Ice Cream/Novelties

IDFA: 97% of consumers love or like ice cream

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) partnered with Morning Consult to survey America’s love for all things ice cream and frozen desserts.

So, what’s the scoop? 97% of Americans love or like ice cream. While traditional ice cream flavors still dominate IDFA’s list, newer flavors like Butter Pecan and Cookie Dough are shaking up the top five. According to the survey, America’s favorite flavor is Vanilla, while staff on Capitol Hill prefer Cookie Dough. But before you lose your sprinkles, let’s compare the two groups:

Top 5 flavors among the general American public:

Vanilla
Chocolate
Strawberry
Butter Pecan
Cookie Dough

“It’s no surprise that America loves ice cream,” said IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes, D.V.M. “And America’s favorite frozen treat is more than dessert. It also supports nearly 30,000 jobs and pumps $11.4 billion into our nation’s economy each year according to IDFA’s Dairy Delivers data. This July, celebrate National Ice Cream Month with a cone, pint, or half-gallon of your favorite flavor and know that you’re also supporting dairy farmers and manufacturers across this great nation.”

More results from the IDFA-Morning Consult survey:

What type of container do consumers prefer?

Waffle cones beat out sugar cones 29% to 12% among consumers, but 27% of consumers prefer to eat their ice cream out of a bowl.

What type of toppings do consumers prefer?

Hot fudge is the top ice cream topping at 35%, beating out caramel sauce at 24% and chocolate sauce at 21%. Whipped cream is the second most popular topping at 29%.

When weighing ice cream options, what consideration is most important to consumers?

94% of respondents said that ice cream flavor is the most important consideration, though four fifths of adults think size and price are important as well.

Where is your favorite place to eat ice cream?

63% of Americans say their favorite place to eat ice cream is at home; 21% of young adults (18-34) are more likely than other groups to say outdoors is their favorite setting.