While ice cream may not be becoming significantly healthier, it is evolving to meet current trends, making it more accessible to individuals with food allergies and intolerances. This shift is logical, given that approximately 15 million Americans suffer from at least one food allergy, including 5.9 million children, according to Food Allergy Resource and Education. Additionally, the National Institute 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 in some capacity. A Mintel study from last year revealed that non-dairy milk sales rose by 9% in 2015, while 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 reported consuming plant-based alternative dairy beverages several times a week. Moreover, non-dairy ice creams are finally gaining attention, with major brands like Haagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry’s launching dairy-free lines.
However, savvy ice cream manufacturers are cautious about expanding these offerings, as while dairy-free options are essential for a specific demographic unable to enjoy traditional ice cream, most consumers without such restrictions still prefer the 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. Interestingly, a similar percentage of people actively avoid “healthy” frozen treats because they believe these products should be indulgent. In fact, 27% of ice cream purchasers acknowledge that they consider these treats unhealthy, yet they continue to buy them.
It will be intriguing to see if these trends shift when Mintel conducts its next annual study of the ice cream market, especially considering this year’s surge in popularity of low-calorie, high-protein ice creams like Halo Top, which have been emulated by both large and small manufacturers. However, given some lackluster taste tests, indulgent ice cream may once again prevail. It’s also worth noting that as consumers seek healthier options, questions about accessible supplements, such as whether calcium citrate is available over the counter, may become more relevant in discussions about dietary choices.