As inflation is cooling, consumers and younger generations are getting back to away-from-home frozen treating. This raises the bar for at-home expectations and perhaps even paves the way for a new wave of premium frozen treats.
A resurgence of self-care and comforting eating in 2020 boosted ice cream and frozen novelties sales. This was followed by a period of steady inflation that made at-home frozen treating that much more appealing and budget friendly, according to the hot-off-the-presses report “U.S. Ice Cream and Frozen Novelties Market Report 2024” from Mintel.
As inflation is cooling, consumers and younger generations are getting back to away-from-home frozen treating. This raises the bar for at-home expectations and perhaps even paves the way for a new wave of premium frozen treats.
“The comfort and joy found in frozen treating is solid, yet frozen treats can chip away and add occasions with formats, sizes and new-ish flavors,” said Kelsey Olsen, food and drink analyst at Mintel. “Credibility, novelty and high-impact benefits are key pillars of innovation and strategy in a competitive category wherein switching-out is commonplace.”
Consumers find comfort in traditional frozen treat flavors and have some sense of routine with product choices, but unique options bring the fun, too. In fact, three of four ice cream consumers agree that trying new flavors of frozen treats is a fun experience, according to Mintel.
There is a new way to enjoy a root beer float, and that is by the scoop. A&W Root Beer Float Ice Cream from Blue Bell features vanilla ice cream swirled together with an A&W Root Beer-flavored sherbet. The limited-edition flavor is available in half-gallon and pint containers through 2025.
“We received many requests for an A&W Root Beer Float Ice Cream,” said John Neal Robinson, general sales manager at Bue Bell. “After the huge success of Dr Pepper Float Ice Cream last year, we were ready to work together on another delicious flavor. We recommend enjoying a few scoops in a chilled mug just like your favorite root beer.”
Friendly’s now offers premium ice cream bars that are loaded with inclusions but not calories. The bars come in four varieties and are sold in four-count boxes. Each 2.5-oz. bar contains a mere 100 calories. Flavors are Caramel Waffle Cone, Cherry Frude, Cookie Dough and Fudge Brownie.
Mochi has been gaining popularity as chefs, foodies and social media influencers discover creative, new ways to use it in recipes and snacks. In response, My/Mochi is rolling out its first-ever sorbets to provide new tools for innovation. The frozen treats feature either peach mango or raspberry sorbets made from real fruit in pillowy mochi dough for a refreshing, light treat. One peach mango mochi is 45 calories, while raspberry is 70 calories.
“Mochi is really becoming a major trend as consumers seek to explore new foods that are rooted in culture, deliver unique eating experiences and can be a vehicle for different flavors and textures,” said Brigette Wolf, chief marketing officer. “We also know that those with a sweet tooth want lower calorie, portion-controlled desserts, especially in the summer, so we thought sorbets would be a great addition to our line of joyfully chill treats.”
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