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Real ice cream: what it is and why is popular among consumers
Alimentos SAS • Dec 01, 2021
When you think comfort food, ice cream comes to mind. Specifically, real ice cream usually offers a sense of indulgence. In this article, we explore the traits that make it stand out, as well as the reasons why it stays popular among consumers everywhere.
The ice cream scene
Nowadays, there is an ice cream option for everyone. Classic palates enjoy regular versions, while more sophisticated ones can find alternatives suited for their expectations. Moreover, there are products for consumers with dietary restrictions (like plant-based ice cream) or for those who are interested in unique experiences (like liquid nitrogen ice cream).
Such versatility shows in its positive performance. According to Williams & Marshall Strategy (2021), the global ice cream market reached a 65.8 billion dollars value in 2020. IMARC Group (2021) estimates it will grow to 83.1 billion dollars by 2025 with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.76%.
Undoubtedly, ice cream is beloved in the United States. The International Dairy Foods Association (n.d.) says it is the most popular frozen dessert category nationwide. The average American consumes about 23 pounds of ice cream and related frozen products yearly.
But, what does real ice cream entail, and why is it popular?
The traits of this ice cream
The signature trait of real ice cream is dairy. Milkfat is responsible for most of its rich sensations, such as mellowness and flavor. As a result, the substitution of dairy with other ingredients can only be done within certain limits to not change ice cream’s essential characteristics (Dairy Research & Information Center, n.d.).
Moreover, milk solids-not-fat (SNF) most notably contributes to the body and texture of this frozen dessert. Its proteins bind water to act as stabilizers. They also have an emulsifying effect on fat. Additionally, they provide viscosity and chewiness to the product’s body (Dairy Research & Information Center, n.d.).
Furthermore, dairy helps assure a more uniform quality across producers. This situation occurs because the milk powder used in manufacturing is a highly standardized and defined material (Tetra Pak, n.d.).
Most popular ice cream flavors
Consumers have pointed preferences regarding real ice cream flavors. Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry lead the pack globally (IMARC Group, 2021).
However, studies show that fruit-flavored ice cream is growing its global market share (Fortune Business Insights, 2021). The FONA Flavor Radar supports this statement about increasing consumer interest in finding natural flavor in ice cream. The survey reports strawberry and cherry are trending as classic popular ice cream flavors worldwide. New top players include blueberry and lychee (FONA International, 2021).
On the other hand, consumers also favor a fruity taste in other dairy frozen desserts. This is the case for sherbet –a low-dairy type of ice cream. Orange, raspberry, lemon, and lime are some of the most common sherbet flavors (Alfaro, 2020).
Fruit purees make for outstanding ingredients to cater to these preferences. They carry the flavor (and nutrients) from fresh fruit (Dohler, n.d.). Additionally, they act as more natural sweeteners and as flavor, color, and texture enhancers (Allied Market Research, 2021. Grand View Research, 2020).
Why real ice cream stays popular
One could say the full-bodied flavor of this ice cream is probably one of the main reasons it remains popular. A 2020 survey from Innova found that 72% of global consumers see flavor as the most crucial factor in ice cream selection (Rempfer, 2021). This relates to the fact people view ice cream as an indulgence, so they expect it to taste and feel accordingly (Hosch, 2018).
Likewise, the comfort factor plays an important role in ice cream performance. Analysts report that nostalgia has resurged in all food and beverages categories, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic (Rempfer, 2021).
Let’s take a look at some other key trends driving the steady popularity of real ice cream globally (Hosch, 2018).
- Innovative products are presented in a single serving. They are ideal for those who eat on the go. Some examples include ice cream sandwiches featuring unique cookie varieties, like chocolate chip or waffle cones. Or ice cream slices enrobed in chocolate.
- Premium products, which have layers and even different toppings.
- Nutritional, enhanced, functional products that provide the sensation of not being entirely unhealthy.
- Hip, photogenic, social media-worthy presentations.
Ice cream maintains its top spot as an indulgent, sought-out dessert among consumers worldwide. Dairy formulas remain category leaders, as they are synonymous with luxurious textures and flavors. Fruit purees can be integrated into real ice cream production to create popular options aligned with consumers’ expectations.
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