How Açaí Bowls and Whippy Ice Cream Are Driving Footfall in 2025

Trend-driven treats that are turning browsers into buyers. 

In a crowded hospitality market, attracting customers to your café or dessert shop isn’t just about offering great service—it’s about offering what people want right now. And in 2025, that’s açaí bowls and soft serve (whippy) ice cream.

These eye-catching, Instagram-friendly treats aren’t just tasty—they’re strategic. If you’re not already serving them, here’s why you should be. 

📲 Social Media Is Driving Demand

From TikTok videos with protein-packed açaí bowls to Instagram reels showcasing soft serve swirls, these frozen favourites are dominating digital feeds.

Younger consumers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are heavily influenced by what they see online. Trending visuals drive their food decisions—and açaí and soft serve tick all the boxes: colourful, customisable, and perfect for sharing.

According to industry insights, 65% of Gen Z consumers are more likely to visit a café or dessert shop if they’ve seen it online. That’s a major footfall opportunity. 

🍧 Why Soft Serve Still Sells

Soft serve ice cream (a.k.a. "whippy") has stood the test of time—and it’s having a revival.

Thanks to improved machines like the Pasmo S110F and S520F, soft serve is now:

• Quicker to serve (ideal for fast-paced foot traffic)
• More profitable (low cost per portion, high margin)
• Easier to maintain (hygienic, efficient designs) 

It’s also a great platform for creativity. Add cones, sauces, sprinkles, and upsell with minimal effort. 

🍓 Açaí Bowls: The Health-Conscious Crowd-Puller

Açaí bowls are not just pretty—they tap into key health trends.

Topped with granola, fruit, nut butters or protein powders, these bowls are perceived as a nutritious treat and appeal to: 

• Fitness enthusiasts
• Vegans and vegetarians
• The health-conscious weekday lunch crowd

Açaí can be served using the same soft serve-style machines, allowing you to offer both treats from one piece of equipment. 

💰 Impulse Sales & Profit Boosts

Adding a soft serve or açaí machine doesn’t just upgrade your menu—it unlocks spontaneous purchases.

People don’t always come in for dessert—but if they see it, they’re tempted. Especially if there’s a queue, a well-lit counter, or a limited-time topping combo. A colourful machine display = more eyes = more impulse buys. 

✅ Why Now?

With summer peaking and footfall rising, now is the time to invest.

Our Pasmo soft serve machines are built for reliability, versatility, and simplicity. You can: 

• Serve açaí, frozen yoghurt, whippy ice cream & more
• Add protein or flavour variations
• Start small and scale fast

Check out our latest blog on Adding Sweet Profits to Your Business with a Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine for more tips. 

📦 Need Help Getting Started?

DS Refrigeration supplies, installs, and supports leading soft serve and açaí equipment across Ireland and the UK.

Whether you run a café, deli, dessert shop or health bar—we’ll help you pick the right machine to suit your space, serve style and seasonal demand.

📞 Call us on 028 3751 1425
🌐 Click here to check our range of Milkshake and Whippy Machines