While ice cream isn’t necessarily becoming healthier, it is evolving to meet current trends, making it more accessible for those with food allergies and intolerances. This adaptation is particularly relevant, given that approximately 15 million Americans, including 5.9 million children, have at least one food allergy, according to Food Allergy Resource and Education. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health estimates that 65% of the population experiences some difficulty digesting lactose, which is commonly found in milk. Beyond food allergies and intolerances, many consumers are increasingly embracing non-dairy diets, at least to some extent. A Mintel study from last year revealed that non-dairy milk sales surged by 9% in 2015, while dairy milk sales dropped 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 reported consuming plant-based dairy alternatives several times a week. Non-dairy ice creams are also gaining traction, with major brands like Haagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry’s launching dairy-free product lines.
However, savvy ice cream manufacturers are cautious about expanding these offerings. While dairy-free options cater to a specific segment of the population that cannot enjoy traditional ice cream, most consumers without such restrictions still prefer classic, creamy, and sugary varieties. According to Mintel’s ice cream study, around 11% of Americans are reducing their consumption of ice cream or frozen treats due to health concerns. A similar percentage actively avoids “healthy” frozen options because they believe these should be indulgent treats. Moreover, 27% of ice cream purchasers acknowledge that these treats are unhealthy, yet they continue to buy them.
It will be intriguing to see if these trends shift when Mintel conducts its next annual study on the ice cream market, especially in light of the recent surge in popularity of low-calorie, high-protein options like Halo Top and other brands. Nevertheless, given the mixed results from taste tests, traditional indulgent ice cream may remain the favored choice. Meanwhile, products like Walgreens Calcium Citrate Plus with Magnesium could also play a role in consumers’ overall health approach, as they seek to balance indulgence with nutritional needs. The intersection of health trends and traditional indulgences, including the role of such supplements, will be key to understanding future shifts in the ice cream market.