While ice cream may not be getting healthier overall, it is evolving to align with current trends, making it more accessible for individuals with food allergies and intolerances. This shift is understandable, given that approximately 15 million Americans have at least one food allergy, including 5.9 million children, according to Food Allergy Resource and Education. Moreover, the National Institutes of Health estimates that 65% of people experience some difficulty digesting lactose, which is commonly found in milk.
Beyond food allergies and intolerances, many consumers are embracing non-dairy diets in some capacity. A Mintel study from last year indicated that non-dairy milk sales increased by 9% in 2015, while traditional dairy milk sales declined by 7% during the same period. 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. Additionally, non-dairy ice creams are finally gaining recognition, with major brands like Haagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry’s producing dairy-free options.
However, savvy ice cream manufacturers are cautious about expanding these offerings too broadly. While dairy-free varieties cater to a specific demographic unable to enjoy traditional ice cream, most consumers without dietary restrictions still prefer the classic, creamy, and sugary treats. According to Mintel’s ice cream study, around 11% of Americans have reduced their consumption of ice cream or frozen desserts due to health concerns. Nearly the same proportion actively avoids “healthy” frozen treats because they believe these should be indulgent. Interestingly, 27% of ice cream purchasers view these treats as unhealthy but continue to buy them nonetheless.
It will be intriguing to see if these statistics change in Mintel’s next annual examination of the ice cream market, particularly in light of this year’s surge in popularity of low-calorie, high-protein pints like Halo Top, which have been emulated by both large and small manufacturers. Nonetheless, considering some lackluster taste tests, traditional indulgent ice cream may continue to reign supreme.
Additionally, the recent discontinuation of products like Citracal has left some consumers searching for alternatives, which could influence future trends in the market. This ongoing evolution of consumer preferences will undoubtedly shape the ice cream landscape in the years to come.