Ice cream is everybody’s favorite dessert. Its global popularity and stable high demand confirm that it’s not just a delicious treat but a good business venture as well. Now, if you’re wondering what age group consumes the most ice cream, let this article answer your question using data and figures.
Ice cream is a popular snack for toddlers to seniors. Toddlers eat an average of 7 grams of ice cream per day, children aged 4-10 consume about 13 grams daily, while Centennials aged 13-17 eat around 20% of ice cream a day. Moreover, teenagers and young adults between 16-24 years old account for 58% of ice cream consumption for men and 46% for women, adults from 30-44 consume an average of 39%, and seniors aged 55 and above eat an average of 56 times per annum.
The survey and study results may vary, but one thing is for sure-everyone screams for ice cream!
Toddlers (1.5-3 years old)
This age group accounts for at least 7 grams per day of ice cream consumption in the UK. Needless to say, toddlers have a big sweet tooth and are starting to create memories through their taste buds. They may not be on the top of the chain yet due to their limited buying opportunities, but they sure make a significant impact in the ice cream industry.
- Children (4-10 years old)
Statistics show that in the UK, children aged 4-10 are the leading ice cream buyers/consumers by having an average of 13 grams of ice cream daily.
In the US, children represent the second top ice cream consumers accounting for 20% of the total ice cream share. The same age group is also responsible for the 22% artisanal ice cream market.
A separate study by International Ice Cream Association reported that an American child eats an average of 19.8 pounds of ice cream per year overpowering the adults who eat an average of 11.9 pounds per annum.
The children population also plays a major factor in food buying choices among families, as evident in market research. The study showed that 34% of households with children buy and eat a minimum of four quarts of ice cream every month.
Children are known to have the biggest sweet tooth that’s why they dominate this statistical population. They are easily attracted to the vibrant color of ice cream and get more opportunities to attend parties and school events where ice cream is commonly served.
- The Centennials (13-17 years old)
Love for ice cream knows no age. In a recent ice cream survey, 56% of 13-17-year-old teens claimed that ice cream is their top favorite dessert followed by the 35 and above age group at 39%, and 18-34 years old or the millennials at 38%. This only shows that the centennials dominate the ice cream fandom in this particular survey.
The same survey established that 20% of the centennials eat ice cream daily, dominating over the non-parent population at 8%, the 18+ at 11%, and the parents at 15%.
Furthermore, Statista also reported that kids between 11-18 years old in the UK consume at least 8 grams per day making them the second top ice cream consumers among other age groups.
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Teenagers & Young Adults (16-24 years old)
In the UK, the age group 16-24 years old admitted that they eat ice cream at least once a week. 58% of them are men while 46% are women. This age group is inclined to eat ice cream because it produces serotonin or the “feel good” hormones that help brighten up their moods during stressful days.
This age bracket is also a critical transition period from teenage to young adulthood when responsibilities are starting to set in. Ice cream helps them de-stress easily and sets them in a good disposition.
- The Adults (30-44 years old)
Adults also love ice cream. This age group accounts for 39% of consumers who love to eat ice cream when the opportunity presents itself ranking them in the second spot next to centennials.
In a report, people aged 30-44 are the top buyers of ice cream sandwiches, a new variation of the classic ice cream that we know and the second most popular ice cream novelty in the U.S.
- The Seniors (55 and above)
If you think that only the kids find ice cream attractive, think again! A research study shows that Americans who are over 55 years old eat more ice cream than other age groups. Compared to the average American who eats ice cream at least 41 times a year, those over 55 eat 56 times per year. The data, although old, is still applicable in today’s ice cream demand.
In a different study, 28% of Canadian aged 55 and up are willing to pay more for ice cream with all-natural ingredients. This is not a shocking revelation at all since this age group is more health conscious and needs to watch their diet than any other age group in the market.
Conclusion
Based on the figures and facts presented above, it’s safe to say that ice cream is everyone’s favorite dessert from toddlers to seniors. Toddlers consume at least 7 grams of ice cream daily, children aged 4-10 eat an average of 13 grams per day, while Centennials aged 13-17 account for 20% of ice cream consumption every day. Moreover, teenagers and young adults between 16-24 years old are responsible for 58% of ice cream consumption for men and 46% for women, adults from ages 30-44 eat about 39%, and seniors aged 55 and above enjoy ice cream at least 56 times every year.
Ice cream brings all ages to one and the same level. Some say it brings out the child in us, some say it fixes everything, even broken hearts. One thing’s certain: it surpasses and cuts through different generations. And this shows why toddlers up to the elderly consume a whole lot of ice cream.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ice cream is not recommended for babies below 12 months old because their digestive system is still developing and may not be able to process high amounts of dairy.
According to reports, New Zealand is the top ice cream consumer in the world with an average of 28.4 liters per capita consumption per annum. Being a dairy capital and one of the top-quality dairy sources in the world, no wonder that they were hailed as the top ice cream consumer.
To learn more on how to start your own ice cream/gelato business check out my startup documents here
This blog post is provided for informational purposes only. The information contained is not intended to constitute legal advice or to substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney.
Hi! I am Shawn and I am a happy individual who happens to be an entrepreneur. I have owned several types of businesses in my life from a coffee shop to an import and export business to an online review business plus a few more and now I create online ice cream/gelato business resources for those interested in starting new ventures. It’s demanding work but I love it. I do it for those passionate about their business and their goals. That’s why when I meet a ice cream/gelato business owner, I see myself. I know how hard the struggle is to retain clients, find good employees and keep the business growing all while trying to stay competitive.
That’s why I created Ice Cream Business Boss: I want to help ice cream and gelato business owners like you build a thriving business that brings you endless joy and supports your ideal lifestyle.