With an estimated 2.5 million vegans now in the UK, it’s clear that plant-based diets are on the rise, and the confectionery market is evolving to meet this growing demand. From coconut and soy to nut, oat and rice milk, there’s a wide range of alternatives available to replace traditional dairy in products such as chocolate and ice cream. A once niche product, vegan ice cream is now a mainstream sensation with some of the biggest names such as Ben & Jerry’s and Oatly launching a range of delicious flavours.
In this post, we’ll dive into the latest trends shaping the vegan ice cream market and offer insights to help manufacturers tap into the opportunities within this rapidly growing sector.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Growth of the Vegan Ice Cream Market
First, let’s look at how the vegan ice cream market has evolved in recent years.
Market Size and Forecast for Vegan Ice Cream
According to reports, the vegan ice cream market was worth $1.6 billion globally in 2022, and it’s estimated that this will continue to rise to around $4.3 billion by 2033. This rapid growth is seen within the UK market as well, with the value rising from $100.3 million in 2022 to a predicted $156.3 million by 2030.
Why the Vegan Ice Cream Market is Growing so Rapidly
It’s fair to say that the vegan ice cream industry is growing at an incredible rate, but what are the driving forces behind this booming segment?
The Rise of Plant-Based Diets and Changing Consumer Preferences
The rise of plant-based diets and the shift in consumer preferences is partly driven by people’s growing desire to lead a healthier lifestyle. When varied, a plant-based diet can be high in fibre, vitamins and minerals, and low in saturated fats and cholesterol which can lead to heart disease, strokes and obesity.
Environmental and Ethical Factors Driving Demand
Environmental and ethical factors are also fueling this shift towards a vegan diet. Livestock farming is considered a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. Moreover, people have growing concerns over animal welfare, especially in large-scale factory farming. A plant-based diet is seen by many to have a lesser environmental impact and more ethical practices, which overall, makes it kinder to the planet.
Key Trends in Vegan Ice Cream and Topping Innovations
From the latest flavours to creative toppings, what’s shaping the future of vegan ice cream?
Increased Demand for Plant-Based and Vegan Toppings
The rise of vegan ice cream has sparked a surge in demand for innovative toppings to complement the plant-based treat. From salted caramel fudge pieces to delicate mini marshmallows, consumers want more plant-based options when sugar cravings kick in. These toppings allow health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers to indulge in their favourite desserts while still upholding their values, and as a result, vegan toppings are an important player in this evolving market.
Natural Ingredients and Clean Label Requirements
In addition to vegan options, consumers are increasingly looking for ‘clean-label’ products, which have simple, natural and easily identifiable ingredients. Consumers don’t want to see artificial additives, sweeteners or preservatives, or number classifications which are hard to understand – they want transparency and simplicity. Health-conscious buyers and those with dietary restrictions want to see more natural, plant-based options and, when trying to reduce sugar intake, they also want natural sweeteners such as agave and stevia.
Flavour Innovation in the Vegan Segment
As more manufacturers enter the vegan ice cream market, brands are getting increasingly innovative with their flavour offerings, going beyond the traditional vanilla and chocolate. You can now find delectable treats such as cookie dough, salted caramel and chocolate fudge brownie, as well as exotic options like superfruit acai, and mango and passionfruit. These inventive flavours elevate the vegan ice cream experience, appealing to adventurous consumers. And there’s a whole range of vegan inclusions and toppings on the market to uplift your flavours even further. At OV group, for example, our vegan fudge pieces, biscuit crumb, chocolate chips and fruity crisps work particularly well in vegan ice cream, transforming them from simple treats into taste sensations.
Challenges and Opportunities for Manufacturers in the Vegan Ice Cream Market
The rise in veganism presents significant opportunities for ice cream manufacturers, but there can also be some challenges.
Formulation and Ingredient Challenges in Vegan Ice Cream
Replicating the creamy texture and rich flavour of dairy when it comes to ice cream can be challenging. These desirable characteristics which are typical of dairy come from the fat content. Replacing dairy fats can require a blend of plant-based milks such as coconut or oat, and it can be challenging to avoid crystallisation when not using traditional emulsifiers such as egg yolk. Getting the balance of ingredients just right to create the delicious ice cream experience we know and love can take a lot of trial and error and rigorous testing.
Market Opportunities for Innovative and Customisable Toppings
Many classic ice cream flavours have already been explored, but the possibilities for innovation are endless. You can still wow consumers by introducing bold twists with unique inclusions and customisable toppings. Think vibrant sugar confetti, juicy fruit crisps or refreshingly original fudge flavours that enhance the sensory experience of your vegan ice cream. You can even collaborate with manufacturers to craft exclusive, one-of-a-kind options that set your brand apart.
The Importance of Wholesale Vegan Confectionery for Manufacturers and QSRs
Whether you’re an ice cream manufacturer looking to develop your latest vegan product or a Quick Serve Restaurant (QSR) searching for new and exciting in-store offerings, finding a reliable wholesaler with an extensive range of plant-based confectionery is important.
Meeting the Needs of Industrial Bakeries and Food Manufacturers
You need a wholesaler who truly understands the demands and challenges of large-scale food manufacturing. They should provide high-quality ingredients that meet international food safety standards and comply with labelling regulations. Consistent and reliable supply is essential, along with custom products that allow you to innovate in line with emerging trends.
Catering to QSRs and Their Expanding Vegan Menu Offerings
QSRs rely more than ever on wholesalers to meet the demands of their fast-paced operations. They need a wide range of high-quality, diverse products to cater to varying customer tastes, and innovation is key to staying ahead of trends and offering exciting new options. When supplying QRSs, wholesalers must also ensure quick lead times and a reliable supply to keep up with the fast turnover of ingredients. Wholesalers like OV Group also have value-added extras for QSR partners such as packaging that’s specially designed for the catering industry, offering convenient storage and optimum freshness.
Value of Buying Vegan Toppings in Bulk for Cost Efficiency and Quality
Undoubtedly, buying vegan inclusions and toppings in bulk presents cost efficiencies that manufacturers should take advantage of. Also partnering with leading wholesalers is the best way to ensure quality of product and reliability of supply.
Partnering with OV Group for Premium Vegan Toppings
Here at OV Group, we offer an extensive range of vegan ice cream toppings, from rich fudges and chocolate chips to fluffy marshmallows, all produced at our world-class facilities.
Our Commitment to Quality and Innovation in Vegan Confectionery
We understand the extensive opportunities of the growing vegan trend, which is why innovative plant-based products are at the forefront of our New Product Development (NPD). The dedicated team here at OV works closely with you to find the perfect product for your needs, and we can create tailor-made offerings that will delight your consumers. We even host Product Solution Workshops which bring together your NPD teams and our experts for 1-2 days at our specialist sites across Europe. During these sessions, we collaborate closely to tackle technical challenges, navigate regulatory changes, and create groundbreaking product recipes or exciting seasonal launches.
Quality is another major focus for us, and we strictly adhere to food safety and quality standards. All of our production sites hold BRC AA or AA+ ratings, and we go the extra mile by conducting regular audits to ensure they meet our own rigorous Orkla Food Safety Standard (OFSS), guaranteeing the highest level of excellence in every product.
Conclusion: Seizing Opportunities in the Vegan Ice Cream Market
The vegan ice cream market is booming as people recognise the health and environmental benefits of a plant-based diet. As more players enter the market, innovation is key to capitalising on this growing segment. Beyond inventive flavours, mouth-watering vegan inclusions and irresistible plant-based toppings can take your ice cream to the next level. Contact our expert team today to discuss how our confectionary ingredients can help create a product that leaves your consumers craving more.
