Brian Berk

Flavors are the spice of life. Despite tremendous advances regarding taste in better-for-you dairy products, consumers still have to desire to purchase the item. That is what makes flavoring so important.

Waukesha, Wis.-based Hydro-Thermal Corp. is the winner of the 2023 Breakthrough Award for Dairy Ingredient Innovation. 

In ancient times, humans became lactose intolerant, or unable to fully digest the sugar (lactose) in milk, after childhood. Not surprisingly milk is a top growth driver in the lactose-free dairy market, while functional ingredients like proteins and fiber add value and better nutritional support.  

Like several other segments of dairy, most natural and processed cheese categories enjoyed strong dollar sales during a recent 52-week period, but suffered unit sales declines, according to information provided by Chicago-based Circana.

U.S. dairy exports set new volume and value records again in 2022. This feat was accomplished despite high inflation and a host of other challenges to international trade, according to the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), Arlington, Va. 

The IDFA Ice Cream Technology and Yogurt and Cultured Conference is set to take place April 18 and 19 at the Austin Marriott Downtown in Austin, Texas. The ice cream and cultured events take place concurrently during this time.

Consumer demand for healthier beverages is not going away. Gut tolerability, the usage of prebiotic fibers and reduced-sugar options are expanding the usage of sweetener solutions that will reduce calories in yogurts, for example, while providing functional benefits.

Ingredients, flavors, colors and toppings give consumers something to “scream about.” Not only will the ice cream category grow 37% over 2021, but consumers are loving the five most popular flavors:  Chocolate, Cookies ‘N Cream, Vanilla, Strawberry and Chocolate Chip.

Michael Dykes Dairy Forum discussion outlined five goals.

Carvel leads the ice cream/ice milk desserts segment, while Fun Pops tops ice pop sales.