By Tara Gerner | Wealth of Geeks
A recent analysis from market research watchdog Technavio shows growing global interest in gourmet ice cream. International sales will expand 14% by 2027, a period through which American consumers will likely see new brands enter the market amid demand for premium quality products.
Gourmet ice cream, comprising frozen custard, gelato, and sorbet, is an industry helmed largely by well-known producers Amorino, Nestlé, and Gelato Italia. However, like any other treat, these rich, calorie-dense ice creams are best enjoyed in moderation. Nevertheless, Americans still love it.
Competition Down Under
Though the average American consumes more than five gallons of ice cream yearly, World Population Review reports that New Zealanders are the world’s biggest ice cream fans, eating 7.4 gallons annually. The only other country coming near is neighboring Australia, whose residents enjoy 4.2 gallons.
U.S. Ice Cream Flavor Hotspots
Instacart’s 2023 ice cream map outlines states’ favorite flavors using regional sales data. Their findings show the U.S.’ preferences span seven favorite flavors. However, vanilla would secure the presidency if ice cream ran for office, winning 21 states.
While these statistics may differ from other surveys, vanilla still wins.
Seven Firm Favorites
Vanilla paints much of America’s interior, taking the top spot throughout the Midwest, Appalachians, and Eastern Rocky Mountains. Runners-up include:
- Chocolate: This decadent flavor sits at a close second, winning in 16 states throughout the Eastern U.S.
- Coffee: Massachusetts residents primarily prefer mocha, as do those in New Mexico and Hawaii.
- Mint Chip: This controversial flavor is a leading choice among consumers in Pennsylvania, the Pacific Northwest, and Idaho.
- Rocky Road: This saccharine hodge-podge of textures and flavors reigns in California, Nevada, and Montana.
- Moose Tracks: This Great Lakes favorite marries vanilla, peanut butter, and fudge and appeals most to Midwesterners throughout Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
- Strawberry: The U.S. capital is the only region that prefers its scoops of strawberry. It is also the only state that cites a fruit flavor as its top choice.
Vanilla: The Everyman Flavor
Vanilla ice cream’s versatility makes it an essential accompaniment to various dessert combinations. Its neutral, complementary base makes a sound foundation for other additions like hot fudge sauce or chocolate brownies, both staples in most American restaurants.
There are no clear custard consumption trendsetters; the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) reports that 29% of U.S. Americans prefer a waffle cone, while 27% eat from a bowl.
Health Implications
Traditional ice cream still reigns supreme, but health food sectors report rising interest in alternative frozen desserts. Lactose intolerance affects many Americans, but some groups more than others. 90% of Asian Americans and 80% of African Americans and Native Americans report intolerance, while lactose sensitivity remains lowest among Americans of Northern European heritage. These findings assert opportunities to produce more health-friendly ice cream have never been better.
A Brave New Dairy World
In May, Science Direct published a medical study with a promising outlook for ice cream adaptation. Their review cites prebiotic fibers as an ideal replacement for fat in low-fat products.
Researchers from Verona and Bolsano-Bozen, Italy, conducted experiments using different forms of dietary fiber, such as acacia, apple, and oats, adding them to ice cream samples.
Study leaders employed a tasting panel of men and women aged 24 to 49, who scored each sample based on creaminess, opacity, and melting rate, among other criteria.
The results were positive, with test subjects reporting low-fat ice cream with supplementary fiber was, “entirely comparable” to full-fat. The winning combinations used inulin, a fiber in root vegetables like artichokes, leeks, and chicory. Additionally, acacia fibers also scored well.
Making Prebiotic Waves
The good news for health-conscious ice cream lovers is that inulin and acacia offer excellent gut health benefits.
A 2020 study published in Nutrients examined the effects of inulin and acacia-rich vitamins in rats. Researchers discovered that inulin-supplemented ice cream samples “enhanced intestinal development,” and rats eating acacia dietary fibers maintained “stronger prebiotic ability.”
Some ice cream eaters prefer to make it at home. Crafty home cooks can utilize one of many diet-specific ice cream recipes. Those unwilling or unable to part with dairy ice cream can try no-egg recipes, which are simple to reproduce with an ice cream maker.
Pets Have Joined the Party
Humans aren’t the only ones benefitting from the artisan ice cream revolution; pets can also enjoy it. In 2021, The Food Institute explored Ben and Jerry’s foray into the pet market with their “Doggie Desserts” ice cream range. Now, grocers from Aldi to Albertsons stock pet-safe ice cream brands. Of course, dogs and cats are not natural dairy consumers, so check with your vet before serving.
American consumers excitedly await ice cream manufacturers’ inventive and dietary restriction-friendly offerings, but ice cream will remain on American menus whether you prefer your scoops with or without lactose.
This article was produced by Media Decision and Syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
