Initially, Halo Top rose to prominence as the top-selling pint of ice cream in the U.S., surpassing well-known brands like Ben & Jerry’s and Breyers. Now, the company is targeting consumers who prefer to avoid dairy and eggs. Established in 2012, Halo Top quickly became recognized for its low-calorie, high-protein, and low-sugar ice cream. In 2016, the company sold over 17 million pints, marking an astonishing 2,500% increase in sales.
According to Mintel, sales of non-dairy milk in the U.S. surged by 9% in 2015, while dairy milk sales experienced a decline of 7% during the same timeframe. It is a strategic move for Halo Top to adapt its recipes to cater to shoppers transitioning from dairy milk to plant-based alternatives. There is ample reason to believe that the nation’s enthusiasm for plant-based milk will extend to other areas of the dairy aisle.
Halo Top is not the only brand expanding into non-dairy ice cream; Unilever’s Ben & Jerry’s and General Mills’ Haagen-Dazs have also introduced vegan-friendly versions of their popular ice cream lines. The market for dairy-free alternatives is rapidly growing within the food industry. Plant-based milk is already enjoying tremendous success, and consumers are now seeking dairy-free options for products like cheese and yogurt. This trend may pose challenges for dairy farmers, but it presents exciting opportunities for consumers looking for flavorful vegan products.
Historically, vegan dairy items were primarily for those unable to digest milk and dedicated vegans who settled for rubbery “cheese” slices due to ethical or health reasons. However, companies like Daiya Foods have developed meltable 100% plant-based cheese and expanded their offerings to include frozen pizzas, Cheezy Mac, cheesecakes, a Greek yogurt substitute, and Blue Cheeze Dressings. Similarly, Kite Hill has made significant strides in enhancing non-dairy alternatives, producing artisanal cheeses, cream cheese, and yogurts. As the quality of vegan dairy products continues to improve in terms of flavor, texture, and mouthfeel, it is likely that more dairy-tolerant consumers will be inclined to try them.
Retailers are likely to embrace the opportunity to stock Halo Top’s new dairy-free lineup. Moving forward, supermarkets would be wise to allocate valuable shelf space in the refrigerated dairy section for more vegan options. If the popularity of plant-based milk is any indication, consumers will be eager to sample these new offerings.
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