Ice cream trends: Vegan, calorie-reduced and varied
Consumer interest in healthy, tasty food is on the rise - and the global ice-cream industry is responding with a host of innovations that will make ice-cream gourmets no longer a matter of conscience. Last year, product launches with high protein and low sugar content were particularly popular in this category. According to Mintel's research results, younger consumers are particularly interested in protein ice cream varieties. According to the German survey on the subject, almost one third of 16-24 year olds showed interest in such a range.
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According to Mintel, the Halo Top brand is the pioneer for calorie-reduced and protein-rich ice cream. Compared to other ice cream brands, which rely on a healthier image, the manufacturer not only catches the eye with the playful packaging design: the lower calorie and at the same time higher protein content of the product is aimed at those who do not want to do without ice cream, but at the same time want to keep an eye on their line. The number of calories is printed on the front of each cup, making it easier for consumers to proportion their calories and consciously control their calorie intake. Breyers Delight also pursues a similar strategy to meet consumer needs. One thing is clear: transparency is important for European consumers. For example, four out of five Spaniards find it important that the calorie content is clearly visible on the packaging.
The "vegan" trend has also long since spread to the ice cream industry. To appeal to lactose intolerant, vegan and flexitive consumers, some brands have been working on plant-based formulations for their ice cream range. A good example of this is Unilever's vegan Magnum ice cream, which is available in the Classic and Almond varieties and consists of pea protein. Another interesting product is the stick ice cream launched in April 2019 by the chocolate manufacturer Hotel Chocolat. This was made from real fruit and then coated with the brand's high-quality chocolate.
In addition to the vegan and protein trend, some manufacturers have also ventured into other concepts such as alcoholic ice cream varieties. In Great Britain, according to Mintel studies, consumers between the ages of 25 and 34 seem to be particularly interested in such variations. For example, Häagen-Dazs launched the range available in North America in the Irish Cream Coffee & Biscotti and Vodka Key Lime Pie flavours.
But also the visual incentive should not be underestimated when buying ice cream - after all, in addition to packaging and branding, the colour of the ice cream can also lead to an improved consumer experience. Two years ago we were able to buy black ice cream in the ice cream shops, and the unicorn hype doesn't seem to be abating either. Ice cream manufacturers are now also jumping on the bandwagon, as Cornetto, for example, is showing with its "UniCornetto" product. In Germany, the brand also launched a new variety that scores visually and taste-wise with a two-tone waffle with vanilla and caramel flavour.
Note: This article has been translated using a computer system without human intervention. LUMITOS offers these automatic translations to present a wider range of current news. Since this article has been translated with automatic translation, it is possible that it contains errors in vocabulary, syntax or grammar. The original article in German can be found here.
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