70% of Americans now prefer “drinkable desserts” to a spoon

ALMOST seven in 10 Americans prefer straws to forks when it comes to desserts, according to a new study.

In a survey of 2,000 adults, 69% said they were more likely to order drinkable desserts than those meant to be eaten.

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On average, respondents started ordering dessert drinks around the age of 22. But 14% did so during puberty (age 15 or younger).

While one respondent simply wishes “an easier way to enjoy dessert,” 44% reach for a dessert drink to satisfy their sweet tooth.

The survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of TIGER SUGAR, found that 76% of respondents claim to have a sweet tooth.

Four out of five millennials love sweets, more than any other generation.

In fact, 88% of Millennials like to eat dessert after every meal, compared to just 38% of Baby Boomers.

When asked which foods they would classify as desserts, respondents cited a variety of both edible and drinkable options; 44% opted for ice cream and 35% for pudding.

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But 34% consider milkshakes to be dessert and 26% even classify bubble tea as such.

The most popular non-alcoholic beverages were coffee (65%) and water (64%), but dessert drinks like milkshakes (58%) and bubble tea (54%) were not far behind.

In terms of flavors, respondents were most likely to prefer traditional dessert flavors like chocolate and vanilla over fruity ones (29% vs. 18%).

Still, 80% are likely to add sugar to their drink, and another 65% are likely to add a dash of flavor.

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“Bridging the gap between traditional boba tea and bold, modern flavors, people are finding their new favorite beverage,” said Shirley Yeung, a spokeswoman for Tiger Sugar. “No matter what flavor they choose, people add a little sugar and a little sweetness to their lives.”

More than three-quarters (78%) of respondents have noticed that dessert drinks are becoming increasingly popular.

For example, bubble tea received more attention (28%) than other consumer product trends mentioned in the survey, such as poke bowls (24%) or matcha (25%).

And when it comes to trying a new trend, respondents said they would do so because they like trying new things (39%) and if it was recommended to them by family or friends (35%).

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48 percent have queued for over an hour to try a trending food or drink.

In fact, nearly seven in ten (68%) admitted they’ve tried a dessert drink to feel “on trend.”

“While drinks like bubble tea have a longer history in Asia and Eastern countries, the US has seen a surge in popularity recently,” Yeung said. “And while people might try a dessert drink to feel ‘on trend,’ they might just find their new favorite.”

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REASONS TO TRY A NEW TREND

I like to try new things – 39%
I think I might like it – 39%
It makes me feel more connected to someone – 35%
Recommendations from family or friends – 35%
Brings me back to good memories – 34%
Viewed on social media – 32%
Feel younger – 32%

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FAVORITE BUBBLE TEA AND BOBA FLAVORS

Strawberry – 34%
Mango – 30%
Black tea – 30%
passion fruit – 28%
Brown Sugar – 27%
Melon – 26%
Unsweetened – 26%
Matcha – 25%
Lyceum – 24%
Taro – 24%