Changes in consumer behavior are transforming food retail. Today, practicality, convenience and portion control directly influence purchasing decisions, opening space for a format that has been gaining prominence in display cases: single-serve portions.
Much more than a trend, investing in individual products can be a strategy to diversify the portfolio, increase the average ticket and make operations more efficient.
In this article, you will understand why this movement is growing in the market and how it can create new opportunities for bakeries and confectioneries.
Why are single-serve portions on the rise?
Today's consumer looks for foods that fit their routine and meet different consumption moments.
Mintel studies show that trends such as snacking e portion control (portion control) continue to grow in several markets. The preference for practical products that deliver convenience without sacrificing the experience has driven smaller and more versatile formats.
In Brazil, this scenario has gained even more strength with the increased use of GLP-1-based medications, known as weight-loss pens. According to a survey by Instituto Locomotiva, conducted in 2026, one in every three Brazilian households already has or has had a user of this type of medication. Among these consumers, 95% reduced their consumption of at least one category of food or beverage.
This new behavior reinforces a demand for smaller portions, greater dietary control and products that offer convenience without sacrificing quality.
How does this trend impact bakeries and pastry shops?
Display cases also follow this transformation.
Individual-size products serve different consumer profiles and create new purchase occasions, whether for immediate consumption, quick snacks or moments of indulgence.
In addition, this format allows bakeries and confectioneries to expand their product mix, launch seasonal novelties more quickly and offer differentiated versions of recipes already familiar to the public.
According to data from the Brazilian Bakery and Confectionery Industry Association (ABIP), the sector generated R$ 164.12 billion in revenue in 2025, growth of 6.8% over the previous year. In this scenario, innovating in the portfolio becomes an important strategy to maintain competitiveness.
More added value and higher average ticket
Contrary to what many imagine, smaller products do not mean lower perceived value.
When well presented, they convey sophistication, encourage experimentation and stimulate impulse purchases, especially when displayed in attractive showcases or paired with coffees, drinks and other menu items.
"Products in smaller formats do not represent lower value to the consumer. Quite the opposite. When well executed, they add competitive differentiation, enhance the display case and help increase the establishment's average ticket," says Juliana Saito, Commercial Director of Emulzint Zeelandia.
Operational efficiency is also part of the strategy
In addition to commercial gains, individual formats bring benefits to production management.
Among the main advantages are:
- better inventory control;
- reduced ingredient waste;
- ease of testing new recipes;
- better production planning;
- more flexibility for seasonal launches.
These factors contribute to a more efficient operation and help maintain product standardization.
How to take advantage of this opportunity in your business?
Those who wish to embrace this trend can start with simple actions that increase the perceived value of products and encourage new purchases.
Some strategies are:
- creating individual versions of established products;
- develop desserts and sweets for immediate consumption;
- invest in packaging that enhances presentation;
- offer kits and combos with beverages;
- frequently refresh the showcase with seasonal launches.
These initiatives help make the portfolio more attractive and aligned with current consumer behavior.
The role of innovation in product development
At Emulzint, we continuously monitor market transformations to develop solutions that support our customers in creating products with high added value.
In addition to offering ingredients that provide texture, stability and standardization, our technical team works alongside bakery and confectionery professionals to turn trends into practical applications.
"Our continuous monitoring of market trends allows us to offer technical tools that help our customers develop a profitable product mix aligned with consumer expectations," says Juliana Saito.
Adapting to change is investing in the future
Consumer preferences will continue to evolve, and keeping up with this movement will be increasingly important for those who want to grow in the market.
Individual portions represent an opportunity to innovate, add value to the portfolio and make operations more efficient, without giving up the quality and experience offered to the customer.
Individual formats reflect a new moment in consumption and can be an important competitive differentiator for bakeries and pastry shops.