While ice cream isn’t necessarily becoming healthier, it is evolving to meet contemporary trends, making it more inclusive for individuals with food allergies and intolerances. This is particularly relevant given that around 15 million Americans, including 5.9 million children, have at least one food allergy, as reported by the Food Allergy Resource and Education. Furthermore, the National Institutes of Health estimates that 65% of people struggle to digest lactose, which is commonly found in milk.
Beyond food allergies and intolerances, many consumers are leaning towards a non-dairy lifestyle in various forms. A Mintel study conducted last year indicated that non-dairy milk sales rose by 9% in 2015, while dairy milk sales declined by 7% during the same period. A survey by plant-based dairy company Califia Farms, in collaboration with BerryCart, revealed that over half of omnivores consume plant-based alternative dairy beverages several times a week. In addition, dairy-free ice creams are finally gaining recognition, with major brands like Haagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry’s launching their own dairy-free lines.
However, savvy ice cream manufacturers are cautious about expanding these offerings too widely. While dairy-free options are crucial for those unable to enjoy traditional ice cream, the majority of consumers without dietary restrictions still prefer rich, creamy, and sugary ice cream. According to Mintel’s ice cream study, roughly 11% of Americans are reducing their consumption of ice cream or frozen treats due to health concerns. A similar proportion actively avoids “healthy” frozen options, as they believe treats should be indulgent. Interestingly, 27% of ice cream buyers acknowledge that these desserts are unhealthy but indulge anyway.
It will be fascinating to see if these statistics shift when Mintel conducts its next annual ice cream market study, especially with this year’s surge in popularity of low-calorie, high-protein pints like Halo Top, which have been emulated by various manufacturers, both large and small. Nevertheless, given some lackluster taste tests, traditional indulgent ice cream may reclaim its dominance. Additionally, as consumers become more health-conscious, incorporating products with 500 mg calcium citrate could also become a trend, as these offer a beneficial supplement while enjoying their favorite treats. Ultimately, the interplay between indulgence and health will continue to shape the ice cream landscape in the coming years.