Consumers have a need. That means product developers have an opportunity. Let’s talk about kids’ dairy-free ice cream. A number of factors are at play in this space, priming it well for huge growth. We’ll explore the gap in the marketplace, drivers like lactose intolerance & veganism, the universality of ice cream and the clear need for flavor innovation. When it comes to dairy-free for kids, the time to strike is now.
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It’s rare to find a food product so beloved as ice cream. In fact, research shows that 94% of consumers purchase frozen treats and 87% purchase ice cream specifically. Dig a little deeper and the popularity among children is striking, if not unexpected: 94% of kids 6-11 and 88% of teens 12-17 eat ice cream.
Children influence parents’ purchases. The facts behind parents & Ice Cream:
Fun products with wholesome and nutritious ingredients may be a way for parents to reward their children while still meeting dietary goals.
It’s clear that kids have influence and parents have purchase power. And yet, we found only one plant-based ice cream positioned for kids in the last five years, globally. Compare that to 1,374 dairy-based ice creams positioned for children.
Drivers
Consider, fewer parents are giving their children dairy, whether because of allergy/intolerance, a move to veganism, or just an overall perception of “plant-based” as healthier. While experts can’t say whether or not food allergies are growing, kids do have such allergies at a higher rate than adults.
Ethical concerns may be playing an even bigger role than biology. A vegan diet is no longer on the fringes, but mainstream, especially with Millennial parents.
Growth of plant-based foods increased more than 8% in one year alone, according to the Good Food Institute/Nielsen. According to the Forbes article, Here’s Why You Should Turn Your Business Vegan in 2018, “these key developments are signs that this market will continue to grow.”
The result of consumer interest? Plant-based product introductions are up 55% 2014-2017. It should be noted that none of these appear to be ice cream products positioned to children.
This combination of factors means a clear consumer need is going unmet.
So, the numbers are there but what are consumers actually saying?
Bon Appetit recently sat some kids down to taste test Ben & Jerry’s vegan ice cream. Most of the kids loved the ice cream, and it was a toss-up whether they could tell the difference between dairy-based and plant-based. But to cherry pick (excuse the pun) one quote: “It seems more like a grown-up ice cream than a kid’s ice cream.”
The Point
Though anecdotal, consumers in their own words help show the drivers at play in ice cream purchase. Some consumers are delighted by the new availability of more plant-based ice cream. Bon Appetit’s video shows that kids will enjoy plant-based ice cream but also may seek flavors that are “for them.” A plant-based ice cream for kids can marry the best of both worlds.
Made with cashew milk so people with lactose intolerance can also enjoy an ice cream product.
-Female, Northeast, 18-34
The fact it is non-dairy helps because I am trying to watch my dairy intake.
-Female, Northeast, 35-54
I am supposed to avoid dairy, this is a fabulous alternative to traditional ice cream.
-Female, Midwest, 18-34
Ice cream is universally beloved by parents and children alike, and they are open to diverse bases and exciting flavors. Research shows that more consumers are flocking to plant-based foods and the space is primed for continued growth. Yet, few if any plant-based ice creams are positioned for children. Can your brand meet the consumers at the intersection of their lifestyle goals and indulgence needs? It may be a challenge worth tackling.
Click here for the full report
You want to deliver the nutrition and indulgence consumers crave, without losing any of your signature taste. You might strive to wow your consumer – but it can be difficult when adding functional ingredients or working with the off-notes inherent in plant-based ice cream bases.
Relax. We got you covered. FONA’s experts know just how to make your taste deliver. Count on us for rapid (and crazy-fun) concept development, quick delivery, and out-of-the-box solutions to your challenges. Let’s talk. www.fona.com/chat
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
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