Non-dairy and low-sugar NPD soars, but flavor remains key purchasing factor

12 Jul 2021 — Plant-based, non-dairy and reduced-sugar reformulation is reshaping the ice cream section, with trending flavors and ingredient mashups shaking up NPD. FoodIngredientsFirst examines the most well-liked flavors and stand-out launches within the house.

“The market share for non-dairy ice lotions has been growing at a gradual charge, accounting for six % of all dessert and world ice cream launches in 2020,” Akhil Aiyar, senior market analyst for Innova Market Insights, tells FoodIngredientsFirst.

“Between 2019 and 2020, non-dairy ice cream witnessed a year-over-year progress of 32.2 %, in comparison with practically negligible world progress between 2018 and 2019.”

“By way of non-dairy flavors, salted caramel, strawberry and mango are amongst those who present the quickest progress on this section,” Aiyar provides.

Non-dairy, plant-based market
Many different customers are experimenting with dairy-free merchandise, with well being, dietary selection and environmental considerations as the important thing drivers for buy, the market researcher notes.

Click to EnlargeMammoth Creameries’ keto-friendly, diabetic-conscious frozen custard in Butter Espresso, Strawberry and Butter Pecan.Non-dairy ice cream launches nearly tripled between 2016 and 2020. They’ve been notably vital in North America (25 % of all ice cream launches in 2020), Australasia (20 %) and West Europe (10 %).

The more and more mainstream attraction of non-dairy is mirrored within the rising vary of codecs (e.g., sticks, cones and mochi), within the presence of extra mainstream manufacturers on the shelf, and within the rising give attention to indulgence.

For instance, My/Mochi Ice Cream not too long ago launched My/Mochi Oat Milk Frozen Dessert, a non-dairy, vegan line of My/Mochi with gluten-free, non-GMO and allergen-friendly elements.

Ingredient decisions are various and proceed to evolve. “Animal free” may very well be the subsequent step. i.e., dairy protein produced through fermentation, the analysis specialist predicts.

An instance of plant-based innovation is Wildgood, which is made with further virgin olive oil.

Stand out non-dairy NPD
The variety of corporations launching non-dairy ice lotions has additionally witnessed progress, with a 33 % enhance within the variety of world gamers within the section between 2019 and 2020, in response to Aiyar.

Click to Enlarge My/Mochi Ice Cream not too long ago launched My/Mochi Oat Milk Frozen Dessert.Nick’s ice cream and animal-free dairy firm Good Day not too long ago partnered to launch a line of vegan dairy ice lotions. The seven flavors embrace Swedish Mint Chip, Choklad Choklad and Karamell Swirl.

Forager Mission launched a line of natural, dairy-free ice cream that’s free from lactose, dairy, soy and gluten and is licensed natural and vegan. 

Comprised of natural cashew milk and different easy elements, Forager Mission’s ice cream is delicate in taste and creamy in texture, providing customers a dairy-like ice cream expertise with out compromising style and environmental influence, the corporate says.

SweetPea launched a creamy, non-dairy ice cream that harnesses the ability of protein-packed chickpeas to ship half the energy and half the fats.

In the meantime, NadaMoo! – a dairy-free, coconut milk ice cream wealthy in plant-based elements – launched 4 no sugar added flavors to its present, creamy line-up in flavors Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate and Mint Chip.

Click to EnlargeHalo Prime’s “Keto Sequence” expanded its taste choices with Sea Salt Caramel, Peanut Butter Chocolate, Berry Swirl and Chocolate Cheesecake.Lastly, Baskin-Robbins’ additionally unveiled an oat milk-based, vegan-friendly taste: “Non-Dairy Strawberry Streusel.” 

Style and taste reign
In keeping with an Innova Market Insights report on ice cream traits, taste stays king as over half of customers purchase ice cream as a result of “it’s tasty,” whereas greater than a 3rd see it as an indulgent deal with or as one thing to make them glad.

Nearly three-quarters of ice cream consumers stated taste was an essential issue when procuring on this class.

Milk chocolate, vanilla and strawberry are high flavors, however their share is falling as selection will increase. New entrants to the highest 10 between 2016 and 2020 embrace salted caramel, brownie and lemon.

There could be regional variations in taste preferences, e.g., dulce de leche is excessive within the Latin American rankings, matcha tea in Asia and chocolate chip in North America. Asian tastes are distinctly totally different from the remainder of the world, however their affect is spreading.

Shoppers are on the lookout for pure elements and clear label calls for are nonetheless sturdy, the market researcher says. 

Notable traits in NPD embrace easier and shorter elements lists, moral selection, native sourcing (notably in Australasia and West Europe) and using actual fruit to additional endorse additive-free recipes.

Click to EnlargeForager Mission launched a line of natural, dairy-free ice cream that’s free from lactose, dairy, soy and gluten. Low sugar, excessive indulgence
Ice cream customers are nonetheless serious about more healthy decisions. Sugar is a selected concern; nearly 6 % of 2020 launches carried sugar claims versus round half as many for fats discount and protein enrichment, Innova Market Insights information reveals.

With sugar discount persevering with to be in focus, 47 % of customers globally say they have an inclination to love much less candy, savory and even bitter tastes extra. 

In the meantime, 60 % desire tastes that are lighter on the palette and fewer sugary or heavy. Tapping into shifting tastes is a chance for NPD.

In sugar discount, sweetener blends are key and a spotlight is shifting to new-generation sweeteners. Entrance-of-pack calorie counts are more and more essential, whereas excessive protein recipes usually coincide with sugar discount.

Low carb merchandise with keto claims have additionally burst onto the scene in North America.

Mammoth Creameries not too long ago launched three new flavors of its keto-friendly, diabetic-conscious frozen custard, together with Butter Espresso, Strawberry and Butter Pecan.

In the identical enviornment, Halo Prime’s “Keto Sequence” launched in early 2020 and expanded its taste choices not too long ago with Sea Salt Caramel, Peanut Butter Chocolate, Berry Swirl and Chocolate Cheesecake.

By Kristiana Lalou

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