Dessert is a subject we love to write about because it’s not something you typically get to discuss in the wellness business, unless it’s about portions and fat and similar topics that take all the fun out of eating it in the first place.

Luckily, there’s a trend currently working its way through in-store bakery cases across the country that satisfies both dessert fanatics and calorie-counters. It’s basically a miniature version of popular desserts crammed into what can best be described as shot glasses. They were spotted just before the holidays being introduced in the upscale King’s Super Market chain in New Jersey. The Duo Mousse Shots are available in four varieties: Chocolate, Coffee, Crème Caramel and Raspberry Lemon.

At least two casual service restaurant chains, Chili’s Grill & Bar and T.G.I. Friday’s, have offered them since the fall. Chili’s calls them Sweet Shots, with names like Seven Layers of Chocolate, Strawberry Wave Cheesecake and Dutch Apple Caramel Cheesecake. Friday’s put them on their revamped menu as Mini Dessert Shots (pictured), in Rocky Road, Chocolate Raspberry, Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate Chip Mint and Orange Cream.

Chefs who responded to the National Restaurant Association’s annual “What’s Hot & What’s Not” survey named bite-sized desserts the hottest of the 194 items ranked, with more than 83% calling it “hot.” This could be a real neat way to get wellness shoppers to visit the ISB for more than artisan bread and gluten-free cookies. These spoon-size items are real desserts with portion control built in. Retailers can develop a whole bunch of fun flavor profiles, and offer them bundled — either themselves or with family fresh meals.

Who says dessert has to be served last in the whole health movement?