Ice Cream
Trends: Flavor Adventures!

Ice Cream
Trends: Flavor Adventures!

Consumers are becoming more experimental with their ice cream flavor choices. In a Barry Callebaut consumer research study, 58% of North American consumers agreed with the following:

“Rare, unique or even crazy flavors are a way that ice cream containing chocolate can be made more exciting”.¹

While “traditional ice cream flavors” like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry will most likely always remain on top by overall sales volume, consumers seem to be more and more willing to step outside of their comfort zone and try new unique flavors to “spice up” their ice cream splurges.

Here are our Top 3 Trends in Ice Cream Flavor Adventures:

1. Internationally Inspired Ice Creams

2. Rise of Adult & Alcohol-Themed Flavors

3. Novelty & Nostalgia

#1. Internationally Inspired Ice Creams

Consumers, especially younger consumers, seem to be eager to try products from different cultures and from different regions of the world.

In a June 2019 report from Innova Market Insights entitled Discovery: The Adventurous Consumer, 6 in 10 US and UK consumers love to discover flavors of other cultures².

Furthermore, in their What’s Hot Culinary Forecast for 2019, The National Restaurant Association asked chefs about trendy snacks and sweets for 2019 and Thai rolled ice cream was the number 1 mention³.

In ice cream product development, we certainly see international influence continuing to inspire.

Thai rolled ice cream from Legend Tasty House in Chicago, IL.

Toasted Rice Ice Cream - one of many flavors specifically inspired by Noona's Korean-American heritage,

Source: Coolhaus

Balsamic-glazed California figs in mascarpone ice cream.

#2. Rise of Adult & Alcohol-Themed Flavors

Barry Callebaut is also seeing a lot of adult flavors like coffee and tea influencing ice cream, as well as alcohol flavors and even frozen cocktails! In general, ice cream flavor trends are becoming more sophisticated.

50% of North American consumers in a recent Barry Callebaut research study agreed that ice cream containing chocolate brands must feel fun and adventurous.

Source: Dessert Dealer

Ice cream tacos from the Dessert Dealer in Chicago, IL.

#3. Novelty & Nostalgia

Finally, ice cream remains a nostalgic category for many.

So translating traditional, nostalgic experiences into ice cream is becoming ever more popular.

Cross category blurring appears to be here to stay whether it is with a classic sugar confectionery brand, a classic dessert, cereal, or even a new take on everyone’s favorite… tacos executed as an ice cream treat!

Sources:

_{¹Barry Callebaut Benefit Territory Substantiation Research Fall 2018}

_{²Innova Market Insights June 2019 Discovery: The Adventurous Consumer Report}

^₃_{National Restaurant Association’s What’s Hot Culinary Forecast 2019}