Consumers around the world are going wild for plant-based innovation and ice cream is no exception.

According to new research from Mintel Global New Product Database (GNPD), vegan ice cream accounts for an increasing proportion of global ice cream launches, making up 7% of all launches in the last 12 months (2019/20), more than double the 3% five years ago (2015/16).

Kate Vlietstra, Mintel Global Food & Drink Analyst, said: “The recent buzz around veganism has made its mark on the ice cream category. Interest in vegan ice cream isn’t restricted to those following a vegan diet. Learning from their dairy counterparts, plant-based ice creams are moving beyond the basic flavours to offer indulgent options. Texture is playing a prominent part in vegan new product development (NPD) with chunkier varieties on offer. Brands are demonstrating that vegan offerings can be premium with an array of luxury flavour combinations and packaging.

“The makeup of plant-based ice cream will evolve, incorporating new ingredients from the world of plant milk such as quinoa and other seeds. Oats are expected to feature in more dairy-free ice creams, following on from the popularity of oats in plant-based drinks.”

About the author: Jim Manson

Jim Manson is editor-in-chief of Diversified Communications UK‘s natural and organic publishing portfolio. He’s written widely on environment and development issues for specialist magazines and national media, including the Financial Times, The Guardian, The Times, and World Bank Urban Age.

About Natural Products Global

Natural Products Global is the one-stop global resource for natural and organic industry professionals. Built around an editorially independent daily news service it delivers a compelling mix of news, business insights and analysis. Building a natural and organic future by connecting people and growing businesses – subscribe for more articles like this.