Sarah M. Kennedy

The competition among ice cream brands remains fierce, as some scramble to answer the call for "healthy indulgence" and others seek to grab attention with unique flavors and premiumization.

Dairy Foods chose its 10 best new dairy products of 2018, including squeezable Greek yogurt, chocolate whipped topping, skyr cream cheese and more.

The key trends showing up in nutritional supplements and meal replacements are similar to those in other food and beverage categories, a desire for more high-quality protein, clean ingredients, flavor variety and convenience, according to several formulators of protein and functional ingredients with whom we spoke.

Conveyor systems keep the raw materials and finished products moving throughout a dairy plant. The right conveyor system, installed correctly, can help keep a plant running efficiently.

In the frozen dessert market, ice cream typically reigns supreme among consumers who are looking to indulge in a treat. But even ice cream sales are struggling.

Consumers still love eating ice cream and other frozen and refrigerated desserts, but now many are looking for cleaner versions of their favorite treats. Alongside this, even those who desire to eat healthfully still don't want to give up the indulgence factor.

We highlight a variety of ice cream products, including new pints, budget-friendly organic ice cream and low-fat ice cream.

Thanks to the boost in supply of organic and natural products, including dairy, and increased demand for such products on the part of consumers, the organic and natural market continues to grow. Tied to this growth is a clean-label movement that doesn't appear to be waning anytime soon.

The cultured dairy segment is seeing its ups and downs. Yogurt, once the driving force, has seen sales struggle of late. Concurrently, other cultured categories such as cream cheese and sour cream are holding their ground or trying to push ahead.

The snack features spoonable cultured ricotta cheese and a sidecar of flavored jam or honey.