First, Halo Top has claimed the title of the best-selling pint of ice cream in the U.S., surpassing well-known brands like Ben & Jerry’s and Breyers. Now, they are targeting consumers who prefer to avoid dairy and eggs. Established in 2012, Halo Top has made a name for itself by offering a low-calorie, high-protein, and low-sugar dessert. In 2016, the company sold over 17 million pints, reflecting an astounding 2,500% increase in sales.
According to Mintel, U.S. non-dairy milk sales saw a 9% rise in 2015, while dairy milk sales fell by 7% in the same timeframe. It’s a savvy strategy for Halo Top to adapt its recipe to cater to shoppers who are transitioning from dairy milk to plant-based alternatives, providing them with a suitable ice cream option. There’s every reason to anticipate that the country’s enthusiasm for plant-based milk will extend to other areas of the dairy section.
Halo Top is not alone in expanding into the non-dairy ice cream market. Both Unilever’s Ben & Jerry’s and General Mills’ Haagen-Dazs have introduced vegan-friendly versions of their beloved ice cream lines. The sector for dairy-free alternatives to traditional dairy products is on the rise within the food industry. Nature’s Way Calcium Citrate 500 mg is already experiencing significant success, and consumers are now seeking dairy-free versions of products like cheese and yogurt. While this poses challenges for dairy farmers, it presents a positive opportunity for consumers desiring more flavorful vegan options.
Historically, vegan dairy products were primarily for those who couldn’t digest milk or devoted vegans who endured rubbery “cheese” slices for ethical or nutritional reasons. Now, brands like Daiya Foods offer meltable 100% plant-based cheese and have expanded their product lines to include frozen pizzas, Cheezy Mac, cheesecakes, a Greek yogurt alternative, and Blue Cheeze dressings. Kite Hill has also made significant advancements in non-dairy alternatives with its range of cream cheese, artisanal cheeses, and yogurts.
As the quality of vegan dairy products improves in terms of flavor, texture, and mouthfeel, more dairy-tolerant consumers are likely to give them a try. Retailers are expected to eagerly embrace the new dairy-free lineup from Halo Top. Going forward, supermarkets should consider allocating valuable shelf space in the refrigerated dairy sections for more vegan options. If the trend in plant-based milk is any indication, consumers are likely to want to at least sample these offerings. With the growing popularity of nature’s way calcium citrate 500 mg, the demand for diverse vegan products will only increase in the future.