The Season of Dieting... Eating Low-Calorie Foods

'Ro Food' Ice Cream and Beverages Popular
Distribution Industry Sees Significant Sales Increase Compared to Previous Month

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chunhan] Low-calorie products are gaining popularity in the distribution industry. As interest in dieting increases ahead of the peak vacation season, more consumers are seeking low-calorie foods.

According to CU on the 26th, sales of low-calorie ice cream increased by 138.9% from the previous month between the 1st and 21st of this month. During the same period, GS25 saw a 137.1% increase in low-calorie ice cream sales. CU exclusively launched the low-calorie ice cream Lala Sweet. This product contains less than 20% of the sugar found in regular pint ice cream, with calories at 75 kcal per 100 ml, about one-third of the usual amount. GS25 sells four types of Halo Top, a low-calorie ice cream that has caused a sensation across the United States. The calorie content per pint is about 330 kcal, only 25% of other ice creams.

Low-calorie beverages and snacks are also popular. CU reported an 18.7% increase in low-calorie beverage sales. GS25 saw zero and low-calorie beverage sales rise by 49.3%, and low-calorie snacks by 20.4%. At 7-Eleven, zero-calorie carbonated drinks increased by 40%, and protein drinks by 135%. Emart24 experienced a 29% jump in low-calorie beverage sales. Each company is expanding its own private brand (PB) low-calorie beverages. GS25 launched Yours Zero Lemonade and Zero Grapefruit Black Tea, which use sweeteners instead of sugar. Emart24 partnered with outdoor brand Kolon Sports to sell three pouch beverages, including the tangy Sosot Lemon Zeroade.

Sales of low-calorie products are also increasing on major online malls. On Gmarket, sales of coffee (250%), milk (214%), frozen foods (150%), sauces and dressings (42%), and carbonated and soft drinks (39%) with "low-calorie" in the product name have surged. At SSG.com, based on the top five items in each category, low-calorie snack sales increased by 75%, beverages by 30%, ice cream by 20%, and sauces by 20%. On 11st, keyword searches for low-calorie snacks and treats rose by 10% compared to the previous month.

A distribution industry official said, “Sales of low-calorie ice cream, beverages, and snacks have been increasing recently,” adding, “We will continue to introduce differentiated products that align with customers’ interests and changing trends.”