The pandemic has undoubtedly changed the way we both shop and eat. There have been shifts in the ice cream market throughout the world over the last year. Here we take a look at the biggest ice cream trends for 2021, some as a result of the pandemic and others a continuation of an already shifting change in consumer behaviour.
This chart below illustrates those changes:
How we Buy Ice Cream and other Foods
The recent circumstances have unsurprisingly led to an overwhelming increase in home delivery, takeaway and home cooking. With less opportunity to go out to eat or enjoy food, consumers have had to look for alternative ways to enjoy ice cream and other foods.
Home delivery – already a growing market, many businesses have seized the opportunity to deliver all kinds of goods to customers, including ice cream.
Takeaway –traditionally the remit of fast food style restaurants, this market quicky opened up to accommodate the need by consumers to ‘not to have to cook’ alongside businesses trying their best to survive through difficult times. All types of establishment from the local pub to fine dining restaurants have increased their offering to takeaway meals.
Home Cooking – with people spending more time at home, it makes sense that we would see a return to the kitchen. Baking with the kids, trying new recipes and re-discovering the joy of making a special meal.
Healthier Options in Ice Cream
Whilst as a nation the UK was forced to find alternatives for the gym, many also found they had more time to learn about their own health. There are two main camps when it comes to healthy ice cream options. The reduction team and the additional team.
The reduction team includes products with reduces sugars, calories and fats. Sourcing alternative sweeteners and ingredients to make delicious ice cream with lower calories and a for many, a lower guilt factor!
The addition camp are those products with added protein and fibre with an emphasis in moving more towards enjoying a more satisfying but heathier treat. Higher protein products help to starve off hunger and many believe this helps to reduce overall calories consumed.
Both camps want natural ingredients and organic options with a move away from chemicals and synthetic ingredients.
We want to feel that if we are going to enjoy something sweet and satisfying, that we are trying to choose something a little bit healthier in order to do so.
Increased Ice Cream Dietary Options
As well as people choosing to make health a priority there has also been a big move in the industry towards accommodating a whole host of specific dietary needs. Whether that’s for people who are trying to eat less animal products, those that are vegan or people with allergies or intolerances towards certain ingredients.
Things like lactose free ice cream is something that would have been off limits for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to lactose. We see gluten free, allergen free and of course lactose free options storming into the marketplace.
It’s not just vegan now either, it’s plant based because people want to consume less animal products that are healthier. Not all consumers looking for plant based ice cream are vegan or vegetarian. Programmes such as the Netflix documentary Game Changers has helped to fuel the move towards an ethos of eating a little less animal produce and a lot more plants.