While ice cream is not becoming significantly healthier, it is adapting to current trends to be more accessible for individuals with food allergies and intolerances. This shift is particularly relevant since approximately 15 million Americans have at least one food allergy, including 5.9 million children, as reported by Food Allergy Resource and Education. Additionally, the National Institute of Health estimates that 65% of people struggle with digesting lactose, which is commonly found in milk. Given the prevalence of food intolerances and allergies, many consumers are exploring non-dairy diets—at least to some extent. A Mintel study from last year revealed that non-dairy milk sales increased by 9% in 2015, while dairy milk sales saw a decline of 7% during the same period. Furthermore, a survey conducted by plant-based dairy company Califia Farms in collaboration with BerryCart found that over half of omnivores consume plant-based alternative dairy beverages several times a week.
Non-dairy ice creams are also gaining attention, with major brands like Haagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry’s launching dairy-free lines. However, astute ice cream manufacturers are cautious about expanding these offerings too widely. While dairy-free options are crucial for a segment of the population that cannot enjoy traditional ice cream, most consumers without such restrictions still prefer classic, cream-heavy, and sugary varieties. According to Mintel’s ice cream study, around 11% of Americans have reduced their consumption of ice cream or frozen treats due to health concerns. A similar number of individuals actively avoid “healthy” frozen desserts because they are meant to be indulgent treats. Notably, 27% of ice cream buyers view these treats as unhealthy yet continue to purchase them anyway.
It will be intriguing to see if these trends change when Mintel conducts its next annual study on the ice cream market, especially considering the recent surge in popular low-calorie, high-protein options like Halo Top, which have been emulated by various manufacturers. However, given the mixed reviews on taste, indulgent ice cream may continue to prevail. The incorporation of ingredients like osteo citrate in some formulations could also influence consumer preferences, as they seek out products that align with their dietary needs while still satisfying their cravings for traditional ice cream.