Vegan Ice-Cream Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Vegan Ice-Cream Market is projected to expand from a valuation of USD 1.05 Billion in 2025 to USD 1.96 Billion by 2031, reflecting a CAGR of 10.96%. These frozen desserts are formulated entirely without animal-derived dairy, utilizing plant-based ingredients such as almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk to simulate the creamy texture and mouthfeel of traditional products. This market growth is primarily fueled by the rising global prevalence of lactose intolerance and dairy allergies, necessitating non-dairy alternatives, while widespread ethical concerns regarding animal welfare and a growing commitment to environmental sustainability drive consumers toward plant-based diets.

According to The Good Food Institute, global retail sales for the plant-based dairy category, which includes ice cream, milk, yogurt, and cheese, reached approximately $22.5 billion in 2024. Despite this strong market valuation, the sector encounters a significant hurdle regarding price parity, as high ingredient and processing costs often keep vegan ice cream at a premium price point compared to conventional dairy. This pricing structure potentially limits the accessibility of these products for price-sensitive mass markets.

Market Drivers

The increasing global adoption of plant-based and flexitarian diets is fundamentally reshaping the sector, as consumers reduce animal product consumption due to health and ethical motivations. This shift extends beyond strict vegans to include a vast demographic of flexitarians seeking healthier alternatives without fully abandoning traditional dietary patterns, leading to higher household penetration rates that validate the category as a staple. According to the Plant Based Foods Association's '2023 State of the Marketplace' report published in April 2024, 62% of United States households purchased plant-based foods in 2023, reflecting a deep integration of these options into mainstream shopping habits.

Continuous product innovation aimed at improving taste and texture serves as a second critical driver, directly addressing historical consumer complaints regarding the mouthfeel of non-dairy frozen desserts. Manufacturers are moving beyond soy and almond bases toward oat milk and precision fermentation technologies to replicate the creaminess of cow's milk, with the fermentation sector securing $515 million in investment capital in 2023 according to the Good Food Institute. This commitment to development supports the financial resilience of major players, such as Unilever, which reported a turnover of €7.9 billion for its ice cream business unit in 2023 driven by strategic expansion and premiumization.

Market Challenges

The primary challenge hindering the growth of the Global Vegan Ice-Cream Market is the lack of price parity with conventional dairy products. Plant-based ice creams frequently incur higher production costs due to expensive raw materials, such as almonds and cashews, and the complex processing required to replicate the creamy texture of dairy fat. Consequently, these products are positioned at a premium price point, creating a significant economic barrier that restricts the market largely to affluent demographics and prevents widespread adoption among price-sensitive shoppers who might otherwise switch from traditional dairy.

This cost disparity directly stalls market expansion by deterring the mass market, particularly flexitarians who prioritize value alongside ethical considerations. According to ProVeg International, data from 2024 indicates that 31% of consumers would only purchase plant-based options if they were priced lower than animal-based products, highlighting that financial considerations remain a decisive factor for a large segment of the population. As long as this price gap persists, the premium positioning of vegan ice cream will continue to limit its accessibility and constrain its potential for volume growth in the mainstream retail sector.

Market Trends

Diversification into bite-sized, mochi, and handheld novelty formats is transforming the sector by addressing the growing consumer demand for portion-controlled and convenient snacking options. This shift allows manufacturers to target new consumption occasions beyond traditional dessert times, leveraging the concept of permissible indulgence to offer calorie-conscious consumers a guilt-free treat. According to The Grocer in April 2025, in an article regarding Little Moons requiring a £5m bail-out following a factory closure, the mochi ice cream brand reported that total sales reached £53.4 million in the fiscal year ending December 2023, representing a revenue increase of almost a quarter and highlighting the robust appetite for handheld frozen treats.

The emergence of savory, spicy, and botanically infused flavor profiles represents a strategic move to premiumize plant-based offerings and cater to adventurous palates seeking complex sensory experiences. Manufacturers are differentiating their portfolios by moving beyond conventional vanilla and chocolate to incorporate sophisticated ingredients such as chili, basil, and floral extracts, often marketing these as limited-time artisanal creations. According to Barry Callebaut's 'Top Chocolate Trends in 2025' report from January 2025, one out of two global consumers actively seeks out exclusive or seasonal ice cream offerings, underscoring the commercial viability of these innovative flavor formulations.

Key Players Profiled in the Vegan Ice-Cream Market

• Ben & Jerry's Homemade Holdings Inc.
• Unilever PLC
• BLISS UNLIMITED LLC
• Cado Ice Cream
• NadaMoo!
• Ripple Foods, PBC
• Daiya Foods Inc.
• Danone North America Public Benefit Corporation.
• Hain Celestial Group, Inc.
• Nestle S.A.

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Vegan Ice-Cream Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Vegan Ice-Cream Market, by Flavor:

• Chocolate
• Vanilla
• Strawberry
• Others (Caramel
• Blueberry
• etc.)

Vegan Ice-Cream Market, by Product Type:

• Tub
• Sticks
• Cones
• Others (Carterton)

Vegan Ice-Cream Market, by Source:

• Coconut Milk
• Cashew Milk
• Soy Milk
• Almond Milk
• Others (Rice Milk
• Combination)

Vegan Ice-Cream Market, by Distribution Channel:

• Specialty Stores
• Convenience Stores
• Hypermarkets & Supermarkets
• Online
• Others (Dealers & Distributors Sales
• etc.)

Vegan Ice-Cream Market, by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Vegan Ice-Cream Market.

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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