Increasing indulgence

Screams for new flavor concoctions are answered in 2002 with a wide variety of new ice cream combinations and novelties. Special dietary restrictions are addressed more this year than in past years, with lactose-free, low-fat, and no-- sugar-added flavors showing up in retail freezer cases. Nonetheless, indulgent ingredients top most of the manufacturers new product lists, giving the consumer exactly

what they've been asking for: decadence. Novelties are looking to be a hit with kids this year, especially with the numerous partnerships yielding items with popular characters such as Jimmy Neutron, Bart Simpson, and Blues Clues. Other team efforts include NASCAR novelties and ice cream flavors featuring The Dave Matthews Band. Here's a peak at some 2002 lineups: