2026 TASTE TRENDS
European Dairy market:
Yoghurt, Ice Cream, Milk Alternatives
IN THIS REPORT
Throughout this report, created with support from Innova, we take a
look at key trends in select dairy categories: yoghurts (dairy/non-dairy),
ice cream (dairy/non-dairy) and dairy alternative drinks across Western
and Eastern Europe.
Covering the last 3 years, we highlight emerging ingredient trends and
product claims, giving a clear picture of what’s shaping the 2025
market and what consumers are looking for.
2026 TRENDS TOP FLAVOURS EXPERT CALL OUT
Consumers continue to take a holistic Consumers are seeking comfort in Pistachio flavoured products are
approach to their physical and mental well- familiarity and tend to stick to what rapidly growing in popularity across
being, offering a key opportunity for dairy they know best when it comes to Europe, with consumers increasingly
companies to hit the sweet spot of health, flavour choices. Despite this, we are craving the unique and rich
taste and convenience. witnessing a growing consumer characteristics that this profile offers
appetite for unique and indulgent taste across multiple products.
experiences in dairy products.
uk.synergytaste.com
No. of product launches
13% 12%
<300 600 >1000
of dairy launches* are from France, of dairy launches* tracked in
the leading country in Europe Europe come from the UK market
1 in 5 27%
dairy launches* feature a Environmental welfare is leading
high/source of protein claim, lifestyle claim*, with plant-based
driven by the UK market claims also trending (17% CAGR)
*Oct 2023-Sept 2024
NPD Summary
Protein in the spotlight Fortification Sustainability
High/Source of Protein and No Added Sugar claims have In Europe, dairy trends continue to evolve with an increased Consumers maintain their strong push towards being more
gained significant ground in the Dairy category with 30% and focus on functional ingredients as consumers seek products environmentally conscious, driving demand for products that
14% CAGR respectively in the last 3 years. Driven by dairy that support gut health and immunity. Vitamins & Minerals focus on reduced carbon footprints, ethical sourcing and
yoghurts, activity in this space has been rampant as brands are the fastest growing ingredient category within dairy, eco-friendly packaging. Cleaner declarations on back of packs
address consumers’ quest for health-conscious products. with probiotic yoghurts also witnessing strong consumer are also benefiting from this trend.
demand.
uk.synergytaste.com
GROWTH
MATURE
PROVEN FAVOURITES
Almond
INTRODUCTION
Crème Brûlée Passion Fruit Strawberry
S’mores Tiramisù White Chocolate Vanilla
Chocolate Fudge Pistachio Lemon Peach
Macadamia Nut Brownie Cocoa Blueberry
Cinnamon Bun Forest (Mixed) Berry Coconut Caramel
Papaya Coffee Banana Hazelnut
Speculoos Pear Pineapple Salted Caramel
Peanut Cherry Milk Chocolate
Honey Stracciatella Mango
Dark Chocolate Red Raspberry
Lime
Growth in product launches over the last year is Appearance in product launches has been Appearance in product launches has been
high or the flavour is highly mentioned on social Appeared within top 15 NPD over the last 5 years
growing over the past 2 years growing over the last 5 years
media
TRENDING FLAVOURS
Classic profiles continue to be the top choice for consumers, remaining the backbone of dairy
products as people seek comfort in familiar flavours; however, there is also growing demand
for rich, indulgent and novel taste experiences that cater to the desire of guilt-free options.
uk.synergytaste.com
Pistachio's popularity in Europe is growing
SPO
LATEST NPD
R
as consumers seek indulgent flavours. Its
nutty profile, creamy texture and vibrant
green colour add to its versatility. In dairy
OU TLI
products, pistachio adds a slightly sweet
flavour, complementing other flavours. V
GH
FLA
This makes it a top choice for indulgent
treats like ice creams, desserts and
T
yoghurts.
Pistachio Yoghurt Dessert,
Austria
JAMIE BLAKE
EUROPEAN DAIRY/SWEET GOODS CATEGORY
MANAGER
KEY STATS DID YOU KNOW?
Roasted Pistachio Ice
10% Cream, UK
growth in social media
discussions regarding pistachio PISTACHIO
in the past 12 months₁
Pistachio’s are packed with Pistachio’s originate from the tree
60% nutrients! They're a great source
of protein, fibre, healthy fats and
Pistacia vera, native to regions of
Central Asia and the Middle East.
growth in pistachio google
antioxidants as well as a low Known for its distinct green colour Pistachio Greek Yoghurt,
searches since 2019₂
calorie nut. They were first Italy
and rich, slightly sweet, and nutty
cultivated over 9,000 years ago!
flavour, pistachio is the perfect
profile when seeking permissible
uk.synergytaste.com indulgence.
₁Tastewise, ₂Google Analytics
SOCIAL MEDIA DAIRY TRENDS
@thegymkitchen high protein @biotiful_gut_health gut health
Tru Fru, UK Launch Advert
chocolate pudding, Instagram reset ad, Instagram
Upping the protein Kefir and gut Guilt-free The trends in
content health indulgence numbers
Platforms like TikTok have fuelled a In January 2024, global traffic Consumers are seeking indulgent
surge in interest for high protein related to gut health hitting an all- yet nutritious dairy options to satisfy Kefir was searched 80,000
foods stemming from the health time high. Focus on gut health cravings with health remaining top times in January on Tesco’s
and wellness trend. This digital reached a new milestone, with of mind. Brands like Trufru are online platform
craze has led to a growing demand 37% of people ranking it as their experiencing virality in this space,
for added protein in dairy goods. primary health concern. their UK launch of chocolate & #GutHealthMatters has been
UK retailer Tesco saw a 34% rise in Health and wellness influencers yoghurt topped fruit racked up 1.3 used over 146,000 times on
sales for such items with many have capitalized on this, creating million views, showcasing sweet TikTok videos
leading players in the European content that includes gut-friendly treats with a nutritious spin. Yoghurt
yoghurt market reporting strong recipes and kefir product bowls have also become popular, @ppchicc dried yoghurt
sales growth as a result of their recommendations, aimed at with influencers like @ppchicc video has over 35 million
high-protein product range. improving gut health. showcasing dried yogurt and views
reaching 35 million views.
AUTHOR:
JAMIE BLAKE
EUROPEAN CATEGORY DEVELOPMENT
MANAGER - DAIRY AND SWEET GOODS
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