Avocado-based ice creams are touted as healthier alternatives
Trend - With vegan desserts becoming more popular, avocado is increasingly being used as a creamy base for packaged ice creams that are dairy-free. These desserts offer similar flavors and consistencies to their traditional cream-based counterparts.
Insight - When it comes to indulgence, health and fitness-minded consumers tend to be pickier in what they choose to consume. However, diet culture has now evolved so that people are less likely to restrict themselves calorie-wise, and more likely to prioritize healthy ingredients. Brands that are able to balance both indulgence and nutrition are most appealing to this emerging consumer.
Insight - When it comes to indulgence, health and fitness-minded consumers tend to be pickier in what they choose to consume. However, diet culture has now evolved so that people are less likely to restrict themselves calorie-wise, and more likely to prioritize healthy ingredients. Brands that are able to balance both indulgence and nutrition are most appealing to this emerging consumer.
Workshop Question - How could your brand balance indulgence and health simultaneously?
Trend Themes
1. Avocado-based Desserts - As consumers seek healthier and vegan alternatives to traditional desserts, avocado-based frozen desserts have gained popularity as a creamy but nutritious base.
2. Plant-based, Non-dairy Desserts - With the rise of veganism, there is a growing demand for desserts made with alternatives to dairy, such as oat milk, chickpeas, and veggies, that have lower calories and fat but also appealing flavors.
3. Low-calorie Desserts Naturally Sweetened - Brands are exploring new, natural ways to sweeten frozen desserts with dates, whole fruits, and vegetables to create low-calorie, high-fiber frozen treats without adding any refined sugars or sweeteners.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Innovating new recipes and approaches to create healthier, sustainable, and indulgent desserts that appeal to different dietary needs and preferences.
2. Wellness and Fitness - Capitalizing on the growing interest in health and wellness, businesses can provide low-calorie, high-nutrition treats that cater to consumers looking for guilt-free indulgences.
3. E-commerce and Delivery - Leveraging online platforms and delivery services to reach customers with convenience and speed, especially during pandemic times, and expand the market reach of specialty frozen desserts.
