Ice creams and other dairy-based desserts are focusing on probiotics
Trend - Ice cream and similar desserts like gelato and frozen yogurt are now being made with an emphasis on their probiotic and prebiotic content. By incorporating live cultures into these desserts, brands are able to appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Insight - The shift in "diet culture" in recent years has been one that prioritizes balance--with consumers focusing less on restricting their diets, and more on ingredients, sustainability, and nutritional value. This means that consumers are willing to indulge, but are turning more to brands that help them offset the impact of "unhealthy" foods by incorporating healthy ingredients.
Insight - The shift in "diet culture" in recent years has been one that prioritizes balance--with consumers focusing less on restricting their diets, and more on ingredients, sustainability, and nutritional value. This means that consumers are willing to indulge, but are turning more to brands that help them offset the impact of "unhealthy" foods by incorporating healthy ingredients.
Workshop Question - How could your brand better cater to consumers' desire for balanced indulgence?
Trend Themes
1. Probiotics in Desserts - Brands are adding live cultures to desserts, such as ice cream, gelato, and frozen yogurt, to appeal to health-conscious consumers prioritizing balance and healthy ingredients when indulging.
2. Plant-based Dairy Alternatives - Consumers are looking for healthier alternatives to dairy products, leading brands to develop vegan options, such as nut cheese, oat milk soft serve, and plant-based gelato.
3. Functional Ingredients in Frozen Desserts - Frozen dessert brands are incorporating probiotics and prebiotic fiber to support digestive function and immune health, like in frozen yogurt and Greek yogurt cheesecake.
Industry Implications
1. Dairy-free Products - As more consumers turn to plant-based options, the dairy-free industry has great potential for innovation in developing vegan cheese, dairy-free drinks, and yogurt alternatives with added benefits.
2. Health and Wellness - The health and wellness industry can leverage the trend toward incorporating functional ingredients into desserts by developing more products that promote balance, nutrition, and gut health.
3. Food and Beverage Industry - The overall food and beverage industry can take note of the growing trend toward healthier, functional dessert options that appeal to consumers' desire for indulgence and healthy living.
