Frozen Treats and Innovative Flavors
Ice cream is more than a dessert; it’s an adventure. There’s no denying the appeal of classics like a scoop of Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Bean, a chocolate-dipped cone from Dairy Queen, or a Choco Taco (making a comeback for summer 2024 thanks to a collab between Taco Bell and Portland’s famous Salt & Straw ice cream company).
However, ice cream is one food arena that thrives with innovation. Somehow, this hot-weather treat encompasses the carefree spirit of long summer days and relaxing downtime. It also invites novelty.
Just consider the crazy shake trend that grew to frenzied popularity over the last decade, featuring milkshakes poured into glasses coated with frosting and topped with sprinkles, candy, cookies, and more. Or how about the rise in dairy-free and vegan ice cream options over the last few years?
Often, New York City is at the forefront of these trends. Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer became the poster child for the crazy shake trend and dozens of vegan ice cream shops serve up dairy-free delights to eager vegans and mainstream consumers alike.
So what’s on tap when it comes to chilled treats for summer 2024? Here are a few novel flavors and industry trends that are sweeping NYC and spreading across the country.
Hot Trends in Cool Treats
Global flavors and exotic spices trending in U.S. food markets for the last few years have started to make their way into the frozen treat sector. Consumers are snapping up everything from spirit-inspired flavors like peanut butter bourbon to concoctions that go swicy (sweet and spicy) with ingredients like gochujang or chili lime.
Brooklyn-based Malai offers both dairy and non-dairy options, including spicy recipes like Red Chili Chocolate and Spiced Peanut Crunch.
For a limited time, NYC residents can also enjoy a spicy ice cream sandwich from The Musket Room’s executive chef Camari Mick, featuring Chengdu Crunch-swirled smoked Tahitian ice cream sandwiched between two Sichuan honey cookies.
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The Growing Popularity of Plant-Based Treats
The growth of alternative diets has impacted every sector of the food and beverage industry. Whether consumers are coping with food allergies or looking for eco-friendly options, restaurateurs and food manufacturers are listening up and leaning into gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan offerings.
As plant-based diets take center stage, more vegan-friendly ice creams are showing up in supermarkets and restaurants alike. Oat milk brands Oatly and Planet Oat have both entered the fray, along with So Delicious, which offers frozen treats made from coconut, oat, soy, and cashew milk. Even brands like Breyer’s, Häagen-Dazs, and Ben & Jerry’s have thrown their hats in the ring with vegan options.
NYC darling and vegan deli/market Orchard Grocer offers soft serve with a range of fun toppings, while the upscale appeal of oat milk “Ice Crème” awaits at Urban Dessert Lab, featuring cups of vegan soft serve with decadent toppings. Luxe sorbets like those found at Figo il Gelato Italiano are also popular.
Related: The Cool Scoop: Top Ice Cream Trends to Watch in 2024
The Convergence of Health Trends and Flavor Innovations
In addition to plant-based frozen treats, brands are exploring health-conscious formulations to meet consumer demand. This could take the form of low-sugar, low-fat, low-calorie, or high-protein recipes, along with probiotic additions like kefir.
Arctic Zero’s plant-based (fava bean) products are not only vegan and gluten-free but also non-GMO, low glycemic, and keto friendly. ProYo and Halo Top are both high in protein. The most popular options not only offer healthier alternatives to classic ice cream but also find ways to mimic desired texture and deliver innovative flavors.
Brand Inspiration
You don’t have to look far to find inspiration when it comes to offering novel ice cream treats. Both dedicated vegan brands like So Delicious and mainstream companies like Ben & Jerry’s offer dairy-free alternatives to traditional ice cream, and NYC innovators are taking cost-conscious soft serve to new heights of affordable luxury.
Following in the footsteps of these inspiring brands is a great way to appeal to consumers seeking comfort and culinary adventures in frozen treats.
Interested in more insights? Reach out to Symrise for the latest trends in ice cream, frozen desserts, and other key markets.
