As the number of people embracing a plant-based diet continues to rise, demand for appropriate desserts has seen global launches of vegan ice cream more than double since 2015, according to research by Mintel Global New Product Database.
With data also showing that since the coronavirus outbreak more adults are considering a vegan diet. It would seem that the food industry is finally engaging with a sector where consumers are not only predominantly geared towards healthy eating, but also want to indulge in the occasional treat.
A rising trend for vegan ice cream that is not restricted only to those following a vegan diet, goes hand in hand with demand for a variety of flavour combinations. Inclusions specialist Pecan Deluxe is staying ahead of this curve, with an impressive range of no added egg and dairy options including salted caramel sugar pearls, cookies and cream biscuit pieces and an eye-catching five-coloured sugar pearl mix. More recently, cocoa rich brownie pieces, cookie dough, oaty cookie pieces and a variety of the company’s praline nuts and seeds have been added to the list.
In addition to ice cream, food manufacturers wishing to broaden their appeal in the vegan market can now offer consumers a wide range of delicious and indulgent treats, as Pecan Deluxe’s inclusions are suitable for a much wider variety of applications including bakery, confectionery and desserts.
Liz Jones, Commercial and Development Director at Pecan Deluxe explained: “As the popularity of plant-based inclusions increases, we’ve developed our dairy-free portfolio to encompass a spectrum of tastes, which mirror those found in non-dairy applications, allowing manufacturers to add a touch of luxury to their expanding vegan lines.”
All Pecan Deluxe products, including traditionally made fudge, moulded chocolate shapes, brownie pieces, cookie dough and praline nuts, are made using natural colours and flavourings in strict allergen controlled, BRC A grade facilities. The company is constantly innovating to develop new flavours and textures and can create bespoke products tailor-made to customers’ requirements.
