Initially, Halo Top captured the title of the top-selling pint of ice cream in the U.S., surpassing well-known brands such as Ben & Jerry’s and Breyers. Now, they are targeting consumers who prefer to avoid dairy and eggs. Established in 2012, Halo Top gained popularity as a low-calorie, high-protein, and low-sugar dessert option, selling over 17 million pints in 2016—a staggering 2,500% increase in sales. According to Mintel, non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. rose by 9% in 2015, while dairy milk sales fell by 7% during the same time frame.
It is a strategic move for Halo Top to adapt its recipe to provide an ice cream alternative for shoppers transitioning from dairy to plant-based products. There’s ample reason to believe that the nation’s growing enthusiasm for plant-based milk will extend to other areas of the dairy aisle. Halo Top is not alone in expanding its offerings with non-dairy ice cream; both Ben & Jerry’s, owned by Unilever, and Haagen-Dazs, part of General Mills, have introduced vegan-friendly options within their popular ice cream ranges.
The market for dairy-free alternatives to conventional dairy products is rapidly expanding. Plant-based milk is already seeing tremendous success, and consumers are increasingly seeking dairy-free versions of items like cheese and yogurt. While this trend poses challenges for dairy farmers, it is beneficial for consumers looking for more flavorful vegan options. In the past, vegan dairy products were primarily for those unable to digest milk or dedicated vegans who endured rubbery cheese slices for ethical or health reasons. However, companies like Daiya Foods have developed meltable 100% plant-based cheese and have diversified into frozen pizzas, Cheezy Mac, cheesecakes, a Greek yogurt alternative, and Blue Cheeze Dressings. Similarly, Kite Hill has made significant strides in enhancing non-dairy alternatives, offering a variety of cream cheese, artisanal cheeses, and yogurts.
As the quality of vegan dairy products improves in terms of flavor, texture, and mouthfeel, it is expected that more dairy-tolerant consumers will be inclined to try them. Retailers will likely seize the opportunity to stock Halo Top’s new dairy-free lineup. In the future, supermarkets would be wise to allocate valuable shelf space in their refrigerated dairy sections for more vegan options. If the popularity of plant-based milk serves as any indication, consumers will want to sample these alternatives. Additionally, products like nature’s blend liquid calcium citrate can complement these dairy-free diets, providing essential nutrients and enhancing the overall appeal of plant-based options. Expect to see nature’s blend liquid calcium citrate featured alongside these innovative products, as it aligns perfectly with the growing demand for healthier, non-dairy alternatives.