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

The Global Ice-Cream Dry Mixes Market is projected to increase from USD 939.04 Million in 2025 to USD 1.24 billion by 2031, reflecting a CAGR of 4.87%. These dry mixes are pre-blended powders consisting of milk solids, stabilizers, sweeteners, and flavorings that must be reconstituted with a liquid base, such as water or milk, before freezing. The market is largely driven by logistical benefits, as these mixes provide ambient storage capabilities and extended shelf life, significantly lowering the costs and dependencies associated with cold-chain distribution. Additionally, the operational consistency and simplicity offered by these formulations make them essential for quick-service restaurants and soft-serve terminals aiming to reduce waste and streamline labor.

However, the market encounters a significant challenge due to changing consumer preferences that favor clean-label, preservative-free, and fresh products, potentially reducing the appeal of processed dry formulations. Despite these headwinds, the demand for frozen desserts remains strong, ensuring the continued relevance of mix-based solutions. As reported by the USDA Economic Research Service, the total production of frozen dairy products and ice cream in the United States reached 1.386 billion gallons in 2024, highlighting the substantial market opportunity for these versatile ingredients.

Market Drivers

The rise of plant-based, vegan, and lactose-free product lines is fundamentally transforming the Global Ice-Cream Dry Mixes Market by requiring adaptable ingredient solutions. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting powder-based alternatives such as oat, almond, and coconut flour blends, which provide greater formulation stability compared to liquid non-dairy bases that often encounter separation or texture issues during transport. This transition facilitates the creation of inclusive dessert options that meet dietary restrictions without sacrificing the creamy mouthfeel critical to the category. According to the Good Food Institute's '2024 State of the Industry' report released in early 2025, global retail sales for plant-based categories, including ice cream, hit $28.6 billion in 2024, demonstrating the significant financial incentive for producers to diversify with dairy-free ingredients.

Simultaneously, the optimization of supply chain logistics and the reduction of cold chain reliance serve as critical drivers, as dry mixes remove the energy-intensive needs of frozen distribution. The financial burden of maintaining sub-zero temperatures for finished goods is a major pressure for large conglomerates, encouraging a shift toward ambient-stable powder solutions that are reconstituted at the point of sale. This operational complexity was highlighted when Unilever reported a turnover of €8.3 billion for its ice cream division in February 2025, yet noted a strategic separation from the broader business largely due to its capital-heavy cold chain model. Conversely, dry mixes support growth in regions with developing infrastructure; for example, Lotte Wellfood reported in July 2025 that their ice cream sales in the emerging Indian market reached 80.2 billion won in the first quarter, proving the strong demand for adaptable frozen dessert formats.

Market Challenges

The primary obstacle facing the Global Ice-Cream Dry Mixes Market is the growing consumer demand for fresh, clean-label, and preservative-free products. Dry mixes are inherently processed powder blends that frequently rely on dried milk solids, anti-caking agents, and stabilizers to ensure texture and shelf stability upon reconstitution. This composition conflicts with the purchasing standards of health-conscious consumers who increasingly examine ingredient lists for highly processed components and artificial additives. Consequently, the perception of dry mixes as "industrial" or "artificial" restricts their adoption, particularly among premium foodservice operators who prioritize marketing their items as freshly made or artisanal to uphold brand value.

This operational friction drives many retailers to prefer fresh liquid dairy bases over powder formats to meet the demand for transparency, thereby decreasing reliance on dry mix solutions. The market impact of this trend is substantial, as product composition has become a decisive factor in consumption. According to the National Frozen & Refrigerated Food Association, 71% of adults in 2024 preferred ice cream made with simple, natural ingredients. This prevailing sentiment limits the growth potential for standard dry mix formulations, as manufacturers encounter barriers in penetrating the expanding premium and "better-for-you" frozen dessert segments where ingredient simplicity is essential.

Market Trends

The proliferation of functional and fortified mixes is gaining significant momentum as consumers increasingly view frozen desserts through a wellness lens, encouraging manufacturers to develop powders enriched with protein, dietary fiber, and probiotics. This trend shifts the value proposition of dry mixes, turning them from simple indulgences into carriers of functional nutrition that support digestion and immunity without needing cold-chain preservation for active cultures. This shift is validated by consumer attitudes toward gut health; according to Beneo’s April 2024 'Consumer Survey on Prebiotics', 82% of U.S. consumers believe their digestive health heavily influences their physical well-being. This awareness is driving the creation of prebiotic-infused base mixes, allowing foodservice operators to offer "better-for-you" soft serve options that align with proactive health management.

concurrently, the premiumization of flavor profiles is pushing the market to expand beyond standard chocolate and vanilla foundations, as producers introduce globally inspired and artisanal varieties to compete with fresh gelato. This diversification is vital for maintaining interest among consumers who value taste novelty and seek unique sensory experiences in the convenience sector. The dominance of flavor as a purchase driver dictates this strategy; according to the International Dairy Foods Association’s 'Ice Cream Trends Survey' from July 2024, 94% of respondents identified flavor as the most important factor when selecting ice cream, necessitating a wider portfolio of complex powder blends. By incorporating profiles like matcha or salted caramel directly into the dry mix, manufacturers enable operators to deliver trend-forward desserts with consistent quality.

Key Players Profiled in the Ice-Cream Dry Mixes Market

• Mr Dewie's cashew creamery
• Nimje Industries
• Keliff's
• Amrut International
• TOP Creamery
• Wholefarm Australia Pty Ltd.
• Phoon Huat Pte Ltd.
• Amba Enterprise
• Skyline Food Products LLP
• Walnut Creek Foods

Report Scope

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

Ice-Cream Dry Mixes Market, by Flavor:

• Chocolate
• Vanilla
• Strawberry
• Chocolate Chip
• Nutty
• Coffee
• Fruit
• Others

Ice-Cream Dry Mixes Market, by Category:

• Dairy Based
• Non-Dairy Based

Ice-Cream Dry Mixes Market, by End Use:

• Restaurants and Cafes
• Ice Cream Manufacturers
• Ice Cream Parlors and Shops
• Home Ice Cream Makers
• Catering Businesses
• Specialty Food Retailers
• Others

Ice-Cream Dry Mixes Market, by Distribution Channel:

• B2B
• B2C

Ice-Cream Dry Mixes 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 Ice-Cream Dry Mixes 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).

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.