Grocery shoppers are utilizing in-store bakeries (ISBs) to conveniently supplement meals at home, as well as to indulge in mini treats in a rainbow of flavors, according to What’s in Store 2013, the annual trends report of the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association.

Ninety-two percent of US households purchased a bakery item in the 52 weeks ending March 31, 2012, according to Nielsen Perishables Group FreshFacts Shopper Insights, powered by Spire data. Shoppers made 13 ISB purchase trips on average in the same time frame, up one visit from the year before. The average department spend per trip totaled $4.58, and the total basket size was about $57, according to NPG.

Convenience, portion control, indulgence, and global flavors are the hottest trends in ISB, according to Jonna Parker, director of account services, and Matt Lally, bakery specialist, Nielsen Perishables Group.

Dessert trends include alcohol-inspired treats in flavors like mojito and piña colada, as well as nostalgic treats and breakfast items, like beignets and donuts, as dessert. Cupcakes are among the strongest growing product groups in the bakery, Lally says. Other bakery trends include gift cookies, decorated and with messages, according to Matt Hudak, research analyst, Euromonitor.

Classic desserts like pies are popular, according to Packaged Facts. Nostalgia has set in with flavors like butterscotch, pear, lemon, and lime. Pop culture flavors are influencing desserts in the form of candy bar ingredients and inspiration from breakfast cereal flavors.

According to Datassential research, cakes trends include nostalgic flavors like red velvet and s’mores, plus different textures with add-ins, like nuts, and decadent chocolate combinations. Dessert food trucks, dessert beverages, mini-desserts, alcohol-infused cakes, and contrasting sweet/savory flavors are also hot dessert trends. 

Globally-inspired ethnic breads, like Naan and Bolillos, are hot in ISBs, Parker said. Whole wheat bread beat out white as the variety U.S. households eat most often, according to Packaged Facts.