Plant-Based Ice Cream Global Market Report 2025

The plant-based ice cream market size has grown exponentially in recent years. It will grow from $3.53 billion in 2024 to $4.25 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing adoption of plant-based diets, rising popularity of organic food products, a rise in environmental awareness, increasing innovation in dairy alternatives, and rising influence of social media on vegan lifestyles.

The plant-based ice cream market size is expected to see exponential growth in the next few years. It will grow to " $9.08 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for healthier dessert options, increasing availability of plant-based ingredients, a rise in plant-based product innovation, expanding distribution channels for plant-based foods, and rising consumer preference for clean label products. Major trends in the forecast period include advancements in plant-based ice cream flavors and textures, advanced production technologies for cost-effective manufacturing, the development of cleaner label and organic plant-based ingredients, innovation in packaging for eco-friendly and convenience-focused solutions, and advancements in marketing strategies targeting health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.

The forecast of 20.9% growth over the next five years reflects a slight reduction of 0.1% from the previous estimate for this market.This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. This is likely to directly affect the US by making dairy-free desserts more expensive, as tariffs on coconut milk and cashews from Indonesia and India raise ingredient costs for manufacturers.The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.

The growing number of consumers opting for vegan foods is expected to drive the expansion of the plant-based ice cream market. Vegan foods, which exclude all animal-derived ingredients, are gaining popularity due to increasing health awareness, environmental concerns, and a demand for ethical, cruelty-free alternatives. As consumers embrace plant-based diets, there is a rising need for dairy-free desserts that align with their health-conscious and ethical values. Plant-based ice cream meets this demand by offering a dairy-free option that fits within the health and environmental priorities of vegan consumers. For example, a 2023 report from the Plant-Based Foods Association revealed that 70% of the U.S. population was consuming plant-based foods in 2022, a notable increase from 66% in 2021. This shift towards vegan food consumption is expected to continue driving growth in the plant-based ice cream sector.

Leading companies in the plant-based ice cream market are focusing on innovation. They are introducing new products, such as vegan twin-flavored ice creams, to appeal to health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers who seek indulgent yet sustainable dessert options. Vegan ice cream, made from plant-based ingredients such as almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk, serves as a dairy-free alternative to traditional frozen desserts. For instance, in February 2024, Unilever’s Magnum brand launched a new vegan ice cream flavor, Chill Blueberry Cookie. This flavor features a blueberry sorbet center, surrounded by vegan milk chocolate and cookie elements, designed to meet the demand for plant-based treats that evoke specific moods, such as promoting calm and relaxation.

In April 2024, Greenyard, a Belgium-based company specializing in fresh fruits and vegetables, acquired Crème de la Crème Inc. This acquisition strengthens Greenyard's plant-based portfolio and supports its strategy of expanding into guilt-free, fruit- and vegetable-based snacks. Crème de la Crème is a food technology company known for its plant-based frozen desserts, and the acquisition enhances Greenyard's ability to offer a broader range of pure-plant products.

Plant-based ice creams are frozen desserts free from dairy, crafted using different plant-based milk alternatives. Aimed at vegan, health-conscious, and lactose-intolerant individuals, these desserts mimic the rich texture and flavor of traditional ice cream without the use of animal-based products. They promote healthier eating, support sustainable food choices, and serve as eco-friendly alternatives to regular dairy ice cream. Ultimately, these products broaden consumer options while encouraging dietary sustainability.

The primary categories of plant-based ice cream include bars, cones, cups or tubs, and others. Ice cream bars are individually wrapped, on-the-go treats made with dairy-free milks such as almond or coconut milk. These treats are created from a variety of plant sources such as soy milk, coconut milk, almond milk, cashew milk, and others. They are available in numerous flavors, featuring ingredients such as beans, nuts, fruits, and herbs. Plant-based ice cream is sold through several distribution channels, including indirect sales, hypermarkets or supermarkets, franchise outlets, online platforms, and more.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The rapid implementation of U.S. tariffs and the resulting trade tensions in spring 2025 are having a notable impact on the food and beverage sector. Rising costs for imported ingredients such as olive oil, cheese, and tropical fruits are pressuring food manufacturers to either reformulate their products or absorb reduced profit margins. Beverage producers are similarly affected, with tariffs on aluminum cans driving up packaging costs. Meanwhile, retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural exports like soybeans and pork are disrupting farm-to-processor supply chains. In response, companies are adjusting recipes, increasing local sourcing, and using commodity hedging strategies to manage price volatility.

The plant-based ice cream market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides plant-based ice cream market statistics, including the plant-based ice cream industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the plant-based ice cream market share, detailed plant-based ice cream market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the plant-based ice cream industry. This plant-based ice cream market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

Major players in the plant-based ice cream market are Nestlé S.A., Danone S.A., Baskin-Robbins, Ben & Jerry's Homemade Holdings Inc., Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams LLC, Pressed Juicery Inc, Salt & Straw LLC, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream LLC, GoodPop LLC, Vegetarian Express Ltd., Little Red Rooster Ice Cream Company LLC, Booja-Booja Ltd., The Brooklyn Creamery, Cado Inc., Wildgood Inc., McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams Inc., Cosmic Bliss Inc., PapaCream, Natural Ice cream, Poco Ice Cream LLC.

North America was the largest region in the plant-based ice cream market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in plant-based ice creams report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

The countries covered in the plant-based ice creams market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The plant-based ice creams market consists of sales of plant-based ice cream sticks, cups, cakes, and soft serve. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values and are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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