Sales for ice cream novelties come out of deep freeze

Consumers are once again hot for frozen treats. The ice cream category reached $11.1 billion last year, a 4.1 percent increase, according to market research firm Mintel, which expects sales to continue climbing to $12.7 billion by 2017. One reason for growth: Manufacturers, tuned into budget- and calorie-conscious shoppers, are innovating with single-serve novelties that offer portion control and the ability to buy just one unit. Convenient sandwiches, push pops, popsicles and cups particularly appeal to millennial shoppers who are the most likely to eat these products away from home, right after purchasing, according to Mintel. Considering that 18- to 34-year-olds also buy the most regular ice cream, it’s no surprise that sales of frozen novelties increased 7.3 percent between 2010 and 2012. Next up, expect manufacturers to appeal to millennials specifically with innovative grab-and-go options that emphasize better-for-you ingredients, dairy-free formulations and added nutrition.

See 6 new favorites.