialty food industry.

Taste remains the top driver when it comes to food and beverage choices and in the coming year consumers will be motivated by simplicity, sustainability and meeting their nutrition goals.

Pastry chef Gemma Matsuyama sees Asian flavors like ube and matcha gaining ground in 2023. “I love the interest in Asian flavors like ube because, while a humble ingredient, it has such a strong flavor personality. Ube, much like purple sweet potato, is naturally sweet and has notes of vanilla so it works well in desserts like cakes and ice creams.”

In 2022, Americans will broaden their horizons in search of more effective ways to manage their stress, whether it be their pursuit of micronutrients like B vitamins and magnesium or macronutrients like whole grains and protein. CBD-infused foods will also move even closer to center stage.

Ramar Foods expanded its premium ice cream brand, Magnolia, by launching eight flavors of boba ice cream. The pint-size Magnolia Boba Ice Cream line is available in grocery stores.