Protein Ice Creams are Gaining Traction in Terms of Nutritive Snacks

Consumers have started leaning towards upmarket delicacies that are made using unique and organic ingredients in recent years as a result of growing health consciousness and improved knowledge. Additionally, new rules on ice cream manufacturing, labelling, and ingredients are being issued by a number of regulating bodies around the world. For instance, in 2020, the FSSAI adopted labelling specifications for frozen desserts. The standards mandate that Food Business Operators (FBOs) prominently display the percentage of plant-based proteins or plant-based fat/oil on the label. In addition, increased urbanisation has promoted the growth of modern retail formats such as supermarkets, convenience stores, etc. which is boosting the protein ice cream market. Regular ice cream consumption has seen a moderate demand, and over the past few years, a new breed of customers fond of nutritive snacks has increased the market for protein ice cream. In order to fulfil the rising demand, ice cream producers have begun to boost the protein content of their ice cream formulations by adding whey. Greek-style ice creams and other frozen treats are typically high-protein desserts.
Protein Ice Cream Market Report

The Popularity of Healthier Ice Creams is Rising

As consumers become more conscious of health-related issues as a result of COVID-19 and more readily available health information, companies across the food market are transitioning towards healthier options. Ice cream producers are coming up with innovative ways to deliver the same well-liked treats with better ingredients in order to satisfy this need. The main factors influencing ice cream trends are the expansion of scientific knowledge and the shifting dietary habits of consumers. Producers and dairy farmers are also advancing ice cream technology by developing healthier and more sustainable dairy substitutes. The enthusiastic response to these healthy snacks demonstrates that consumers desire more options than just low-sugar and organic foods. Additionally, they are drawn to foods that are good for their bodies and promote gut health. Companies may reach a bigger audience with these healthy delights than they would with conventional health meals because of the popularity of protein ice cream.

Recent Trends in the Protein Ice Cream Industry

  • Ice creams with high protein content for muscle recovery and general health habits.
  • Incorporation of ingredients like chia seeds, flax seeds, and matcha to boost the nutritional profile.
  • Protein ice creams from plant-based proteins such as pea protein, almond protein, and soy protein.
  • Use of natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, and erythritol.
  • Sustainable packaging solutions to reduce environmental impact.
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Lifestyle Diseases Bringing a Threat to Market Participants

The increasing prevalence of obesity has been restricting consumers from eating protein ice cream globally. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 70% of American adults aged 20 and older are overweight, and nearly 40% of those people are obese.  While consumers in the older age bracket are refraining from consuming protein ice cream, millennials, and Gen Z are attracted to protein ice cream. As a result, the potential consumer base for protein ice cream has moderately declined.

Market Participants are Aiming to Gain Ground with High Protein Offerings

The market participants are launching ice creams with high nutritional content and less sugar than traditional ice creams due to the rise in health consciousness among customers. Unilever introduced "Ice structuring protein" in 2010, with less fat, sugar, and calories and more fruit, ice cream and ice lollipops made with this protein contain more fruit. Making products that also don't melt as quickly using ISP and stabiliser technologies is ideal for children and tropical countries. Some companies make ice cream with useful elements like probiotics, protein, and fibre, like Halo Top ice cream, which claims to have few calories and a lot of protein.

As demand for cannabis products rises, major companies like Ben & Jerry's are working to develop CBD ice cream. In 2020, Mellow Ice Cream debuted ice cream that contained both THC and CBD. The company released three unique flavours: Tahitian vanilla peanut butter cup, Himalayan sea salt and caramel, and mint chocolate chip. A wide variety of protein ice cream flavours are being offered by producers as a result of rising consumer demand for customised products in various parts of the world. Protein ice cream is becoming more and more prevalent in café chains, eateries and hangout spots, which has raised expectations for exceptional market growth opportunities throughout the forecast period.
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Growing Consumer Demand Fuels the Protein Ice Cream Market

North America and Europe account for more than 75 % of the world's market for protein ice cream. Although the market for protein ice cream in Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa is relatively new, the demand in these areas is growing rapidly. As ice cream consumption is income elastic, developing countries such as India and China are seeing an increase in per capita consumption due to increased disposable incomes and consumers with more purchasing power. According to ICMR, an adult must consume 0.8–1 g of protein per kg of body weight for a healthy life, however, the actual value of protein consumption in Indians over the age of 18 is closer to 0.6 g per kg of ideal body weight (India's Protein Paradox Study, 2020). This emphasizes the requirement for top-quality protein supplements in the food.
The report provides a detailed overview of the protein ice cream market insights in regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Oceania, and the Middle East and Africa. The country-specific assessment for the protein ice cream market has been offered for all regional market shares, along with forecasts, market scope estimates, price point assessment, and impact analysis of prominent countries and regions. Throughout this market research report, Y-o-Y growth and CAGR estimates are also incorporated for every country and region, to provide a detailed view of the protein ice cream market. These Y-o-Y projections on regional and country-level markets brighten the political, economic, and business environment outlook, which is anticipated to have a substantial impact on the growth of the protein ice cream market. Some key countries and regions included in the protein ice cream market report are as follows:
North America United States, Canada
Latin America Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Central America Countries, Caribbean Countries, Rest of Latin America
Europe Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Poland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Czech Republic, Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia & New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, Rest of Asia Pacific
Middle East and Africa GCC Countries, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Ethiopia, Algeria, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Rest of MEA

Protein Ice Cream Market Research Report Covers In-depth Analysis on:

  • Protein ice cream market detailed segments and segment-wise market breakdown
  • Protein ice cream market dynamics (Recent industry trends, drivers, restraints, growth potential, opportunities in protein ice cream industry)
  • Current, historical, and forthcoming 10 years market valuation in terms of protein ice cream market size (US$ Mn), volume (Tons), share (%), Y-o-Y growth rate, CAGR (%) analysis
  • Protein ice cream market demand analysis
  • Protein ice cream market pricing analysis over the forecast period (by key segment and by region)
  • Protein ice cream market regional insights with region-wise market breakdown
  • Competitive analysis – key companies profiling including their market share, product offerings, and competitive strategies.
  • Latest developments and innovations in the protein ice cream market
  • Regulatory landscape by key regions and key countries
  • Supply chain and value chain analysis in protein ice cream market
  • Protein ice cream market sales and distribution strategies
  • A comprehensive overview of the parent market
  • A detailed viewpoint on the protein ice cream market forecast by countries
  • Mergers and acquisitions in protein ice cream market
  • Essential information to enhance market position
  • Robust research methodology

- Frequently Asked Questions -

What is driving the growth of the protein ice cream market?

The increasing consumer preference for healthier, high-protein, and low-sugar desserts is driving the growth of the protein ice cream market, with a strong shift toward nutritious and indulgent treats.

What challenges are faced by the protein ice cream market?

Challenges include the high production costs, the need for product innovations to cater to diverse dietary needs, and competition from traditional ice cream brands that are adapting to new trends.

How is the protein ice cream market expected to evolve in the next decade?

The protein ice cream market is expected to grow significantly, driven by innovations in flavor and nutritional profiles, along with increasing consumer demand for functional foods that offer both indulgence and health benefits.