July is National Ice Cream Month in the United States, and according to the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) most American adults (77%) believe ice cream can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. In a recent survey, many Gen Z and Millennial respondents said they feel less guilty when consuming a fruit-based ice cream as compared to eating a chocolate frozen snack.
Among the group of survey takers with children, there appears to be a significant level of interest and consumption when it comes to ice cream. On average, parents consume ice cream or frozen novelties more frequently than adults without children.
More than two in five (43%) Gen Z parents admit to hiding ice cream from their kids, while only 21% of Gen X parents follow suit. Mothers and fathers indulge in ice cream approximately nine times per month and spend more time exploring the ice cream aisle compared to childless adults. When it comes to celebrations, three in four moms and dads (75%) believe that a side serving of ice cream is essential to complete a birthday cake.
Plenty of Variety
Consumers have a wide variety to pick from when it comes to healthier dessert options in the ice cream category. They can now find a mixture of high-protein, low carb, plant-based and added fiber frozen dessert options, making sweet treats available for consumers of all tastes and tolerances.
Adults in the United States frequently shop in the ice cream and novelties aisle in supermarkets and grocery stores for a variety of reasons. Millennials are most often looking to try “better-for-you” dessert options. On the other hand, almost half of survey respondents said that they always look at ice cream and frozen novelty food labels in order to decide what works best for them.
The Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-headquartered National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association’s annual National Ice Cream Month promotion offers consumers a chance to win ice cream and novelties for a year. Participants may enter EasyHomeMeals.com from now until August 4 to take part in the sweepstakes.
The NFRA is a non-profit trade association representing all segments of the frozen and refrigerated foods industry in the USA. In addition to National Ice Cream Month, other promotions it organizes include Discover Dairy & Frozen in January, March Frozen Food Month, and June Dairy Month.
