The ice cream industry in 2025 is embracing a new era of innovation where wellness, sustainability and indulgence go hand in hand. Evolving consumer expectations and a growing demand for transparent, ethical ingredients are pushing brands to rethink their formulations—from plant-based alternatives to high-protein ice cream options that meet both taste and nutritional goals.
In this regard, according to Innova Market Insight, the ice cream market has been steadily increasing throughout the past five years, growing by 7% in sales and 3% in product launches.
So, what are the latest ice cream trends in 2025? Where is the ice cream industry heading? How can new consumer profiles be attracted? And how is the industry adapting to meet these new demands? Keep reading to find out.
That flavour is still the main deciding factor among ice cream consumers, though other aspects are becoming increasingly important, such as new lactose-free low-sugar formulations, label transparency and the use of more ethical ingredients.
Let’s dive into the top ice cream industry trends that are shaping consumer behaviour, from plant-based innovation to protein-packed indulgence.
Below is an index of trends that will be addressed in this article:
- Plant-based and dairy-free ice cream trends
- Indulgent flavours meet clean labels: a key ice cream industry trend
- Health-conscious ice cream trends
- Sustainability and ethical sourcing: driving modern ice cream trends
- Multi-sensory experiences and premium textures
- High added protein potential: a rising star in ice cream trends
Latest ice cream trends driving innovation in 2025
As we move through 2025, the latest ice cream trends reflect a dynamic blend of indulgence, innovation and intentionality. Consumers continue to crave bold new flavours and exciting textures, while also demanding cleaner labels, ethical sourcing and health-conscious options.
This year’s leading ice cream industry trends include plant-based alternatives, low-sugar and functional formulations, and a strong emphasis on sustainability. Evolution isn’t just about taste—it’s about creating ice cream that delights the senses and aligns with modern values.
When it comes to texture, ice cream trends emphasize innovation through layered, multisensory experiences—featuring crispy cookies, toasted nuts, swirls of crunchy nut cream and smooth, aerated finishes.
At the same time, the demand for health-forward options continues to grow, with macrobiotic, low-sugar, low-fat and vegan formulations now standard in many product lines. Inspiration from other premium categories, such as chocolate with almonds, are influencing how brands develop more refined, flavour-rich profiles that appeal to both indulgent and health-conscious consumers.
Plant-based and dairy free
One of the most significant ice cream industry trends in 2025 is the rapid growth of dairy-free and environmentally conscious formulations. New product development is increasingly focused on minimal, natural ingredients that support both health and sustainability.
In response, producers are launching locally made, vegan and fair-trade ice creams using plant-based milks like oat, almond and coconut—popular not only for their creamy texture but also for their lower carbon footprint.
Indulgent flavours meet clean labels
One of the most relevant ice cream trends in 2025 is the growing demand for indulgent flavours that align with clean-label expectations. Consumers want bold, satisfying experiences—without compromising on ingredient transparency or health-conscious values.
The focus on texture innovation in plant-based ice creams continues to accelerate. What are the key points here?
- Consumers expect more than a simple dairy alternative—they seek indulgent, layered textures that replicate or even surpass traditional experiences.
- Vegan formulations now commonly feature nut-based textures, particularly those using walnuts and macadamias, known for their richness and crunch.
- Additionally, inclusions like cookie dough chunks, toffee crumbles, and caramelized layers are becoming standard in premium plant-based offerings, enhancing both mouthfeel and perceived value in this rapidly evolving category.
According to Innova Market Insights 2024 report Top Flavours and Ingredients Ice Cream Trends, classic flavours continue to lead innovation in both dairy and non-dairy segments. Chocolate, vanilla, and nut varieties are seeing the fastest growth, proving that timeless favorites still have strong appeal across consumer groups.
The report also highlights a notable contrast in flavor direction based on the product type: non-dairy ice creams are increasingly featuring indulgent flavours like caramel and cookie, while dairy-based launches are leaning into berry and summer fruit profiles — tapping into fresher, lighter taste experiences.
This evolution suggests that flavour innovation is not only driven by health or sustainability trends, but also by the aim to deliver distinct sensory experiences tailored to different consumer expectations.
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Health-conscious
Indulgent flavours are in no way at odds with the clear trend toward natural, healthy and nutritious ingredients. They can even offer a functional benefit, such as that of proteins found in nuts. Here, products such as peanut butter are perfect to be added as ingredients in new product developments of the ice cream sector.
You might be interested in: Ice cream cones with peanut butter, white chocolate, and fruit
Sustainability and ethical sourcing: driving modern
Sustainability and ethical sourcing are no longer optional—they’re central to modern ice cream trends. Consumers increasingly favor brands that prioritize eco-friendly packaging, reduce carbon footprints, and use responsibly sourced ingredients.
This includes plant-based milks with lower environmental impact, regeneratively farmed oats, and fair-trade certified cocoa and nuts. Transparency in supply chains and strong sustainability claims are now key drivers of brand loyalty, especially among younger, values-driven consumers.
Low sugar formulations are also gaining importance, according to Innova Market Insights. “With 2 in 10 consumers globally influenced by low or reduced sugar in ice creams, manufacturers are likely to leverage ingredient technology to reduce sugar and increase the use of non-nutritive sweeteners, offering healthier indulgent options”.
Multi-sensory experiences and premium textures
In 2025, this industry is being shaped by a demand for multi-sensory experiences that go beyond flavour. Consumers want contrast—creamy bases with crunchy inclusions, chewy swirls, or even popping textures—all designed to create surprise and satisfaction with every bite. This rise in texture complexity is pushing manufacturers to experiment with ingredients like candied seeds, caramelized nuts, and air-whipped creams to elevate the experience.
At the same time, premiumisation plays a key role. High-end textures are often paired with gourmet ingredients, minimalist labels, and thoughtful presentation. Ice cream is no longer just a treat—it’s becoming a crafted, immersive dessert moment that reflects broader shifts in food culture toward quality, creativity, and sensory pleasure.
You might be interested in: Success Story – Personalised muesli: 566 quadrillion combinations of nuts, cereals and dried fruits
High added protein potential: a rising star
Ice cream is no longer just about indulgence, it’s entering the functional food space, and brands have a unique opportunity to lead this shift. What are the trends here?
- By targeting younger consumers increasingly drawn to high-protein products, or by taking cues from the fast-growing energy drinks market, ice cream can deliver not only pleasure but also purpose, offering that much-needed energy boost in a new, craveable format.
- The functional ice cream category is gaining momentum. According to Mintel GNPD data, ice cream launches with functional claims rose by 10% between 2021 and 2023.
- Focus on high-protein formulations: ice cream manufacturers in 2025 are turning to plant-based proteins, especially nuts like peanuts, cashews, and almonds, as functional alternatives to dairy. These ingredients not only boost nutritional value but also contribute to rich, creamy textures and indulgent flavour profiles that consumers love.
- Protein becomes a rising star in other key industry shifts like dairy-free recipes, low-sugar content, clean labels, and ethically sourced ingredients—defining a new generation of health-conscious, performance-driven indulgence.
- Nuts and nut-derived ingredients are playing a central role in the evolution of the ice cream industry. They align seamlessly with key trends such as plant-based innovation, high-protein formulations, clean-label recipes, and multi-textural experiences. Nuts not only enhance nutritional profiles but also contribute to indulgent textures and rich flavours.
From almond and peanut protein bases to crunchy walnut inclusions, these ingredients support the shift toward sustainable, ethical, and health-conscious indulgence—making them essential in both mainstream and premium ice cream trends of today.
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Discover the latest innovations with almonds and peanuts in new product developments
Sources
- Dairy Foods. 2024 State of the Dairy Industry: Ice Cream
- Innova Market Insights.Ice Cream Trends: Global Market Overview.July 5, 2025
- Mintel. Global Ice Cream Trends: More than just a comfort food
- Prepared Foods. Dairy formulators are highlighting comfort and health in new dairy products. March 2024
