Posted in Desserts on September 28, 2026
Today’s consumers are shifting away from one-size-fits-all dessert concepts to personalized options that align with their tastes and preferences. Desserts have surged 40% on menus,1 with 34% of consumers citing customization as a top factor in their dessert choice.2
The following Q&A with Mondelēz chef Joel Minkoff gives burger operators food for thought on how they can capitalize on the trend.
Q: Demand for customizable options is growing along with dessert consumption, especially among Gen Z consumers. Yet only 20% of operator dessert programs offer customization.2 How can burger operators take advantage of this opportunity while efficiently managing margins and inventories?2
Chef Joel: Dessert customization can be offered without complicating the execution by taking a speed-scratch approach. By offering core desserts as customizable “bases” and encouraging the use of pantry staples, customers can easily personalize their desserts.
Q: Burger customers are accustomed to personalizing their burgers with toppings and condiments. What kinds of customizable desserts and sweet flavor profiles lend themselves especially well to burger operations?
Chef Joel: Customizable desserts can include adaptable dessert categories that include build-your-own sundaes, loaded milkshakes and dessert flights served with the choice of a variety of add-ons and sauces. These items can create variety without requiring a lot of new unique ingredients. Mondelēz premium chopped cookies used as mix-ins and toppings fit in perfectly here.
Q: Over half of operators across segments customize milkshakes and malts to meet demand.1 What recommendations do you have for making these classic burger operation staples gratifying personalized experiences for burger consumers?
Chef Joel: It is important to anchor the menu with core ice cream flavors while introducing unique flavors as operators implement “build-your-own” menus. Adding options that include a favorite or unique base and offer a variety of high-quality mix-ins, toppings and sauces is an effective way to cater to the consumer demand for customization. A variety of choices expands the possible combinations and offers nostalgic and sweet-savory appeal as well as textural and visual enhancements that tap into the “Instagrammable” trend.
Q: Cheesecakes and frozen treats top the list of desserts consumers want to customize.1 Any trends burger operators should keep in mind when offering customizable cheesecake and frozen treat options?
Chef Joel: For burger operators, the key to winning with customizable cheesecakes and frozen treats is to offer a “mix-and-match” experience. Start with simple foundational items, such as a single vanilla frozen custard or plain New York-style cheesecake slice, and then allow customers to select from a rotating menu of crunchy sweet and salty toppings, upgraded sauces and Mondelēz-branded mix-ins. This can meet the demand for personalizing and elevating the dessert experience.
Q: Where should burger operators look for inspiration for customizable dessert concepts and trends?
Chef Joel: Burger operators can find inspiration for build-your-own and customizable dessert concepts by exploring industry magazines and going to a variety of food shows and smaller culinary immersion events. Burger operators can also look to their competition, higher-volume fast-food menus, smaller artisanal dessert shops and a variety of social media platforms for customizable dessert inspiration. By utilizing mix-and-match formats like customizable milkshakes, build-your-own sundaes and burger-dessert pairings, operators can tap into consumer cravings for nostalgia and novelty.
For more insights and inspiration, be sure to read Shareable Snacking Insights and browse our Culinary Center.
1. Datassential, Menu Innovation vs. Simplification, March 2026
2. Datassential, Keynote Reports: Desserts, January 2026
