As temperatures soar, Indian consumers are rediscovering the joy of timeless cold desserts. According to Scandalous Foods’ latest insight-led report, there has been a 33% surge in demand for traditional chilled sweets like Ras Malai and Shahi Tukda this summer, marking a clear shift in consumer preference toward comforting, nostalgia-driven indulgences.
The data also reveals that mango-based dessert innovations are making a seasonal splash, contributing an additional 8% boost to the dessert segment. This signals not just a love for heritage flavors, but also an appetite for inventive twists on classic favorites.
“Consumers are craving more than just sweetness—they’re looking for emotional connection and relief from the heat,” said Sanket S., Founder of Scandalous Foods. “Ras Malai and Shahi Tukda tap into a shared nostalgia while offering a refreshing dessert experience. The popularity of mango-infused treats also shows how seasonality can inspire innovation without straying too far from cultural roots.”
The report highlights how the combination of comfort, temperature, and tradition is reshaping the dessert landscape in India. Brands that can bridge heritage with innovation—through cold, indulgent offerings—are likely to find strong resonance with consumers this season.
With the mercury rising, this trend presents a timely opportunity for dessert brands, QSRs, and packaged food innovators to expand their summer portfolios by bringing traditional cool desserts to the forefront, with seasonal variations like mango adding a modern, flavorful edge.