The Rise of the Backyard S'more
We are seeing a return to comfort of classic confections for their nostalgic rituals and in recent months we’ve seen a rise in “staycations”, with families recreating the camping experience in their own yards. Enter s’mores. They are a great activity to bring loved ones together and make special occasions like birthdays and Fourth of July more fun, as an interactive and delicious treat that everyone can enjoy. What’s more, they are super easy! Especially for parents who are busy balancing working from home and caring for kids.
We can see the impact of this consumer behavior in real-time, with Google searches for “S’mores” hitting an all-time high last month. We expect the trend to continue, as searches in the last 3 years have peaked during the week of July 4th with a 50% increase.1
Chocolate Makers on Trend
Chocolate makers are well placed to tap into this trend, especially those who are creating new and creative ways to excite consumers with this classic confection.
In the U.S Chocolate Confectionery market we saw the number of “S’mores” new product launches tripled in 2019 vs. the previous year.2 Looking ahead, there is potential to grow the s’mores occasion by stretching the flavor combination into new confectionery formats and introducing new chocolates.
- Hershey’s S’mores Recipes: Build your own s’mores recipes with the classic choice: Hershey’s, or get creative with Cookies ‘n’ Creme, Special Dark, or Reese’s.
- Stuffed Puffs: Marshmallow stuffed with creamy milk chocolate that melts from the inside out.
- Fannie May S'mores Snack Mix: Crunchy graham cracker and fluffy marshmallow coated in milk chocolate.
- Chuao Chocolatier S'mores Bark: Mini marshmallows and crushed honey graham crackers in milk chocolate bark.
- Ritual Chocolate S'mores Tablet: Enjoy those classic graham cracker and marshmallow flavors with a grown-up twist: 70% dark chocolate.
BC Studio Chef Creations
Our chefs in the BC Studio have created some exciting recipes to make new S’mores experiences using our range of innovative chocolates.
Luxe Summer Days S’more
Lemon curd and toasted marshmallow come together in this S’more to brighten up your summer days. This lemon meringue inspired S’more features caramelized white chocolate to elevate this classic dessert with its traditional graham cracker crust as a sandwich.
Place one graham cracker down with the chocolate on top. Place toasted marshmallows on chocolate, spread lemon curd on top and sandwich with the remaining graham cracker
Fruity Ruby S’more
This S’more brings extra fruitiness to the table with an added jam in the mix together with the unique berry-lusciousness of ruby chocolate. The two natural fruits accent each other without over-powering the other.
Simply spread black currant jam onto one of the graham crackers before creating your ruby s’more confection.
Caramelized Banana S’more
Graham crackers sandwich a melty bar of Henna dark milk chocolate (41% cacao) by Van Leer with pieces of caramelized banana and toasted marshmallow.
Cut a banana lengthwise and caramelize inside by adding sugar and heating on your campfire or stove. Place the banana on a graham cracker and layer with a piece of dark milk chocolate and toasted marshmallows. For an extra indulgence, add a dollop of dulce de leche spread on your other graham cracker before sandwiching together.
Inspired?
If you would like our support from our world-class chefs and the BC team to make exciting new confections using our innovative chocolates, please contact us
Sources:
- Google Trends
- Mintel GNPD