Happy eating for comfort
Credit: Meadow
The growing demand for indulgent, comforting and nostalgic desserts and ice creams is continuing to make waves in the dairy ingredients industry. In particular, ingredients like custard, cream, mascarpone and condensed milk are taking centre stage, aligning with one of this year’s big macro trends in food, “Eat Happy”, which focuses on feeding the soul, treating yourself and evoking nostalgia. As consumer preferences evolve, manufacturers such as Meadow are working on offering versatile ingredients that cater to these needs.
Consumers today are increasingly looking for foods that provide emotional satisfaction, and dairy ingredients are perfect for this. Mascarpone and cream are particularly in demand for their luxurious, velvety textures and ability to create indulgent, rich flavours in desserts.
Mascarpone, with its subtle sweetness, is frequently used in ice creams and desserts, providing a smooth, creamy base that enhances flavours such as vanilla, fruit and chocolate. High-fat creams are also essential in premium ice cream formulations, delivering that desired creamy taste and high-quality finish. These indulgent ingredients tap into the “Feed the Soul” aspect of the “Eat Happy” trend, where consumers are seeking comfort and richness in every mouthful.
It can also be about getting the consumer involved. Jersey Dairy for its part introduced a Gelato Base Mix last year. “The product is a rich, creamy and smooth base mix, made with the highest quality cream and milk, from pedigree Jersey cows on the island of Jersey.”
“This base mix has been carefully produced to save time in the kitchen and make life easier for high end chefs who are creating gelato based dishes. It is a versatile and easy to use product, which allows chefs to add flavours, purees and fresh fruit to the base mix and create unique desserts,” the company notes.
To further interact with its consumers, Jersey Dairy launched a competition on the island, for one winner to have their flavour created as a limited edition Jersey Dairy ice cream, available for purchase at Coop stores. All proceeds from sales will go directly to supporting the work of Les Amis, a local charity.
In addition, the winner and a guest will be invited for a tour of Jersey Dairy to witness their creation being brought to life. As a special treat, they’ll also receive a case of their very own ice cream to take home.
Eamon Fenlon, managing director of Jersey Dairy said, “We’re excited to see what creative ice cream flavours islanders come up with and encourage everyone to think outside the box. Partnering with the Coop for such an incredible cause while celebrating 50 years of Les Amis makes this competition even more special.”
The concept of “Treat Time” has gained significant traction, with consumers seeking accessible yet indulgent options for daily enjoyment. Ingredients such as condensed milk are key to this, adding richness and sweetness to a variety of bakery, dessert and confectionery offerings.
Sweetened condensed milk is used by confectioners to produce toffee, caramel, fudge and similar products. It not only enhances the flavour and texture of caramel based products, but also reduces the need for added sugar, allowing for a balanced flavour profile that satisfies the craving for indulgence without being overly sweet.
Nostalgia remains a driving force behind consumer food choices. Dairy ingredients like custard evoke memories of traditional British desserts including bread and butter pudding or trifle, which are being adapted for modern tastebuds in the form of innovative contemporary desserts.
Moreover, the blending of nostalgic ingredients with new flavours is an exciting opportunity for manufacturers. A twist on traditional custard, combined with modern flavours like salted caramel or spicy maple, allows brands to meet the demand for both comfort and innovation.
The dairy industry’s ability to innovate while staying true to traditional, comforting ingredients will be key to meeting consumer demand in the coming years. As manufacturers continue to provide high-quality, sustainable dairy solutions, there is opportunity for dessert and ice cream brands to tap into the “Eat Happy” trend. Whether through indulgent custards, creamy mascarpone, or nostalgic condensed milk, dairy remains an essential ingredient in the evolution of the sector.
By focusing on emotional satisfaction, whether through nostalgia, indulgence, or everyday treats, dairy ingredients will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of desserts and ice cream.