June 12, 2025 – Ice cream trends encompass dairy and non-dairy ice cream products around the world. Ice cream and non-dairy ice cream products include frozen yogurt, single serve cones and sticks, take-home multipacks and tubs, and sorbets made with a dairy ingredient. Many factors impact global ice cream trends, namely key drivers, product development, consumer trends, the dynamics of the market, competitive strategies of leaders and disruptors, new product innovation, and product launches.
Dairy Ice Cream Market is Mature and Strong
Although the dairy ice cream market is a mature market, value sales are strong. Premiumization is one explanation for the strong dairy ice cream market. Consumers turn to dairy ice cream for the experience, as well as for taste, pleasure, and mood improvement. Consumers also look for quality in dairy ice cream and want added value from quality and indulgent, exciting tastes. When consumers think about ice cream, they don’t consider health as much, according to consumer trends research. But some are eating less ice cream for health reasons, and this could be an opportunity for healthier products.
Other factors are important too. Consumers globally want ice cream choices – everyday versus premium, single-serve versus sharable. High quality products at a premium price also should consider ethical sourcing. Flavor is key. Consumer trends research participants look for indulgent inclusions such as cake, cookies, and nuts, limited editions, and seasonal specials.
Non-dairy Ice Cream is Both Emerging and Stable
Globally, non-dairy ice cream continues to be an emerging category, even though launch rates have been dropping. Like dairy ice cream, non-dairy ice cream must provide a great eating experience, although health also may be a consideration because some consumers think non-dairy is healthier than dairy. Consumers globally of non-dairy ice cream also look for value added and for indulgent flavors. Non-dairy ice cream tends to be less premium but interest in premium flavors is on the rise. Consumers also are looking for single-serve options and ethically sourced ingredients. Healthier flavors like fruit flavors are more prevalent in non-dairy ice cream but indulgent flavors are driving growth.
Taste is the Most Important Feature
When considering ice cream, consumers globally say that taste is most important. Participants in consumer trends research associate ice cream with taste, mood boosting, emotional benefits, and pleasure. Consumer trends research show that majority of consumers say taste and flavor drive their purchases of ice cream. Solid proportions of consumers report eating ice cream for happiness, to relax and wind down, indulge, and treat themselves.
Because they associate indulgence and pleasure with ice cream, consumers seek and prefer bold and exciting ice cream flavors. About half say that multi-flavor products and blends are highly appealing compared to plain flavors.
Innovation Emphasizes Taste, Quality, and Tradition
Innovation in ice cream launches focuses on premium tastes and flavors. Indulgence in flavor and texture is gaining. Some inclusions like cake, nuts, and cookies add textures such as crunchiness or chewiness. In-out flavors are novel and interesting.
Ice cream needs to deliver quality and value. Price is one indicator of quality and value, and consumers are concerned about cost because of economic stress that is likely to continue. That is why manufacturers need to add value to justify cost. Quality in ice cream products encompasses ingredients, formulation, and the eating experience. Consumers are looking for real ingredients, freedom from additives, and premium ingredients.
Tradition is important in ice cream. Tradition also reinforces a sense of high quality. Many consumers seek traditionally made and crafted ice cream products with traditional ingredients. Ingredients also can be sourced ethically. Ice cream brands are using more ethical ingredients. Some also incorporate ethical packaging and ethical business practices. Areas of interest for consumers globally are fair trade and sustainably sourced.
What’s Next in Dairy Ice Cream and Non-Dairy Ice Cream?
Adventures in taste will continue. Brands are expected to diversify flavors and create the unusual and exciting eating experiences desired by consumers globally. Ice cream is a treat and flavor experiments are a perfect fit.
Ingredients and packaging for dairy ice cream and non-dairy ice cream will be sourced responsibly. Consumers are interested in living sustainably so messaging about ingredient sourcing and packaging will become more important. Responsible sourcing and packaging. Messages related to eco-friendly sourcing and/or packaging will become increasingly important as consumers target more sustainable living.
Snacking features will become more prominent. Ice cream is a convenient snack for consumers on the go. It will become even more important to innovate ice cream products that are convenient. Another important feature will be shareability for entertaining at home.
Watch for more products that are targeted toward GLP-1 medication users and their decreased appetite. New ice cream products also will be targeted toward the younger generations, especially Generation Z and Generation Alpha for products that are exciting, innovative, and conducive to viral marketing.
This article is based on Innova’s Dairy & Non-Dairy Ice Cream – Global report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more
