2025 Ice Cream Trends: Global Market Insights & Innovation
2025 Ice Cream Trends: Global Market Insights & Innovation
The global ice cream market is evolving fast, fueled by consumer demand for indulgent experiences, better-for-you options, and exciting new formats.
Valued at USD 92 billion in global retail sales in 2025, the ice cream market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% through 20301.
Take-home tubs remain the largest segment in value, but on-the-go formats and unpackaged offerings are rebounding as mobility and out-of-home consumption return. Meanwhile, plant-based ice cream — though still a niche — continues to expand rapidly, signaling broader mainstream adoption.
1Euromonitor, 2025
Five Ice Cream Trends Defining 2025
Left: Alec’s x Graza Pistachio Butter Ice Cream
Rich pistachio butter ice cream swirled with EVOO, candied pistachios, and dark chocolate flakes—crafted by Alec’s Ice Cream and Graza.
Right: Magnum Bakery's immersive Cannes experience reimagines indulgence with croissants, shakes, and a bold collaboration with Charli XCX.
1. Intense Indulgence
Premiumization & Sensory Experiences
Consumers are seeking more than just a treat – they’re craving moments of self-care and escape, especially in challenging times.
Ice cream and desserts are evolving into emotional experiences, where indulgence is elevated through premium coatings, high-cocoa content, and rich inclusions like praline, caramelized nuts, and ganache-style swirls.
- 67% of global consumers prefer ice cream with multiple flavors, and 53% are drawn to visually striking, multi-colored formats2.
- Limited editions are also gaining traction: 1 out of 2 of global consumers actively seek out exclusive or seasonal offerings2.
2Barry Callebaut proprietary study, fielded online using Qualtrics in August 2023, in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK, the US. N= 7697
Blue Bell Orange Swirl Ice Cream is nostalgic blend of vanilla ice cream and orange sherbet, launched for National Ice Cream Month in the U.S.
2. Comforting Classics
Reimagined Familiar Flavors
In uncertain times, familiar flavors offer more than just taste — they provide emotional reassurance. Across generations, classic profiles are being reimagined with modern twists, from nostalgic childhood treats to retro desserts and heritage-inspired formats that bridge past and present.
- Over half of consumers (54%) say food is important to their sense of identity, underscoring the deep emotional connection people have with traditional flavors3.
- Despite market fluctuations, desserts and ice cream continue to show consistent growth between 2022 and 20244. Nearly 1 in 5 consumers globally have increased their consumption, driven by variety, novelty, flavor innovation, and promotional activity5.
- Globally, milk chocolate (38%) remains the top flavor in desserts and ice cream, followed by vanilla (12%), caramel (6%), and white chocolate (6%). Brown flavors like chocolate truffle are among the fastest-growing, signaling a return to indulgent, comforting classics4.
3Source: Foresight Factory, March 2024. Base: 803–4,809 online respondents per country aged 16+ (Colombia, UAE 16–64; Brazil, China, India, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, Thailand 16–74; Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa 16–54).
4Innova Database (2020-2024)
5Innova Category Survey 2025 (average of 35 countries)
Oatly x Haidilao Vegan Popsicles are oat-based guava and grape popsicles designed to cool and complement spicy hotpot dishes in China.
3. Unique & Exciting Experiences
Cross-cultural mashups, savory infusions, and regionally inspired flavors are gaining traction, especially among younger generations.
- Around half of Gen Z and Millennials in the US report trying more flavors compared to last year, and one-third of all consumers are exploring new flavors more often despite elevated food costs.
- Limited editions and brand collaborations are effective triggers for trial, with 30% of US consumers encouraged to try new flavors if offered as limited-time offerings. Globally, Japanese and Indian consumers show a strong preference for seasonal and limited edition offerings.
Aldi Dubai Chocolate Style Mochi is a Middle Eastern-inspired pistachio chocolate mochi with chewy cocoa rice dough and crunchy kataifi pastry.
4. Multi-Sensory Textures
Beyond Creaminess
Texture is a major factor for product differentiation in ice cream. Consumers increasingly desire layered experiences that combine different textures — such as crunch, crisp, chewiness, and creaminess — within a single bite.
This trend is particularly strong in Asia, where 80% of consumers prefer ice cream with multiple textures, compared to 78% in Latin America, 66% in Central and Eastern Europe, 64% in North America, and 58% in Western Europe.
Globally, “creamy” is the most common texture claim in new dessert and ice cream launches (9% of 2024 launches), followed by crunchy (7%), mousse (5%), chunky (3%), and crispy (3%). Notably, crunchy textures have seen strong growth, with an average annual growth rate of 13.5% from 2022 to 2024.
Oatly x Malibu Piña Oatlada Soft Serve is a playful, limited-edition oat-based soft serve with Malibu rum —launched for summer with a cheeky 1.5% ABV twist.
5. Seasonal & Occasion-Based
Limited-edition ice cream products tied to holidays, cultural events, or seasonal cues are effective in creating a sense of urgency and driving consumer innovation.
As more socializing happens at home, seasonal and occasion-based ice cream formats are also driving impulse purchases and shared experiences, helping brands remain relevant throughout the year.
- Globally, 53% of consumers actively seek out seasonal ice creams. These launches leverage the emotional appeal of celebrations and special moments, making them especially attractive for consumers looking for novelty or a break from routine.
Barry Callebaut: Taste that performs
For over a century, Barry Callebaut has partnered with ice cream makers and innovators to deliver chocolate and cocoa solutions that combine indulgent taste with operational performance.
From coatings and inclusions to plant-based and reduced-sugar options, we help brands like yours meet evolving consumer expectations.
- Ready to turn these trends into tangible frozen treats innovation?
- Discover our full range of chocolate and cocoa solutions for ice cream.
