Ice cream remains one of US consumers’ “favourite treats” according to new research from Mintel.

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According to a study from the research analysts, some 89% of the US population enjoyed an ice cream in the past year. In comparison, only three in five (59%) ate novelties such as ice cream sandwiches or bars. Less  than two in five ate sherbet or frozen yogurt (37% and 34%, respectively).


“Ice cream remains one of America’s favourite treats,” said David Morris, senior analyst at Mintel. “Slow churn and super-premium innovations have brought exciting new variety to the taste and texture people know and love.”


In 2007, ice cream accounted for nearly 60% of total sales from ice cream, frozen novelties, sherbet and frozen yogurt combined. Frozen novelties made up over a third of sales (36%), while sherbet and frozen yogurt accounted for just 5%.


However, it seems people may be cooling towards old-fashioned ice cream. Though ice cream sales dominated the market in 2007, they were also 3.9% behind sales levels from 2002. By comparison frozen novelties sales grew 7.2% from 2002 to 2007.

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“Convenience and healthy eating trends drive more people to frozen novelties to satisfy cravings,” added Morris. “These products are portable and portion-controlled. Plus, rapid new product development is giving consumers many new frozen novelty dessert choices.”

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