Product developers who use walnuts in ice cream are in luck, as consumers are setting a number of trends in this category — and we have the scoop. Including walnuts in ice cream helps elevate flavor, texture, market positioning and nutritional value. With a walnut inclusion, dairy processors are adding a needed textural element while also delivering flavor and nutrition. A walnut inclusion ticks many of the 2024 trend boxes, including permissible indulgence, food transparency and nostalgia.
Permissible Indulgence
Innova notes that taste and indulgence are the main reasons for consuming ice cream. Manufacturers are focusing on great flavor and unique ingredients. Indulgent premium flavors are seeing the strongest growth. “Additionally, there is a growing interest in artisanal and premium ice creams made with high-quality ingredients. This trend reflects consumers’ willingness to pay a premium for indulgent and unique ice cream experiences.” Walnuts offer distinct flavor, texture and nutritional benefits that consumers are seeking in products positioned as permissibly indulgent. Walnuts have a mild, yet rich umami flavor that pairs well with a wide range of ingredients, from banana and strawberry and cranberry to honey and dark chocolate or even wasabi.
Premium Ice Cream Gone Bananas, Big Y
Walnuts, cream, banana base, and chocolate chips are on the inside. Premium indulgence verbiage is on the packaging of this dairy-based smooth and creamy treat.
Food Transparency
Sustainability and environmental impact are key in consumers’ minds. Innova says that today’s savvy consumer is seeking sustainable alternatives like plant-based ice creams with a lower environmental footprint. Non-dairy claim trends, according to Innova, have grown +29.3 CAGR between 2018 and 2023. Walnuts are key to non-dairy food transparency due to their natural simplicity and clear, straightforward labeling. As consumers increasingly demand transparency in their food choices, walnuts offer a single-ingredient solution that is easily understood and trusted. This transparency aligns with the growing consumer preference for clean labels and whole foods, allowing individuals to make informed dietary choices without the complexity and ambiguity often associated with heavily processed ingredients.
We balance our use of natural resources by producing a nutrient-dense whole food. We support ongoing research to unlock the full nutritional benefits of California walnuts and their impact on human health. Walnuts’ sustainability platform stands on five pillars:
- Environmental stewardship
- Sustainable nutrition and human health
- Food safety
- Economic health
- People and community
Deluxe Chocolate Malt Waffle Cone Ice Cream, Kroger
Walnuts are blended into this flavorful ice cream with waffle cone pieces, coconut oil, buttermilk powder and choco cone flakes. Malt Waffle Cone Ice Cream’s claims include natural flavoring, certified kosher dairy and Sustainable Forestry Initiative certification.
Nostalgia
Walnuts are a great inclusion to add nutrition to an indulgent product without detracting from flavor or texture. Some flavors, like maple walnut, also appeal to the trend for nostalgic flavors.
Homemade Banana Bread, Jeni’s
A delicious example of walnuts, banana custard, chocolate chips, ice cream and banana purée to give that nostalgic feel.
Vanilla Ice Cream with California Brittle, McConnell’s/See’s Candies
A sweet, crunchy collaboration that harkens back to childhood. See’s buttery brittle is covered in rich, dark chocolate and matched with McConnell’s classic, full-flavored vanilla ice cream. Top it off with crunchy walnuts and chocolate ganache.
These products are mentioned for informational purposes only and inclusion does not imply an endorsement.
Have a new walnut ice cream on the market? We’d love to hear about it! Email dmikolajcik@walnuts.org.
