Consumers Scream for Ice Cream as Treat Gains Snack Status (2024)

NATIONAL REPORT — Ice cream is now more than just a dessert treat, new research shows. In fact, nearly two-thirds of Americans (65 percent) say that ice cream is their favorite food to eat in the summer, according to a new online survey from Mars Ice Cream conducted by Harris Poll. Millennials are the age group most likely to name it their favorite.

Additionally, Americans are twice as likely to name ice cream over pie (27 percent), and prefer ice cream over savory favorites like burgers (63 percent), hot dogs/brats (52 percent) and ribs (45 percent). The perfect location for eating ice cream varies widely. Nearly half (48 percent) of millennials say "in bed watching TV" is where they choose to enjoy ice cream, while 18 percent of Americans eat it on the go in their cars.

More than 2,000 adults in the United States took part in the June poll.

"Summer is synonymous with ice cream. Whether you prefer your ice cream on a stick, in a bowl or as a handheld bar, National Ice Cream Month is the perfect time to enjoy familiar favorites like Snickers Ice Cream Bars, M&M's Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches and Dove Ice Cream Bars," said Flip Block, marketing director, Mars Chocolate North America. "It's a perfect time to celebrate by enjoying a frozen treat that pairs delicious, real ice cream with the delectable Mars chocolate taste that consumers know and love."

Additionally, a new Packaged Facts survey shows that frozen dessert consumption is so common that 86 percent of the population reports eating ice cream all year round. Additionally, the proportion of American households and individuals who eat it is so high that there is little "spiking" of consumption, either above or below the norm, among any segments by age, ethnicity, income, education or region, according to Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts in the U.S.: Opportunities in Retail and Foodservice, 8th Edition.

Even in an increasingly health-conscious climate, ice cream has transcended the confines traditionally placed on desserts for many consumers. Not only will consumers eat ice cream any time of the year, they will eat it any time of the day, changing its status from dessert to snack food.

"Far more respondents to Packaged Facts' survey eat ice cream as a snack rather than as a dessert, and they enjoy it throughout the day," stated David Sprinkle, research director, Packaged Facts. "More than half consider ice cream an evening snack, about one-quarter consume it as a late-night snack, and another one-quarter as an afternoon snack. Some even snack on ice cream in the morning. Of course, ice cream also serves as dessert, with nearly half eating it after dinner and 13 percent after lunch."

Consumers Scream for Ice Cream as Treat Gains Snack Status (2024)

FAQs

Consumers Scream for Ice Cream as Treat Gains Snack Status? ›

Even in an increasingly health-conscious climate, ice cream has transcended the confines traditionally placed on desserts for many consumers. Not only will consumers eat ice cream any time of the year, they will eat it any time of the day, changing its status from dessert to snack food.

Is ice cream a treat or snack? ›

Chocolate bars, chips, ice cream, cookies and candy are obvious treats. Soda and sugary coffee drinks account for half of our daily snack calories, so those count as treats, too. Sometimes it's harder to tell, so just remember this: Fruit-flavored candies like Skittles and gummy bears don't count as fruit.

Why do consumers eat ice cream? ›

In this survey, around 40% of respondents consume ice cream for enjoyment. Among other goals of having ice cream, it becomes first according to the high response. Some people think that they eat ice cream for a sense of refreshment. Their amount is counted as nearly 39%.

What qualifies as a snack? ›

A snack is generally defined as any food eaten between main meals. Many people snack at least once during the course of a day, and there are several reasons why.

Who are the consumers of ice cream? ›

Families are the primary customer group for ice cream retailers. Ice cream marketing is primarily done on a local or regional level.

What's the difference between a snack and a treat? ›

But what is a snack vs a treat? A snack is a small, healthy mini‐meal eaten between meals whereas a treat is food eaten for special occasions. Treats are often higher in sugar, fat and salt such as cookies and chips. Sugary snacks will cause blood sugar to spike and then crash leading to increased hunger and fatigue.

What is a treat vs snack? ›

Snacks can help you meet your daily totals of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Treats should be reserved for occasional, special moments, not everyday occurrences. Treats are items such as: cookies, chips, soda, and candy. Treats typically have lots of calories, sugar, or salt and little nutritional value.

What demographic eats ice cream the most? ›

The average American eats ice cream at home 41 times per year, but the over-55-year-olds eat it an average of 56 times annually. This age group even tops children aged 6 to 12, who average only 43 times a year at home, and teen-agers, who average 41 times.

Why does everyone love ice cream so much? ›

It's a sweet, creamy, and rich dessert that can be enjoyed any time of the year. Ice cream is also versatile, and can be used in many different recipes and dishes. Some of the reasons why people love ice cream include its great flavor and ability to cool down on hot summer days.

Who is most likely to eat ice cream? ›

Nevertheless, men are still eating less ice cream than women. Men have tucked into ice cream on 53.2 million occasions over the past year, compared to women's 64.9 million.

What makes snacks unhealthy? ›

The most common unhealthy foods include highly-processed items such as fast foods and snack foods. That's because highly-processed foods tend to be low in nutrients (vitamins, minerals and antioxidants) and high in empty calories. This is because they contain high levels of unhealthy fats, sodium and sugar.

What do consumers think about ice cream? ›

Consumers value "home-made quality" in dairy ice cream for its taste, quality, and ingredient knowledge, while also appreciating the convenience of commercial ice cream. Preferences are divided.

Who is the target customer for ice cream? ›

Ice cream is everyone's favorite, and that includes families with children, teenagers and adults. There are some who have their own preferences, trying to find new flavors for their own ultimate gelato or ice cream experience. They are prominent customers as well. Ice cream preferences vary depending on age and gender.

What food category is ice cream? ›

The Dairy Group includes fluid milks, soymilk, cheeses, yogurt, and other foods that contain these dairy products, such as milk-based meal replacements, ice cream, and other frozen desserts. Other plant-based “milks” such as almond milk and rice drinks are currently not included in the Dairy group.

What type of meal is ice cream? ›

Ice creams are dairy-based frozen foods usually consumed as snacks or desserts. Federal regulations or standards of identity stipulate that ice cream must contain a minimum of 10% milk fat and 20% total milk solids by weight.

What is considered a treat? ›

A treat is a less nutritious option that does not fuel your body and brain as much. These foods are often disguised as 'snacks' in stores but are packed with extra sugar and very few nutrients.

Is ice cream an appetizer or dessert? ›

Dessert is a course that concludes a meal. The course consists of sweet foods, such as cake, biscuit, ice cream and possibly a beverage such as dessert wine and liqueur.

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