July 23, 2026 – The value of the global ice cream market is going up in value. Asia is the top region, although the United States is the largest market among countries. Dairy ice cream has the biggest share of new launches but the subcategory of frozen novelties is growing faster than other subcategories. In package claims, ethical claims are growing on ice cream launches, especially around the sourcing of ingredients and treatment of workers.
Many Types of Global Ice Cream Products
The global ice cream market is defined by several different product types. The subcategory of dairy-based ice cream and frozen yogurt encompasses single-serve dairy ice cream, products to take home such as cones, tubes, sticks, and multipacks, and dairy-based frozen yogurt and sorbet. The subcategory of non-dairy ice cream and frozen yogurt is similar, with single-serve non-dairy ice cream and frozen yogurt and take-home non-dairy ice creams and frozen yogurts such as cones, sticks, tubes, and multipacks. Water-based products include sorbets, pops, and ice lollies.
Flavor Influences Global Ice Cream Trends
Consumers globally are buying more ice cream. They are buying more dairy-based ice cream products and especially more non-dairy ice cream products. The growth in purchases of ice cream products is being driven most by younger generations. Flavor and taste are top priorities. A majority of global ice cream consumers are most influenced by flavor when they’re buying ice cream, according to consumer trends research by Innova Market Insights. Innova’s tracking of new product launches of ice cream show the importance of flavor, with flavor innovation as a key strategy. Seasonal flavors are big and so are collaborations between brands. Growth areas for ice cream flavors include ice cream flavors that appeal to consumers year-round and flavors that consumers find exciting. Variety in dairy and non-dairy ice cream products is a motivation for consumers to increase the amount of ice cream they eat.
Ice Cream Value is Up Globally
The retail value of ice cream is going up in all regions globally. Both retail value and sales volume of ice cream show gradual growth globally. The largest region for ice cream sales is Asia and sales are greater than sales in North America or Europe. Comparing countries, the United States market is the largest but per capita consumption is highest in New Zealand.
Major Brands Lead the Way for the Global Ice Cream Market
The major brands in the global ice cream market are changing their strategies and priorities for ice cream products. The Magnum Ice Cream Company leads other companies in ice cream innovation over the past few years. Other companies that are driving ice cream innovation are Nestlé (Froneri), General Mills, Lotte, and Ferraro. These companies and others show innovation in the format and flavor of their ice cream launches. They are making their products indulgent, delicious, and convenient for consumers because consumers globally are changing the way they eat ice cream products.
Ice Cream Innovation is on the Rise
Around the world, ice cream innovation is going up. Most new product development centers around ice cream, but watch for gains in launches of new frozen novelties. One area to keep an eye on is ice cream innovation around ethical features such as sources of ingredients and methods for production. Innova Market Insights is tracking the most innovation, in the form of new product launches, in Asia and West Europe. Looking at countries, the US has the most ice cream product launches.
Ice Cream Consumers Globally Want Less Sugar and Less Fat
The global ice cream market is faced with consumer desire for ice cream products with less sugar and less fat. Consumer trends research shows that consumers want sugar-reduced ice cream with low sugar, no sugar, or reduced sugar claims, and these claims are the most important to consumers. Low fat, no fat, and reduced fat claims also are important. But penetration in the global ice cream market is relatively low for products with less sugar, less fat, and fewer calories. Very recently, however, claims regarding less sugar, fat, and calories have increased, so it’s possible that ice cream brands are responding to consumer desire for these features. Other nutrition features may become important too, reflecting current ice cream trends.
Snacking Trends Shape the Global Ice Cream Market
Snackable ice cream and frozen yogurt products are changing the global ice cream market because consumers globally are snacking more often. They also name snack time as the time to eat ice cream. As ice cream brands innovate to create snackable ice cream products, they need to remember that flavor and innovative formats continue to be extremely important. Healthy indulgence is in the spotlight as brands add nutrition value to ice cream products. Ice cream trends reveal that consumers who are taking GLP-1 weight loss drugs are looking for smaller portions and also more protein. Another way that snackable products appeal is as budget-friendly. Smaller, snackable ice cream and frozen yogurt products sold in multipacks tend to cost less and add value.
Watch Out for These Changes in the Global Ice Cream Market
Innova Market Insights expects several changes in the global ice cream market. Co-branded products are becoming more prevalent, as ice cream brands partner to introduce new flavors with year-round appeal. Seasonal flavors for fall and winter could attract consumers. Consumers globally who are looking for healthier and lighter alternatives to ice cream could be attracted to frozen yogurt. Watch for more ethical claims. It is expected that growing use of GLP-1 medications could cause a decrease in full fat, full sugar products but may increase demand for healthier ice cream products, especially ice cream with extra protein. Keeping in mind that ice cream is a treat, novel product innovation and response to social media trends could add fun and excitement, and gain attention in the freezer section.
This article is based on Innova’s Ice Cream – Global report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to learn more.