A recent study conducted in June 2024 reveals that ice cream, gelato, and sorbet remain a beloved indulgence for the UK population. The research, conducted by Carpigiani UK, surveyed 2,000 respondents aged 16 and over, representative of the general UK population, who had purchased ice cream from independent or high street food outlets within the past year.
The findings, published in the Iced Insight report, show that an overwhelming 98% of the UK population has consumed ice cream out of home in the last year. Notably, 70% of consumers enjoy ice cream outside their homes at least once a month, with 25-44-year-olds leading the trend—indulging in ice cream at least once a week.
Paul Ingram, Managing Director at Carpigiani UK, highlighted the significance of the report: “The Iced Insight report offers a comprehensive analysis of ice cream, sorbet, and gelato consumption in the UK’s out-of-home market. It serves as an essential resource for the hospitality industry, providing insights into current trends and future directions. The study also explores beverage consumption, including shakes and frozen drinks, offering a holistic view of consumer preferences.”
Traditional flavours like vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate remain the most popular, favoured by 74% of consumers. While both men and women frequently opt for Mr Whippy soft serve ice cream in a cone, men show a slight preference for tubs over cones.
The research also highlights a growing appetite for premium options. Nearly 70% of consumers are willing to pay more for out-of-home ice cream that offers a premium experience. Fresh ingredients, such as real fruit instead of flavoured paste, are a key driver, with 37% of respondents happy to pay extra for higher-quality offerings.
These insights underscore the enduring popularity of ice cream in the UK, with a clear shift towards premiumisation and quality ingredients shaping consumer preferences in the out-of-home market.
You Might Be Interested In:
- What Time Does Baskin-Robbins Open Near Me? A Complete Guide
- How Many Baskin-Robbins Locations Are There?
- What to Get at Baskin-Robbins: A Complete Guide
