It seems, says Mintel, that challenging times lie ahead for the desserts category in Germany as consumers increasingly aim to follow healthy lifestyles. Latest research from the company reveals that almost half (48%) of German consumers say they are actively reducing their consumption of or avoiding sugary foods and 44% say the same about fatty foods. With so many consumers looking for healthy options, Mintel believes that the dessert market is under pressure.

While the company notes that Germany continues to be Europe’s largest dessert market in retail market value, retail volume sales of these treats have stagnated with a slight downward tendency of -0.2% since 2012 to reach an estimated 0.48 million tonnes in 2016. The dessert market, however, is predicted to have experienced modest 0.1% volume growth in 2016. Chilled desserts, such as mousses and puddings, are by far the largest segment, accounting for nearly three-quarters (74%) of total sales in Germany in 2015, followed by frozen desserts like frozen cakes or pastries (24%) and far ahead of ambient desserts, such as fruit compote (2%).

While it seems many consumers may have been skipping dessert, yogurt could reaping the rewards, the company believes. According to Mintel research, volume sales of yogurt in Germany is predicted to have grown by a strong 1.5% in 2016, with forecast 2.1% market growth through 2020 to reach 1.35 million tonnes.

“Across Europe, the retail desserts sector is facing challenging times,” said Julia Büch, Food and Drink Analyst at Mintel. “In Germany, the market is under pressure as many consumers are seeking to follow healthier diets. While benefiting from an association with freshness, the market for chilled desserts has seen tough times in recent years, owed to growing competition from yogurts and other types of snacks and treats which are positioned more versatility to deliver a powerful combination of both indulgence and health. This creates opportunities for dessert brands in Germany to leverage their indulgent nature with a healthy twist. Healthier indulgence offerings such as gourmet yogurt are poised for growth.”

Indeed, Mintel says, it seems that yogurts are seen by many as an healthy option in Germany. Mintel research indicates that over seven in 10 (72%) German consumers agree that yogurts are naturally healthy and 71% agree that yogurt is a good way to get protein into their diet.

As well as a healthier image, the company notes that yogurt products in Germany are increasingly receiving an indulgent-style makeover. According to Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD), yogurts with the “rich” descriptor grew by 500% between 2013 and 2016.This follows Mintel consumer research which reveals that while the number of Germans avoiding sugar and carbohydrates seems high, Germans are still the most likely in key European markets to give in to their cravings.

As many as three quarters (74%) of German consumers say that they allow themselves the occasional treat, compared to less than two thirds of consumers in Spain (64%), Italy (62%), France (60%) and Poland (60%).