As the mercury rises across India, consumers are cooling off with a return to beloved traditional desserts. According to a new report released by Scandalous Foods, demand for chilled Indian sweets like ras malai and shahi tukda has jumped 33% this summer, reflecting a strong resurgence in heritage desserts that blend nostalgia with refreshment.
The insight-led study reveals a clear consumer pivot toward cold, comfort-driven indulgences rooted in cultural familiarity. These desserts, long associated with festive occasions and family gatherings, are now seeing renewed popularity as everyday summer treats.
“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.”
In addition to the spike in traditional sweets, the report highlights an 8% uptick in the overall dessert segment, largely driven by mango-based innovations. From aamras cheesecake to mango shahi tukda, brands are creatively blending seasonal fruit with time-honoured recipes, appealing to both traditionalists and experimental palates.
Trend Toward Premiumization and Artisanal Offerings
The report also notes a shift toward artisanal and premium-quality versions of traditional sweets. Boutique mithai brands and dessert cafés are catering to urban consumers with modern presentations and cleaner ingredient labels, often combining Indian flavours with global dessert formats.
Food delivery platforms, too, are playing a pivotal role in driving dessert consumption. Quick commerce channels have made it easier for consumers to access freshly prepared Indian desserts with just a few taps, contributing to impulse purchases during peak afternoon and evening hours.
Future Outlook
Scandalous Foods anticipates continued growth in the traditional cold dessert category, especially if brands maintain their focus on authenticity while embracing seasonal innovation. The company’s report urges businesses in the F&B space to harness the emotional appeal of legacy desserts while adapting them to suit modern lifestyles.
As India’s dessert scene evolves, it’s clear that classics like ras malai and shahi tukda aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving, powered by nostalgia, innovation, and a summer-long craving for cool, comforting indulgence.