Have you recently opened up an ice cream shop? As a business owner, it’s important to know that the global market for this product was valued at USD 113.40 billion last year. Between 2024 and 2030, this industry is expected to have a 3.9% CAGR.
Even with this growing market, your target customers are becoming more health-conscious than before. Reports show that younger generations are more likely to consider calorie intake than older ones.
Unfortunately, there are 137 calories for every serving of ice cream. Do you know what that means? You’ll have to find innovative ways to sell ‘healthy’ and premium ice cream.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss a few ways your ice cream shop can flourish by targeting a health-conscious customer base.
#1. Offer Sugar-Free Options
Many people can’t associate sugar-free with ice cream. They think: How can ice cream possibly be made without sugar?
Many distributors use natural sweeteners like monk fruit, stevia, or erythritol. These can add delicious yet low-calorie flavor to the ice cream without sacrificing taste.
Providing sugar-free options can surely set your business apart from the competitors. For that, you’ll have to:
- Market your sugar-free options.
- Emphasize the benefits of such ice cream.
- Highlight that there’s no added sugar.
What you can do is offer sugar-free soft-serve ice cream. These are a creamier and healthier alternative to those sugar-based icy treats.
According to ColDay USA, businesses can get a soft-serve mix made from monk fruit extract, coconut oil, nonfat dairy milk, etc. These usually come with 15 bags of mix, weighing a total of 162 pounds. You’ll find flavors like taro, chocolate, and vanilla.
All these options will help build a loyal customer base of health-conscious people.
#2. Sell Natural and Organic Ice Cream
Most ice cream brands use artificial flavorings and colors to make their products. For example, a woman sued a brand for not having any pistachios in their ‘pistachio’ ice cream.
This dessert can contain chemicals like potassium sorbate, magnesium hydroxide, and polysorbate 80. It’ll be hard to bring in health-conscious customers if your ice cream products list these artificial additives. That’s why you must focus on selling high-quality, organic, and natural products.
For that, you’ll have to find or make ice cream by:
- Using fruit, fresh cream, and organic milk
- Avoiding synthetic additives and artificial compounds
Apart from having natural and organic products, you must market the ice cream shop as ‘free from preservatives and artificial stuff.’ You can also emphasize that your ingredients were sourced from organic and sustainable farming techniques.
Remember to showcase sourcing details and certifications on the packaging or in your shop to boost credibility. This way, your brand will resonate with people seeking a healthy alternative.
#3. Portion Control and Smaller Servings
Food portions in America have always been a little crazy. This eventually led to a ‘portion distortion’ issue. For example, a blueberry muffin serving in the 1980s only weighed one and a half ounces. However, in the 2020s, this weighed four ounces. That’s a jump from 210 calories to 500 calories.
The FDA has also reported on this. They mentioned that ice cream serving sizes became larger—from half a cup to two-thirds of the cup. In a large portion, you’ll be serving 12 ounces.
This portion and serving size issue has led health-conscious people to rethink having this dessert. But how do you align your business with this health trend? Your ice cream shop can help them out by offering sugar-free, organic options and smaller serving sizes.
This way, your customers can be mindful of their calorie intake while enjoying a hearty dessert. They can also indulge in their favorite treats while managing consumption. With this practice, your brand can support weight management and reduce food waste, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Remember to clearly mention how smaller servings and portions can help them enjoy a scoop without overdoing it. Sometimes, portion control can also encourage your customers to try other flavors, increasing sales.
The Bottom Line
Research suggests that American companies churned out 1.30 billion gallons of ice cream in 2023. The economy also witnessed an impact of USD 11.4 billion due to this. Similarly, most businesses have been in the industry for over fifty years.
However, recent trends have changed how people perceive this dessert. According to the New York Post, over 70% of Americans have become health-conscious after the pandemic.
As an ice cream brand owner, you’ll have to leverage this and offer healthier alternatives. Examples include sugar-free options, ice cream made from natural ingredients, and portion-control options. Are you ready to give your health-focused customers a premium and guilt-free indulgence?
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