January is Store Brands Month, a time to celebrate the continued growth, creativity, and influence of private label brands across retail and foodservice. At G.S. Gelato, this month is especially meaningful as we look ahead to celebrating our 30-year anniversary in February. Three decades of experience have shaped how we partner with brands to create frozen desserts that are not only high quality, but also deeply aligned with where consumers are headed next.
Customization That Keeps Store Brands Competitive
Customization has always been at the core of what we do. From authentic Italian gelato and sorbetto to non-dairy frozen desserts and soft serve, we build products around each brand’s unique vision. That can mean developing signature flavors, dialing in specific nutritional targets, or creating packaging that reinforces brand identity. Store brands today are expected to be just as innovative and compelling as national brands, and customization is how they stand out.
Understanding Today’s Ice Cream and Gelato Trends
Ice cream and gelato are living in a very dynamic space right now, especially when viewed through the lens of scoop shops and emerging concepts. Consumers are not choosing just one direction. They are exploring many at once. More protein. Plant-based and non-dairy. Healthier formulations. Indulgence. Nostalgia. Cleaner labels. Often all at the same time!
At G.S. Gelato, we think about this as a spectrum of indulgence. The same consumer might want a better-for-you option one day and a fully indulgent treat the next. Both needs are valid, and successful store brands are the ones that understand how to meet consumers in the moment.
High Protein and Functional Frozen Desserts
One of the biggest growth opportunities right now is high-protein and functional gelato. The U.S. high-protein ice cream category is projected to grow 10.9 percent annually from $1.85 billion in 2025 to $3.45 billion by 2032. Consumers want indulgence, but they also want added benefits.
We recently developed a high-protein gelato with 30 grams of protein per pint and 10 grams per serving, with zero sugar per serving. Alongside that, we also offer an authentic Italian gelato version made with real sugar. Both deliver on flavor and texture. In this category, success comes down to avoiding chalkiness or off-notes, and ensuring the eating experience still feels premium.
Zero Sugar Per Serving Without Sacrificing Indulgence
Zero sugar per serving gelato continues to gain momentum. Reduced sugar does not have to mean reduced indulgence. The key is creating a flavor and texture that feels rich, creamy, and satisfying. Our zero sugar per serving gelato delivers the luxurious mouthfeel consumers expect while fitting squarely into the better-for-you movement. It proves that indulgence and moderation can coexist.
Non-Dairy Is Here to Stay
Plant-based frozen desserts have moved from trend to mainstream. What we are seeing now is the evolution into functional non-dairy, along with continued innovation focused on matching the taste and texture of authentic Italian gelato. Consumers expect non-dairy options that stand shoulder to shoulder with traditional dairy, not alternatives that feel like a compromise.
Indulgence, Nostalgia, and Flavor Exploration
Indulgence and nostalgia remain powerful drivers, especially when nostalgic flavors are reimagined with a modern twist. Millennials in particular love revisiting familiar childhood flavors, but with new textures, inclusions, or global influences layered in.
Limited-time offerings are also one of the fastest-growing areas in frozen desserts. Seasonal, experiential, and “get it before it’s gone” flavors generate excitement and urgency. To support this, we developed a pallet program that allows operators to run limited-time creations without large minimums. With the ability to purchase a single pallet in any formulation, brands can experiment, react quickly to trends, and keep menus feeling fresh without long-term commitment.
Flavor Trends We Are Seeing Now
Two major flavor movements continue to stand out. The first is fruit-forward offerings. Bright, tropical fruits like dragon fruit, lychee, and passionfruit are gaining popularity, particularly in sorbets. Naturally vibrant fruits also align well with the push toward cleaner labels and removing synthetic colors.
The second is globally inspired combinations. Pairings like pistachio saffron, dragonfruit lychee sorbet, and strawberry matcha pistachio are resonating with adventurous consumers. Elevated chocolate flavors are also gaining attention. Products like Dubai-Style Chocolate Gelato show how classic flavors can be reimagined through richness, layering, and unexpected twists.
Takeout, Delivery, and Frozen Novelties
As platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash become part of everyday dining, takeout continues to be a major opportunity for scoop shops and operators. Gelato can thrive in this channel with the right packaging, storage, and handling practices. Branded or private label takeout options help extend a concept beyond the counter and keep signature flavors top-of-mind at home.
We are also seeing continued momentum in frozen novelties and smaller-format offerings. Consumers are gravitating toward mindful indulgence. Something satisfying, intentional, and portion-friendly. These formats appeal to both better-for-you shoppers and those simply looking for a moment of joy, and they perform especially well in takeout and retail environments.
30 Years of Partnership and Capability
As we approach our 30-year anniversary this February, we reflect on what has made our partnerships successful. It is not just our ability to manufacture frozen desserts. It is our ability to listen, customize, and anticipate where consumer demand is going next. From formulation and flavor development to packaging and nationwide distribution, we help store brands turn trends into products that perform.
This Store Brands Month, we celebrate the creativity, collaboration, and innovation that define private label success. With three decades behind us and an eye firmly on the future, we are proud to help brands create frozen desserts that are relevant, differentiated, and truly memorable.
Ready to make your store brand stand out? Contact us today to create something extraordinary!