Ice cream is always in, but as days grow warmer, consumers’ cravings for frozen treats immediately intensify. Out of all the summertime treats, ice cream remains among the most popular, as for many consumers, a cold ice cream cone on a hot day is a nostalgic experience. Thanks to its status as a summertime staple and its versatility, there are endless possibilities when it comes to ice cream flavor innovation.
The dairy market is growing increasingly crowded and competitive, meaning that to catch consumers’ eyes, brands need to continue to innovate with new and exciting flavors. Keep reading to get our expert’s takes on current ice cream trends, how brands can use those trends to enhance their product line, and how we can help them create innovative new ice cream products.
Daring Dairy Innovation
Nostalgia has been trending recently, as consumers tend to seek out comforting foods and flavors in times of stress. As a result, nostalgic flavors tend to generate buzz and give consumers something to get excited about. While ice cream itself is a nostalgic product, creating ice cream flavors inspired by nostalgic food items is the perfect way to grab the attention of consumers who are seeking products and menu items that remind them of childhood. While flavors like birthday cake and cotton candy have made a comeback, consider innovating even further. Think PB&J, sour gummies, or orange cream soda ice cream.
Nothing says “summertime” quite like tropical flavors. Choosing a sweet treat can be tricky when there are so many options, but a flavor that feels like an escape from everyday life is going to stand out. Get inspired by tropical fruits like pineapple, coconut, banana, and mango for flavors that consumers will totally crave. Another option? Look to cocktail-inspired flavors that deliver island vibes, like indulgent in the summertime quite like tropical flavors. Playing off tropical island classics like piña colada, mai tai, and banana rum. Adding twists of exotic tropical flavors to classic treats like ice cream is the perfect way to grab consumers’ attention.
Classics with a Twist
It’s no secret that ice cream is beloved, and classic ice cream flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry will always be popular. One way that brands can stand out is by capitalizing on the
popularity of these familiar favorites by incorporating trending ingredients and flavors into them. Think a five spice and chocolate milkshake or a coconut curry vanilla ice cream. Consumers will go crazy over the opportunity to experience classic ice cream flavors in new and different ways.
Capitalizing on current trends like nostalgic and exotic flavors can create buzz around ice cream brands, and adding an extra twist to these flavors can further enhance the attention that brands are trying to capture. Adding a touch of heat to a tropical flavor or adjusting the texture with chunks of fruit are simple but effective ways to create a stand-out product. Think Cajun piña colada or strawberry lemon and crème ice cream. Finding ways to stand out among other brands is key in such a saturated product category, but with our help, it can be made easy.
Our Dairy Capabilities
Whether it’s a nostalgic ’90s flavor or a new twist on a trending flavor, our R&D team has extensive experience innovating with dairy products. We will proactively innovate with you to develop flavors for dairy products that meet your specifications—and exceed consumers’ expectations. We even have expertise in crafting flavors for non-dairy alternatives. The flavor possibilities for ice cream and ice cream substitutes are seemingly endless, and we can help you launch innovative products that consumers will be obsessed with.
Ready to innovate with ice cream? Contact us today to see how Fuchs can help you make something special.