January 9, 2025 – Globally, ice cream and frozen yogurt are preferred for their ability to combine indulgence with comfort and versatility. Innova’s 360 research into global ice cream trends highlights the latest product launches, innovations, brands, flavors, and what is likely to develop in the future.
Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Product Launch Trends
Ice cream market and frozen yogurt cluster launches display a 6% rise in launches over the past year, driven by evolving consumer preferences. Globally, 36% of consumers prefer to limit unhealthy ingredients to make indulgent foods healthier. In line with this, launches incorporating stevia, monk fruit extract, and preparations made with fruit pulp and juice concentrates cater to this demand by offering products with reduced or no added sugar. This appeals to those who focus on improving their health. This aligns with Innova’s annual trend of 2024, ‘Indulging in Health,’ which highlights where consumers are becoming more health-conscious and desire products that balance indulgence and well-being.
Dairy-based ice cream and frozen yogurt are the leading subcategories within the ice cream and frozen yogurt cluster, accounting for 93% of launches in the past year.
Leading Ice Cream Markets
Globally, Europe is the top market for ice cream and frozen yogurt launches. This is followed by Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.
Ice cream trends reveal that more than 1 in 4 consumers in Europe value locally sourced or produced options, driving demand for products that emphasize authenticity and local sourcing. Ice cream and frozen yogurt ranges featuring locally sourced milk, single-origin Belgian chocolate, Italian gelato, and artisanal recipes catering to this preference. Additionally, launches featuring crème fraîche from France might engage consumers seeking authentic ingredients. This aligns with another Innova’s annual top trend of 2024, ‘Local Goes Global,’ showcasing a growing consumer interest in familiar, authentic offerings that go beyond geographic boundaries.
Top Ice Cream Brands and Companies
Unilever is the frontrunner in ice cream and frozen yogurt cluster launches globally. The company leverages diverse flavor combinations and formats to appeal to a wide range of audiences. Ice cream trends highlight the popularity of local fruit flavors, with options ranging from parlor-style servings to bite-sized treats and family packs, broadening the product’s appeal to suit various occasions and lifestyles. The company customized products for different age groups, from kids to boomers; it attracts a more diverse audience.
Other notable key players in the ice cream market include Aldi, General Mills, Lidl, Froneri, Nestlé, and Lotte. These top 7 companies account for 28% of ice cream and frozen yogurt launches globally over the past year.
Claims and Positionings Trends
Vegetarian, gluten-free, indulgent and premium, no additives or preservatives, and halal are the top 5 positionings in the ice cream and frozen yogurt cluster launches over the past year.
Ice cream research trends reveal a growing emphasis on diverse claims customized to regional preferences. In Europe, traditional, lactose-free, and high-fiber options are gaining attention. Ice cream trends indicate that Asia Pacific consumers favor traditional, natural, and high-protein claims, while natural, plant-based, and vegan claims lead in the Middle East and Africa. North America experiences rising demand for plant-based, high-protein, and natural options, whereas Latin American consumers focus on no trans fats, seasonal – other, and natural claims.
Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Flavor Trends
Milk chocolate is the top flavor in ice cream and frozen yogurt cluster launches. This is followed by vanilla, strawberry, caramel, and almond.
Ice cream trends show that globally, 30% of consumers favor milk chocolate flavors in ice cream and desserts. Milk chocolate, combined with brown flavors like caramel and peanut butter, as well as nuts, vanilla, cake, and cookie options, remains attractive in the cluster. Additionally, milk chocolate crafted with diverse fruits such as berries, citrus, and other tropical fruits, in fillings, coatings, and pulpy cores, appeals to consumers.
What’s Next in the Global Ice Cream Trends?
Global ice cream trends show that nearly 1 in 5 consumers prefer ice creams and desserts free from artificial flavors and colors, driving demand for products with natural flavors like vanilla and coloring agents such as caramel, curcumin, anthocyanins, and spirulina extracts.
The ice cream market reflects that indulgence remains a key motivator, with 1 in 5 consumers globally influenced by indulgent aspects in their choices. Consequently, there has been a 10% rise in indulgent and premium offerings over the past year. Brands can capitalize on this trend with indulgent sauces like caramel and chestnut, dessert-inspired flavors like cheesecake and cookies, and classic milk chocolate and berry combinations. They can incorporate diverse textures such as creamy, crunchy, and fudge-like further to enhance appeal. Brands can innovate with multi-sensory experiences and innovative flavor combinations to cater to evolving consumer preferences.
This article is based on Innova’s Overview in Dairy & Non-Dairy Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt – Global report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more
