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The global plant-based ice creams market size was valued at USD 732.6 million in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 4.4% from 2025 to 2034. Consumer demands for more sustainable and nutritious food alternatives have propelled the market significantly. Individuals are increasingly exploring alternatives to traditional dairy-based ice creams as they grow more health-conscious and conscious of the environmental effect of their dietary choices. Plant-based ice creams, which are frequently lower in saturated fats, lactose-free, and cholesterol-free are compatible with these dietary preferences and provide a guilt-free treat.
Furthermore, advances in food technology have been crucial in the production of high-quality plant-based ice cream products. Innovative manufacturing processes have enabled producers to make plant-based ice creams that nearly resemble the flavor, texture, and creaminess of traditional dairy ice creams, meeting customer expectations for a fulfilling frozen dessert experience. These technical advancements have aided the expansion of the plant-based ice cream business by making these products more accessible and pleasurable to a larger consumer base.
Report Attribute | Details |
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Base Year: | 2024 |
Plant-based Ice Creams Market Size in 2024: | USD 732.6 Million |
Forecast Period: | 2025 – 2034 |
Forecast Period 2025 – 2034 CAGR: | 4.4% |
2025 – 2034 Value Projection: | USD 1.1 Billion |
Historical Data for: | 2021 – 2024 |
No. of Pages: | 235 |
Tables, Charts & Figures: | 165 |
Segments covered: | Form, Flavor, Packaging Type, Source, And Distribution Channel |
Growth Drivers: |
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Pitfalls & Challenges: |
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A notable trend in the plant-based ice cream industry is the continuous expansion and innovation in flavor and ingredient offerings. As consumer preferences for dairy-free, vegan, and healthier frozen dessert options grow, manufacturers are responding by introducing a wide range of unique and indulgent plant-based ice cream flavors, often using ingredients like coconut, almond, oat, and cashew milk, as well as creative mix-ins and toppings. This trend is driven by the desire to cater to a diverse customer base, appealing to those seeking both traditional and novel taste experiences in the plant-based ice cream category.
The plant-based ice cream industry has seen significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for dairy-free, vegan, and health-conscious dessert options. This market's expansion is fueled by the rising awareness of lactose intolerance, veganism, and environmental concerns related to animal farming. Plant-based ice cream alternatives, made from ingredients like almond milk, coconut milk, soy, oat, and cashew milk, cater to a broad consumer base, including those with dietary restrictions or seeking cleaner, more sustainable options.
Key players in the market, such as Oatly, Ben & Jerry’s, and So Delicious, have expanded their product lines to include flavors mimicking traditional dairy ice cream, offering a wide variety of choices in terms of taste, texture, and nutritional benefits. The growth of e-commerce and availability in supermarkets further enhances market accessibility. In addition to flavor innovation, the market has seen the introduction of low-calorie, sugar-free, and protein-fortified options, targeting health-conscious individuals. As sustainability and ethical considerations become more prominent, many brands are leveraging organic, non-GMO, and locally sourced ingredients to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
The market is also benefiting from the increasing availability of plant-based ice cream in restaurants, ice cream parlors, and foodservice outlets, broadening its reach. However, challenges such as the higher price point compared to traditional dairy ice cream and the need to overcome taste and texture barriers in some plant-based products still persist. Despite this, the growing trend of plant-based diets, coupled with increasing product innovations, is expected to continue driving the market forward.
Based on form, the market is segmented as blends and singles. The singles segment held a majority market value of USD 491.7 million in 2024. This is because singles are simpler to produce and less expensive than blends, offering a cost-effective solution for both manufacturers and consumers. The production process for single-ingredient products typically involves fewer steps and less complex formulations, leading to reduced production costs.
Additionally, singles are more convenient for consumers, as they can be easily stored and consumed without the need for mixing or combining with other ingredients, making them ideal for on-the-go consumption. The simplicity of singles also allows for clearer labeling, which appeals to consumers seeking transparency in their food choices. This convenience factor extends to the versatility of singles, which can be used across a wide variety of applications, from snacks to meals, without the additional preparation time often required for blends.
Moreover, singles often have a longer shelf life compared to blends, as the lack of complex ingredient combinations can result in a more stable product. In a fast-paced world where consumers value quick, hassle-free options, the demand for singles continues to rise. This growing preference is further driven by trends in health-conscious eating, where consumers seek products with fewer ingredients and greater control over what they are consuming. Thus, the combination of cost-effectiveness, convenience, versatility, and consumer demand for simplicity has made singles a dominant force in many food markets.
Based on flavor, the plant-based ice cream market is segmented as beans, nuts, fruits, herbs, and others. The fruits segment held a dominant market share of around 33.7% in 2024. The growing customer preference for healthier and natural dessert alternatives is driving the market for fruit-flavored plant-based ice creams. Fruit tastes are connected with freshness and perceived health advantages, which corresponds to the rising trend of health-conscious customers choosing dairy-free options.
These products provide a guilt-free enjoyment while also catering to dietary choices and allergy concerns, eventually supporting the expansion of the plant-based ice creams market. Thus, the aforementioned factors are projected to expedite the Plant-based Ice Creams market growth in the coming years.
Based on packaging type, the plant-based ice cream market is segmented as tubs, cones, bars, and others. Tubs held a majority market value and CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period. Consumers' increasing preference for eco-friendly and sustainable packaging options is driving demand for tub packaging in the market. There is a significant demand to eliminate single-use plastic waste often linked with traditional ice cream cartons as environmental awareness increases.
Tub packaging, which is frequently composed of materials such as paperboard or biodegradable plastics, is consistent with the sustainability goals of plant-based ice cream customers, and its ease and recyclability make it an appealing choice for both manufacturers and environmentally concerned customers.
Based on source, the plant-based ice creams market is segmented as coconut milk, soy milk, almond milk, cashew milk, and others. The coconut milk segment held a majority market value of USD 263.3 million in 2024. Coconut milk is a popular plant-based milk that is increasingly being used to make plant-based ice cream. Coconut milk is a good source of healthy fats, and it has a creamy texture that is well-suited for ice cream making. Coconut milk is also a relatively affordable plant-based milk, which makes it a good option for plant-based ice cream producers.
Based on distribution channel, the plant-based ice cream market is segmented as supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty stores, online retail, and others. The supermarkets and hypermarkets segment held a majority market value of USD 359.2 million in 2024. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the key distribution channels for plant-based ice creams, with a large choice of plant-based ice cream products from various brands available. This makes it simple for customers to locate and buy plant-based ice cream.
Furthermore, supermarkets and hypermarkets frequently conduct deals and discounts on plant-based ice creams, making them cheaper to customers. This is driving demand for plant-based ice creams in supermarkets and hypermarkets.
The U.S. plant-based ice creams market size dominated around USD 210.5 million in 2024, driven by changing consumer preferences toward healthier and more sustainable alternatives to traditional dairy products. Increasing awareness of lactose intolerance, veganism, and the environmental impact of dairy farming has fueled the demand for plant-based options. The rise of health-conscious consumers, who are seeking low-calorie, low-sugar, and dairy-free alternatives, has further boosted the market.
Additionally, growing concerns over animal welfare and sustainability have led to a shift toward plant-based diets, with many individuals looking to reduce their carbon footprint. The U.S. market also benefits from the innovation of new flavors and product formulations, catering to a wide variety of tastes and dietary needs. E-commerce platforms and retail chains expanding their offerings of plant-based desserts have also played a significant role in increasing accessibility and availability, making plant-based ice cream more mainstream.
In North America, the plant-based ice cream market is experiencing robust growth, supported by similar trends observed in the U.S., as well as in Canada and Mexico. The growing adoption of plant-based diets across the region, combined with rising awareness about health, environmental sustainability, and ethical consumption, has driven the demand for plant-based ice cream. North America also sees an increase in the number of startups and established companies innovating with new ingredients like oat, coconut, and almond milk to create appealing alternatives to traditional dairy ice cream.
As more consumers seek plant-based options for various dietary preferences, including veganism and lactose intolerance, North America has become a major hub for the development and distribution of plant-based ice cream products. Furthermore, the region benefits from strong distribution channels and increasing availability in supermarkets, specialty stores, and foodservice outlets, making plant-based ice cream more accessible to a wider audience. With rising consumer spending on plant-based products, the North American market is expected to continue growing at a strong pace, driven by product innovation and a shift in consumer behavior toward more sustainable food choices.
The growth of the plant-based ice cream industry has been significantly influenced by companies such as Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Bliss Unlimited, LUV Ice Cream, Happy Cow, Oatly, and others, who have played a pivotal role in expanding the availability and variety of plant-based options. These companies have tapped into the growing demand for dairy-free, vegan, and health-conscious alternatives by offering innovative flavors and formulations using ingredients like almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, and soy.
Ben & Jerry's, for instance, has leveraged its strong brand recognition to introduce a diverse range of plant-based ice cream flavors, while Oatly’s entry into the market with oat-based options has further fueled consumer interest. Bliss Unlimited and LUV Ice Cream have focused on providing premium, indulgent plant-based desserts, targeting consumers looking for high-quality, dairy-free alternatives.
Happy Cow has capitalized on the rising trend of sustainability and ethical consumption, aligning its products with environmental and animal welfare concerns. The collective efforts of these companies have not only contributed to the mainstream acceptance of plant-based ice cream but also expanded the market’s reach through both retail and foodservice channels. As consumer preferences continue to shift toward plant-based diets, these companies are expected to remain key players, driving innovation and further growth in the market.
Major players operating in the plant-based ice creams industry are:
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Market, By Form
Market, By Flavor
Market, By Packaging Type
Market, By Sources
Market, By Distribution Channel
The above information is provided for the following regions and countries: