August 2017: With the return of GBBO in just a few short weeks, baking fans across the UK are dusting off the weighing scales, donning their aprons and hoping for some brilliant bakes. Ahead of the 12 week baking marathon, here Sainsbury's predicts five top food trends expected to hit our screens from episode one.

Alternative sugars; Those in the know are opting for alternative sugars such as coconut and date syrup, experimenting beyond the traditional caster sugar to achieve different results. Sainsbury's, whose baking aisle features an extensive range, has seen products such as Organic Rice Malt Syrup up 148% and Date Syrup up 32% since they arrived in store.

Boozy baking; 2016 saw contestants adding a ginny twist to their recipes for a more grown-up bake. Expect to see more of this in 2017 as contestants look to their take boozy bakes to new levels with tipples such as Prosecco, Gin & Tonic and Rum.

Garnishes and glitter; The recent launch of Edible Blossoms in Sainsbury's saw packs flying off the shelves, with the demand surpassing sales expectations. Now widely available, they're a beautiful way to give cakes a show-stopping quality, whilst adornments such as edible glitter, shimmer pearls and luxurious gold leaf nod to this year's beauty trends.

Autumnal tones; As summer turns to autumn, rainbow and unicorn bakes will become a thing of the past. This year's bakers will be channelling more muted and neutral tones in the style of Chetna Makan's favourite shade ofmustard

Botanical and herb flavourings; Already popular on restaurant menus, expect to see contestants experimenting with botanical flavours in both sweet and savoury bakes, such as angelica root, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, saffron and fennel.

Former Great British Bake Off semi-finalist Chetna Makan says 'Every year baking trends change and evolve, often reflected within Great British Bake Off. In my experience, what was trendy and current in the baking world definitely influenced my recipes and baking decisions on the show. This year, expect to see a lot more neutral icing shades and unusual decorations such as edible flowers in both the show-stoppers and signature bakes.'

Sioned Read, Sainsbury's buyer for home baking added 'Bake Off always has a huge impact on customer behaviour which we see reflected in sales from the baking and food aisles. For example, in 2016 after the contestants created Jaffa cakes, searches for Orange Jelly increased by 150% overnight on our groceries website. I'm always on the lookout for the signature ingredients of the season and aim to deliver an exciting range that allows customers to recreate the challenges at home. Based on recent baking trends, I expect our new Prosecco flavouring, alternative sugars and edible gold leaf will be firm favourites for 2017.'

Notes to Editors

A new range of alternative sugars are available in store and online from £1

Edible Blossoms are available in store from £3 per punnet

Edible Glitter, Shimmer Pearls and Gold Leaf are available in store and online from £1

Gin & Tonic, Prosecco and Rum flavours are available in store and online from £1

Food Colourings are available in store and online from £1

A range of packaged and fresh herbs are available in store and online from £0.70

To view the full baking range available at Sainsbury's visit:http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/

J. Sainsbury plc published this content on 17 August 2017 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
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