CHICAGO — Nine of 10 people (89%) ate ice cream last year, compared with three in five (59%) who ate novelties such as ice cream sandwiches or bars and less than two in five who had sherbet or frozen yogurt (37% and 34%, respectively), according to new consumer research from Mintel. “Ice cream remains one of America’s favorite treats,” said David Morris, senior analyst at Mintel. “Slow-churn and super-premium innovations have brought exciting new variety to the taste and texture people know and love.” In 2007, ice cream accounted for nearly 60% of sales in food, drug and mass (excluding Wal-Mart) from ice cream, frozen novelties, sherbet and frozen yogurt combined. Frozen novelties made up over one-third of sales (36%), while sherbet and frozen yogurt accounted for just 5%. Though ice cream sales dominate the market, frozen novelties sales are growing faster. “Convenience and healthy eating trends drive more people to frozen novelties to satisfy cravings,” said Morris. “These products are portable and portion-controlled. Plus, rapid new product development is giving consumers many new frozen novelty dessert choices.” Mintel forecasts that the market for ice cream, frozen novelties, sherbet and frozen yogurt through all retail channels will grow 15% from 2008 to 2012.

Read More of Today's Headlines