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The low-fat ice creams changing the Indian summer dessert scene

Low-fat ice creams are changing the dessert scene in India and there's no denying that. Some brands have taken the onus of treating Indians to healthy low-fat ice cream this summer.

By: Kuldeep Sahani Jul 07,2024

How did sugar become the villain?

Nobody wants to consume sugar these days – neither in their morning tea, nor in their maa ke hath ki kheer, or in any dessert. While sugar directly does not lead to diabetes, it can be instrumental in promoting weight gain, which is a major risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes.

A study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found a significant association between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and obesity. It concluded that reducing sugar intake could help reduce body weight.

Another research in the Hepatobiliary Surgery and Nutrition (HBSN) indicated that high fructose consumption, often from sugary drinks, is linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

When studies with startling claims started popping up, it was an eye-opener for many who took a lot of care of their diet and well-being. So, the ones conscious of their health steered clear of it. They added jaggery, stevia and other natural sweeteners to sweeten their food at home.

This shift also paved the way for a thriving new industry catering to those who wanted to eat healthy outside, consume minimal calories, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Enter low-fat ice creams

Entrepreneurs seized this booming opportunity and jumped in; transforming what was once a niche market, into the mainstream by introducing the gift of low-fat ice creams.

These innovative products cater to health-conscious consumers seeking indulgence without guilt, offering delicious alternatives that align with their dietary goals and preferences.

Shivaan Ghai, CEO and founder of The Brooklyn Creamery, says, “Healthier ice creams - whether sugar-free, low-fat, vegan, keto, or high-protein - are becoming increasingly popular as people grow more health-conscious and prioritise desserts that align with their mindful and healthy lifestyles. Our brand is well-positioned in the premium healthy dessert market, with over 60 per cent of our customers being repeat buyers.”

More often than not, the scarcity of healthy dessert options became the reason why entrepreneurs themselves took the onus on themselves to build a brand for people facing the same problem.

For Get-A-Way founder Pashmi Shah Agarwal, her story started in her own kitchen, thanks to her mother.

“One day, we asked our mother to concoct a nutritious treat to satisfy our post-workout cravings. With her knack for making delicious food, she swiftly prepared something special. After just one bite, we knew that this ice cream had to be shared with the world, recognising the scarcity of healthy ice cream options in the market,” she says. And thus her brand was born.

Get-A-Way even roped in Bollywood celebrity Malaika Arora as their brand ambassador last year.

What’s in your low-fat ice cream?

When speaking to the representatives, CEOs and founders of these brands, everyone claimed that they used skimmed milk instead of full cream and plant-based sweeteners to make their products low in calories.

Fresh fruit pulp is used instead of fruit concentrates in their ice creams to keep the calorie count in mind.

“We use whey protein in our ice creams to significantly boost the protein content. We also use low-calorie bases like skimmed milk or almond milk to maintain texture and taste without extra calories. By using plant-based sweeteners, we further reduce the calorie count without sacrificing the sweetness. As a result, we offer approximately 30-50 per cent fewer calories than traditional options, making them a guilt-free indulgence for health-conscious consumers,” says Pashmi.

"Our key ingredients are whey protein isolate and erythritol. Whey protein in our ice creams not only boosts the protein content significantly but also adds a creamy texture without the need for excessive fats. Erythritol, on the other hand, is naturally found in melons and other fruits and is a zero-calorie sweetener,” she adds.

Let’s talk calories

While brands like The Brooklyn Creamery, Get-A-Way, and Go Zero have emerged in the past 4-5 years, tapping into the growing demand for healthier dessert options, the longstanding brand Amul has also entered this niche market by creating a range of sugar-free ice creams. They also have a lactose free ice cream to cater to those willing to stay away from milk products for ample reasons.

A 100-ml pack of The Brooklyn Creamery’s chocolate fudge brownie ice cream contains about 75 calories. In comparison, a 100 ml serving of Kwality Walls' chocolate 'frozen dessert', a much-loved Indian brand, contains around 200 calories. You see the difference?
Get-A-Way’s Belgian chocolate ice cream, for that matter, has 12.5 gm protein per 100 gm serving. So, it takes care of the calories and your protein consumption too.

What lies ahead?

What’s the future prospect of vegan and low-calorie ice cream, you ask? Well, that’s not even a question, because they are pretty much in vogue and here to stay.

“Low-fat ice creams show great promise in the dessert industry, meeting the needs of health-conscious consumers seeking healthier options without compromising on taste and flavour. These treats reduce saturated fats while maintaining a rich, creamy texture, often using ingredients like skimmed milk or plant-based substitutes. As consumers become increasingly conscious of how their dietary choices affect their well-being, the demand for low-fat ice creams is anticipated to increase even more,” says Pashmi.

Moreover, these brands’ sales figures are proof that people are, slowly, but eventually shifting towards the healthier dessert options for obvious reasons.

“Since our launch, we have experienced exponential triple digit growth year-on-year. Today, The Brooklyn Creamery is available in nine countries with more than 60 SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) through major channels including food delivery apps, online grocers, quick-commerce platforms, popular modern trade retail chains, and premium hyperlocal/regional stores and will continue to expand our reach and presence in the market,” Shivaan Ghai says.

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