Ice cream companies are focused on giving consumers what they want — better-for-you ice cream options, premium quality and clean ingredients. Convenience is also a driving factor.
There is a rising ice cream trend that may indicate where things are going for the ice cream category. With consumers’ growing interest in healthier indulgence, ice cream companies are creating pints that showcase fewer calories, less sugar and in some cases, a higher protein content. In a context where consumers are looking for indulgence and satisfaction from ice cream, those brands that are associated with a more premium identity, as well as simple, natural ingredients, are outperforming others, said global market research firm Mintel in a 2017 ice cream report.
Halo Top, Los Angeles, with its low-calorie, low-sugar and high-protein ice cream, currently corners the market on “healthy indulgence.” The brand had the best-selling pint of ice cream as of last summer, surpassing industry leaders such as Ben & Jerry’s and Häagen-Dazs, according to Halo Top. Its ice cream contains from 240 to 360 calories, an average of 5 to 8 grams of sugar and 20 grams of protein per pint. It is also made with sugar alcohol.