From ready-to-eat oatmeal cookie dough to popcorn flavors inspired by multi-generational family recipes, CPG brands and QSR chains are releasing grandma-inspired snack flavors, tapping into the nostalgia of traditional home-cooked comforts.
Ingredients once considered old-fashioned or mundane are now enjoying a resurgence as consumers seek familiar, timeless flavors. These culinary elements evoke memories of simpler times and family gatherings, providing a sense of security and warmth in a fast-paced, uncertain world—especially for Gen Z and Gen Alpha, two demographics that often look to “social media grandmas” for guidance.
By embracing nostalgic flavors, brands are not only differentiating themselves in a crowded market but also responding to a growing desire for authenticity and emotional connection in their offerings.