7 UK Ice Cream and Sorbet Trends for Summer 2022

1. Dietary-Friendly Ice Creams

Consumers are increasingly interested in food and drink products that fit in with their dietary needs and lifestyle choices, and this is no different when it comes to ice cream. More and more people are looking for dairy-free, vegan or gluten-free options, as well as those that are lower in sugar. As a result, we're likely to see an increase in the number of brands offering such products.

With an ever-growing number of people following special diets, the demand for ice cream options that are compatible with these diets is also on the rise. This means more and more brands are offering dairy-free, gluten-free, keto-friendly and even sugar-free options.

Ice cream sales of products catering to specific requirements have been growing steadily, and this is likely to continue in the coming years. The rising popularity of health-conscious diets is one of the key drivers of this growth, as more people are looking for guilt-free indulgence and treats that won't jeopardise their diets.

2. Dairy-Free Ice Creams

Ice cream sales for plant-based and vegan options have been increasing steadily over the past few years, but the pandemic has caused a significant spike in demand.

With more and more people looking to reduce their dairy intake or eliminate it altogether, the demand for dairy-free ice cream is skyrocketing and this is a trend that is here to stay. Brands are responding with a wide variety of delicious plant-based flavours made with everything from almond milk to coconut milk.

While sorbets have been popular for years, plant-based ice cream is quickly becoming the go-to choice for those looking for a dairy-free option.

3. Functional Benefits

As consumers become more health-conscious, they're also looking for ice cream options that offer added functional benefits. This could be anything from protein-rich options to those that are high in fibre or even probiotics.

The trend for functional foods is only going to continue to grow, so we can expect to see more and more ice cream brands offering products with health benefits. There are ways you can incorporate this health-inspired trend into your products, whether it's by using antioxidant-packed superfoods or by adding probiotics for gut health.

4. Exotic Flavours

With the rise of globalisation and travel, more and more people are exposed to new flavours and exotic tastes from around the world. This is reflected in the ice cream market, with a growing interest in unusual flavours such as matcha, turmeric, yuzu, mango, passion fruit, and even wasabi.

Orange zest and lemon frozen yogurt, passion fruit gelato, and matcha ice cream are some of the delicious flavours that have been gaining popularity in recent years. Adding an exotic twist to an old classic like ice cream is a great way to stand out from the crowd and attract attention.

5. Nostalgic Flavour Favourites

From white chocolate Eton Mess to raspberry ripple, there's a growing trend for nostalgic flavours in the ice cream market this summer.

Consumers are looking for familiar flavours that remind them of their childhood or happy memories. Need inspiration? Think soft-serve ice cream with raspberry dessert sauce, chocolate cookie ice cream sandwiches or even Tiramisu flavoured ice cream.

6. Artisanal and Small-Batch Ice Creams

As consumers become more interested in where their food comes from and how it's made, there's a growing trend for artisanal and small-batch ice cream. This is ice cream that's made in small batches using high-quality ingredients, often sourced locally.

The beauty of small-batch ice cream is that it allows for creativity and experimentation, so you can expect to see some unique flavours and interesting combinations.

7. Salted and Savoury Flavours

Salted caramel is a classic flavour that's been around for a while, but we're starting to see more and more savoury flavours in the ice cream market. Pistachio, avocado, basil, and even olive oil are all making an appearance. The savoury trend is often combined with sweet flavours to create a balance of flavours. For example, olive oil ice cream with a balsamic swirl or basil ice cream with a honey drizzle.

This trend is likely to continue, with more and more people enjoying the contrast of sweet and salty flavours in their ice cream and desiring more unusual flavour combinations.