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Insight by Gama Compass
MANCHESTER – 16th February 2026: The ‘low fat’ era is over and, in its place, a new model of indulgence is emerging, defined by targeted positioning, ingredient quality and creative formulation. In this month’s Insight by Gama Compass, we explore a fundamental changing of the guard in the world of treats, away from the conventional wisdom of caloric subtraction – that is, removing fat, sugar and calories to create a ‘diet’ version of a favourite snack. In its place has come a new form of ‘permissible indulgence’, with consumers now less likely to seek ‘skinny’ products but instead opt for a form of treating that is ‘smart’, multifunctional and sophisticated.
Read this Insight by Gama Compass in the next issue of Gama News.
Crucially, this is not a return to the ‘reckless’ indulgence of the past. It is ‘Indulgence 2.0’ – calculated, clean and increasingly deliberate. Consumers are actively seeking out ‘treat’ cues, but their criteria for exactly what constitutes a treat have sharpened. Particularly, they are trading a generic gourmandise for high-quality, ethical, decadent or health-adjusted treats that seem to justify the indulgence.
“The formula for ‘permissible indulgence’ been rewritten over the past decade”, commented Gama insights director Tom Warden. “Increasingly, products that are winning in the indulgence space lean either on ultra-gourmet, ethical and sophisticated formulations on the one hand, or formulations that are lower-calorie but ‘low-compromise’ in terms of taste, texture or functionality on the other. Whether through the ‘volume’ of aerated dairy, the functionality of protein-enriched desserts, or the sophistication of modern nut luxury butters, brands are finding that the most effective way to sell indulgence today is through smart, focused concepts that fully deliver on consumers’ exacting specifications”.
Source: Gama Compass
About Gama Compass
Take a more informed approach to product strategy, increase profitability and reduce costly mistakes with Gama Compass, Gama’s premium subscription service for the FMCG sector.
Developed with the industry’s leading names, Gama Compass offers powerful insights that allow you to unlock new opportunities and streamline your innovation pipeline.
To learn more about Gama Compass, contact Tom Warden, Gama insights director, at info@gamaconsumer.com.
About Gama
Gama is a global provider of business information and services specializing in product innovation and international trade. Through our worldwide network of over 100 experts in more than 50 countries, we offer high-quality news, research, analysis and partnering services. We deliver actionable insights, enabling you to make more informed decisions and supporting you to unlock new business opportunities.
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