# Minimal-Ingredient Ice Creams M&s Food Unveiled Only 5 Ingredients and Only 8 Ingredients Desserts By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2026-06-04 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/only-5-ingredients References: [corporate.marksandspencer](https://corporate.marksandspencer.com/newsroom/press-releases/ms-double-its-frozen-range-it-targets-more-family-weekly-shops) & [marksandspencer](https://www.marksandspencer.com/food/only-8-ingredients-85-dark-chocolate-ice-cream/p/fdp60931221#intid=pid_pg1pip48g6r1c1_search-term-Dark%20Chocolate%20Ice%20Cream)  [Marks & Spencer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toscano-olive-oil-ice-cream) recently doubled the size of its frozen range with 47 new and improved products, including Only 5 Ingredients Heather Honey Ice Cream, and Only 8 Ingredients 85% Dark Chocolate Ice Cream sweetened with honey. Both made with milk, double cream, skimmed milk powder and pasturized free-range whole egg, these minimal-ingredient ice creams otherwise only feature variety-specific additions, like cocoa mass, cocoa butter and cane sugar in the case of the chocolate flavor. These new ice creams launched as part of a strategy to grow Marks & Spencer's Food business and attract more families during their weekly shop. "Frozen is an important category in that mission, so we are investing to bring customers more choice—starting with a complete transformation of our ice cream range," said Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of M&S Food. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 52% | Activity: 50% | Freshness: 76% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Clean-label Frozen Desserts:** Short ingredient lists in indulgent formats create room for premium frozen treats that align with shopper demand for transparency and recognizable components. - **Honey-sweetened Indulgence:** Natural sweeteners such as honey are reshaping dessert positioning by pairing perceived wholesomeness with rich flavors like dark chocolate and dairy cream. - **Simplified Premium Treats:** Minimal formulations are becoming a point of differentiation for mainstream luxury products, especially when they combine family-friendly accessibility with elevated flavor cues. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Frozen Foods:** Category expansion around cleaner formulations signals white space for freezer-aisle products that feel less processed while retaining convenience and variety. - **Dairy Products:** Premium milk, cream, and egg-based desserts highlight opportunities for traditional dairy formats to regain relevance through simplicity, provenance, and indulgence. - **Grocery Retail:** Retailers are using exclusive private-label innovations to strengthen weekly shopping loyalty and compete with specialty dessert brands on quality and trust. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Whimsical Summer Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limited-edition-seasonal-ice-cream.md) - [Chef-Crafted Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-chef-series-by-salt-and-straw.md) - [World Cup Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ftbol-fireworks.md) - [Texture-Forward Branded Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/branded-frozen-treat.md) - [Naturally Sweet Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/denada.md) - [Citrusy Summertime Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pink-lemonade-ice-cream.md) - [All-American Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/all-american-ice-cream.md) - [Kentucky Derby Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/backstretch-bourbon-cherry.md) - [Collaboration Candy-Infused Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rays-ice-cream-and-blobs.md)