Bring Regional Holiday Baking Flavors to Life with Honey

Newstalgia, a concept that blends comforting traditions of the past with innovative twists that reflect today’s trends, is resonating in the CPG space. Brands are revamping classic holiday flavors like cranberry, ginger, nutmeg, caramel, pecan, and chocolate to meet evolving consumer preferences for natural ingredients and elevated taste profiles—not to mention leaning into the whimsical magic of the season through baking.

Each region of the United States brings its own unique twist to holiday traditions. Betty Crocker/General Mills recently unveiled the top-searched holiday flavors by state since November 2023, showcasing how local preferences influence festive baking trends. For CPG product developers, this is a golden opportunity to innovate. These honey-sweetened seasonal bars and baked goods are infused with regionally inspired flavors—products that blend nostalgic charm with modernity. By tapping into these fan favorites, you can craft offerings that invite consumers to rediscover the holidays with a fresh perspective on their cherished traditions.

Northeast: Fruits, Nuts and Nostalgia

In the Northeast, cranberry, fig and hazelnut shine as seasonal favorites. When mixed with honey, these flavors embody a cozy, newstalgic feel.

Oatmeal Cranberry Granola Bakes, Cooper Street Snacks
Enjoy the comforting, classic holiday flavor of cranberry mixed with honey, quinoa, flax, chia seed, and buckwheat. Newly inspired by those with dietary sensitivities and allergies, these bakes are peanut-, tree-, dairy- and soy-free.

South: Warm and Rich Comforts

The South celebrates the warmth of white chocolate, caramel, cinnamon, and nutmeg, exemplified by decadent treats. Honey pairs beautifully with these rich flavors, complementing the spice of cinnamon and nutmeg while adding depth to caramel.

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Bars, KIND THINS
KIND combined the delicious flavors of caramel, apple and cinnamon with honey and packed the bars with almonds, pecans and peanuts. THINS are gluten-free, low in sodium, and great for a snack during breaks.

Midwest: Hearty Indulgence

In the Midwest, caramel, chocolate, pecan, molasses, and pine nuts dominate. Using honey in cookies adds richness while adding shelf-life longevity. Plus, rich, bittersweet notes of dark chocolate harmonize perfectly with the natural sweetness of honey, creating a luxurious pairing that's both indulgent and wholesome.

High Fiber Dark Chocolate Honey Oat Cookies, Too Good Gourmet
Satisfy your customers’ cravings guilt-free with honey, wholesome oats and rich, dark chocolate. Add a boost of fiber for an added incentive.

West: Fresh, Nature-Inspired Treats

The West embraces fresh and bold flavors such as fig, pear, ginger, pomegranate, and molasses. These holiday favorites get a flavor boost from honey, which complements both earthy fig and spicy ginger. Honey’s natural humectant properties also keep gingerbread bars soft and tender, making them a crowd-pleaser for busy families.

Fig and Walnut Panforte, Seggiano
This is a fresh take on the traditional medieval recipe known as panforte (strong bread). Sweetened with honey, this bread is bursting with familiar holiday flavors: figs, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and coriander.

The Gift That Keeps On Giving: Honey

No matter the region, honey brings unique benefits to holiday baking:

Flavor amplifier: Honey’s wide range of varietals—300 unique ones from coast to coast—gives baked goods a wide range of sweetness and flavor.
Natural preservative: Honey extends the shelf life of baked goods, ensuring treats stay fresher for longer.
Functionality: Honey’s humectant qualities lock in moisture, resulting in softer textures, while its acidity balances sweetness.

This holiday season and beyond, let honey take center stage in your CPGs. For more ideas and tips on holiday-inspired products, email [email protected].

Bring Regional Holiday Baking Flavors to Life with Honey

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