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Insight of the Day: What’s the scoop on frozen dessert trends? Sorbets surge, plant-based ice-creams slump, SPINS finds

Findings

The frozen dessert market shows a shift in consumer preferences, with rising demand for sorbets and a decline in plant-based ice creams and keto-friendly options. While classic and global ice cream flavors are gaining popularity, consumers are balancing indulgence with better-for-you options within the category.

Key Takeaway

Consumers are gravitating towards indulgent treats like ice cream, with a rising interest in sorbet as a “better-for-you” indulgence. Plant-based frozen desserts face challenges due to higher prices and changing dietary preferences.

Trend

Main Trend: Shifting frozen dessert preferences, with a rise in indulgence and classic flavors.

  • Consumer Trend: Increasing demand for full-indulgence ice creams and sorbets.

  • Consumer Sub-Trend: Decline in plant-based frozen desserts and keto-friendly options.

  • Big Social Trend: Desire for nostalgic and globally inspired flavors in indulgent categories.

  • Local Trend: U.S. consumers balancing indulgence with better-for-you options in ice creams.

  • Worldwide Social Trend: Continued interest in classic indulgence, with attention to healthier alternatives.

Consumer Motivation

Consumers see ice cream as a way to indulge, especially during times of budget-conscious spending. Sorbets offer a lower-fat alternative, while classic and global flavors add excitement to traditional ice cream options.

Drivers of Trend

  1. Inflation and Budgeting: High prices are leading consumers to reconsider plant-based desserts in favor of traditional or less expensive alternatives.

  2. Shifting Dietary Trends: Interest in keto and plant-based options has cooled, redirecting consumers to classic flavors and high-protein alternatives.

  3. Nostalgia and Flavor Exploration: Classic and global flavors resonate with consumers looking for indulgence with familiar or exciting tastes.

People in Focus

Consumers across all ages seeking indulgence, with sorbet appealing to those looking for a "better-for-you" treat, while classic and global ice cream flavors attract variety-seeking and nostalgic buyers.

Product/Service Description

Frozen desserts, including sorbets, classic and global ice creams, and plant-based options, that reflect trends in indulgence, affordability, and flavor exploration.

Conclusions

The frozen dessert market is shifting towards indulgent experiences, with a renewed focus on sorbets and traditional flavors. Plant-based alternatives face challenges, while better-for-you options remain viable in niche segments.

Implications

  • For Brands: Focus on indulgent flavors and formats while exploring lower-calorie, better-for-you options like sorbets to capture health-conscious consumers.

  • For Society: Consumers continue to balance indulgence with health, showing adaptability in dietary preferences and openness to nostalgic and global flavors.

  • For Consumers: Shoppers benefit from diverse options in frozen desserts, with choices ranging from traditional indulgence to “better-for-you” alternatives.

  • For the Future: The trend points toward sustained interest in indulgence, with opportunities for healthier brands to grow within the frozen dessert space.

Big Trend Name

Indulgent Revival in Frozen Desserts

Big Social Trend Name

Nostalgic and Global Flavor Exploration

Social Drive

A desire for indulgent, familiar treats balanced with occasional better-for-you alternatives.

Strategy Recommendations for Companies in 2025

  1. Develop Indulgent Classic and Global Flavors: Expand product lines with nostalgic, globally inspired flavors to resonate with consumer tastes.

  2. Introduce Better-For-You Sorbet Options: Offer a variety of fruit-forward, lower-calorie sorbets for health-conscious consumers.

  3. Adapt to Dietary Trend Shifts: Monitor dietary trends closely to adjust offerings, focusing less on keto and plant-based in favor of popular indulgent options.

  4. Leverage Social Media for High-Protein Options: Tap into social media trends like cottage cheese ice cream to attract health-conscious consumers interested in high-protein desserts.

Final Sentence

Main Trend Summary: In 2025, brands should focus on indulgent, classic, and global flavors, while offering healthier sorbet options, catering to consumers’ renewed interest in nostalgic and global flavors balanced with occasional better-for-you choices.

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