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Holiday 2025: Indulgence, Emotion, and the Future of Food Innovation

As the holiday season approaches, tables around the world are filling with more than food — they’re filled with emotion, memory, and meaning. From Halloween to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, every celebration tells a story about how consumers want to live, eat, and connect.

Recent reports, including Leger’s Holiday Table 2025, reveal that the holidays act as a test lab for global food trends. This is the moment when indulgence meets mindfulness — when consumers seek comfort and joy, but with greater awareness of their health, budgets, and the planet.

  • 79% of people say they’re open to trying new foods during the holidays.
  • 73% are willing to try new beverages — especially low- or no-alcohol options.
  • And among those using GLP-1 treatments, 72% say these influence what they serve during holiday gatherings.

In short: consumers are not rejecting indulgence — they’re redefining it.

Indulgence Reimagined

According to FoodNavigator’s 2025 seasonal trends, candy and confectionery continue to thrive, with nostalgic treats and limited-edition flavors driving growth. The emotional connection is clear: sweetness is no longer just about taste, but about belonging.

Nostalgia continues to shape the way people snack during the holidays. Many consumers say their favorite festive treats bring back childhood memories, and most agree that “life is more fun with a little indulgence.” Still, this indulgence now comes with intention — portioned desserts, low-sugar options, and better nutritional balance are defining the new festive mindset.

Where Alianza Fits In

At Alianza, we see these shifts as a unique opportunity for brands to elevate indulgence without compromise. Our lipid-based technologies allow reformulation that respects tradition while embracing wellness and innovation:

  • TasteBoost: Enables up to 30% sodium reduction while keeping full flavor.
  • MirrorSweet: Allows up to 70% sugar reduction without artificial sweeteners.
  • LowSat: Reduces saturated fats while maintaining creamy texture and stability.
  • MirrorChoc: Advanced cocoa-free technology designed to partially or fully replace cocoa liquor in chocolate-based applications, while maintaining the rich flavor and texture consumers expect.

By rethinking how lipids shape flavor, texture, and mouthfeel, we help brands bring modern indulgence to life — creating products that satisfy both the senses and the conscience.

The Future at the Holiday Table

From Thanksgiving pies to festive holiday cookies and New Year’s celebrations across the U.S., this season highlights how people connect through food.  As we move into 2026, one thing is clear: consumers will continue to seek joy, comfort, and connection — but with more intention and balance than ever before.

At Alianza, we’re proud to partner with brands that are transforming indulgence into innovation — one lipid at a time.

Let’s co-create the next generation of “better-for-you” indulgence. 

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