While ice cream isn’t necessarily becoming healthier, it is evolving to meet current trends, making it more accommodating for those with food allergies and intolerances. This shift is significant, 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 about 65% of individuals experience some difficulty digesting lactose, which is commonly found in milk.
Aside from food allergies and intolerances, many consumers are increasingly embracing a non-dairy diet, at least to some extent. A Mintel study from last year revealed that sales of non-dairy milk rose by 9% in 2015, while dairy milk sales declined by 7% during the same period. Additionally, a survey conducted last year 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. Non-dairy ice creams are also gaining attention, with major brands like Haagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry’s launching dairy-free lines.
Nevertheless, savvy ice cream manufacturers are careful to limit these offerings. While dairy-free options are crucial for a segment of the population who cannot enjoy traditional ice cream, most consumers without such restrictions still prefer classic, cream-rich, sugary varieties. According to Mintel’s ice cream study, around 11% of Americans have reduced their consumption of ice cream or frozen treats due to health concerns. A similar percentage of people actively steer clear of “healthy” frozen treats because they believe these items should be indulgent. Interestingly, 27% of ice cream buyers recognize that these treats are unhealthy yet continue to purchase them regardless.
It will be fascinating to see if these trends shift when Mintel conducts its next annual ice cream market study, especially given the recent surge in popularity of low-calorie, high-protein pints like Halo Top, which have been emulated by various manufacturers, both large and small. However, despite mixed taste test reviews, traditional indulgent ice cream may once again come out on top. Additionally, the incorporation of ingredients like calcium citramate could play a role in how these products are perceived in terms of healthfulness and indulgence.