In 2023, Ben & Jerry’s was the leading ice cream brand in the United States, based on sales of *** million U.S. dollars. As impressive as the performance of Ben & Jerry’s is, private-label products made even more sales. Taken together, these products achieved a sales value of *** billion U.S. dollars. Considering the total U.S. ice cream market generated a revenue of **** billion U.S. dollars, this is still just a scoop full even if it’s the biggest. Ice cream brands in the U.S. Brands' unit sales somewhat mirror the sales values of the sector. Private-label once again leads Ben & Jerry’s. However, the distance between branded offers and private-label products is much larger. Private-label products sold *** million units, over double Ben & Jerry’s *** million units sold. Ben & Jerry’s is number one in popularity among consumers. Leading Breyer’s and Blue Bunny in second and third place, respectively. The U.S. ice cream market Ice cream is a part of the frozen dessert category and serves as an indulgent snack for those with a sweet tooth. Ice cream comes in a large variety of styles, ranging from regular ice cream to low-fat ice cream. There are fruity and creamy options available, or a combination of both. In recent years, lactose-free and sugar-reduced options have also become a mainstay of the industry. The retail price of ice cream products such as pre-pack, bulk, and regular ice cream has recently reached new heights. Prices have doubled compared to 1995 values. Still, consumers eat about **** kilograms of ice cream annually.

**% of U.S. respondents who buy ice cream regularly consume Ben & Jerry's, making them the most popular ice cream brand in the United States. The results presented in this statistic are based on the GCS Special Food & Nutrition, an online survey among the U.S. residial online population, conducted in *************.

The Ice Cream Stores industry has expanded over the five years to 2025 at an annualized rate of 5.8% to $7.4 billion, including 0.9% growth in 2025 alone. Demand for ice cream in the United States has grown, mainly due to increased disposable income and a falling healthy eating index, a measure quantifying how much the US' annual diet adheres to recommended healthy eating guidelines. Despite the general increase in appetite for ice cream, significant challenges must be navigated. The most pressing issue is the rising cost of milk, a key ingredient in ice cream production. This rise in input prices has conversely squeezed profit over the past five years. Due to the high fat and sugar content, ice cream and gelato are not typically considered part of a healthy diet. While some health-conscious consumers have shifted their preference from ice cream to sorbets, frozen yogurt and other healthier dessert alternatives have captured significant market share. Therefore, another challenge lies in the competition from healthier dessert alternatives like frozen yogurt. Ice cream shops are expanding their offerings to maintain their market share, creating products that align with health-conscious trends. Strategies like unusual flavor combinations, interactive features and special events are being utilized to stand out. Besides, inflation and tariffs have increased purchase costs, subsequently pushing up the costs for ice cream stores, thus affecting their profitability. Overall, the industry is forecast to expand at a CAGR of 1.0% over the five years to 2030, reaching $7.9 billion. The growth is partly driven by a substantial increase in households' disposable income, which allows them to spend generously on ice cream stores.

The United States Ice Cream Market is segmented by Distribution Channel (Off-Trade, On-Trade). Market Value in USD and Volume are both presented. Key Data Points observed include Per capita consumption; Population; and Dairy production.

An online survey of U.S. consumers in 2017 found that********s is the most regularly purchased brand of ice cream, followed by******************. Top selling ice cream brands Private label ice cream generated the highest dollar sales of any brand of ice cream in the United States. Ben & Jerry’s was the bestselling name brand ice cream in the United States in 2018, followed by Blue Bell. Non-dairy ice cream With the increasing popularity of veganism as well as better accommodation for those suffering from lactose intolerance, frozen dessert manufacturers are responding by producing coconut, almond, or soy based ice cream. Between 2016 and 2017, dollar sales of non-dairy ice cream increased by a staggering ** percent, more than any other type of ice cream in the United States. Sorbet, which often contains no dairy, also saw a *** percent increase in sales during that time period.

The ice cream market in Canada was forecast to be worth around 2.79 billion U.S. dollars in 2019. This is an estimated increase in value of around 250 million U.S. dollars over a five-year period.

Sales breakdown

Take-home and bulk, single-serve and artisanal are some of the main categories within the ice cream market. Take-home and bulk-bought ice cream is expected to make up the largest portion of the market in Canada in 2019, followed by single-serve and then artisanal. The term artisanal can encompass small-batch ice cream producers, resulting in more handmade and generally more expensive products.

Leading flavors

In 2018, vanilla was the highest selling ice cream flavor in Canada as sales reached approximately 132.37 million U.S. dollars. Chocolate and Neapolitan were ranked in second and third places, with around 89 and 18 million U.S. dollars’ worth of sales respectively. When it comes to sales growth, cherry-flavored ice cream witnessed the biggest increase in 2018, followed by raspberry and strawberry.

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Ice Cream Market Size 2025-2029

The ice cream market size is forecast to increase by USD 31.7 billion at a CAGR of 6.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is driven by two significant trends: the demand for extended shelf life in ice cream products and the increasing preference for vegan options among millennial consumers. The former is a response to the growing need for convenience and longer preservation periods in the fast-paced modern lifestyle. This trend is pushing manufacturers to invest in advanced technologies and packaging solutions to enhance the product's longevity without compromising taste and quality. The increasing prevalence of obesity and related diseases among consumers, particularly among the younger demographic, is fueling this trend. To cater to dietary restrictions, ice cream manufacturers offer sugar substitutes and fat replacers.
As a result, companies are responding by launching innovative vegan ice cream offerings to cater to this growing consumer base. However, creating vegan ice cream that matches the taste, texture, and mouthfeel of dairy-based ice cream remains a significant challenge. Companies must invest in research and development to create vegan ice cream that appeals to both health-conscious consumers and traditional ice cream lovers. Effective navigation of these trends and challenges will be crucial for companies seeking to capitalize on the market's growth potential and maintain a competitive edge. Coconut milk, almond milk, cashew milk, and soy milk are some of the common plant-based bases used in vegan ice cream production.

What will be the Size of the Ice Cream Market during the forecast period?

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The market exhibits dynamic trends with a focus on catering to various dietary preferences and health-conscious consumers. Lactose-free and plant-based options are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers, while sugar content and calorie count remain key concerns. Frozen treats, including ice cream sandwiches, milkshakes, sundaes, and novelty items, are innovating with non-dairy alternatives and allergen-free options. Frozen yogurt and frozen desserts also contribute to this market, offering lower fat content and protein options. Ice cream carriers, such as bowls, dippers, and spoons, are designed to enhance the consumer experience.

Competitions and festivals showcase the creativity of ice cream makers, featuring unique flavors and presentations, from ice cream cakes and pies to floats and bars. Dairy ingredients remain essential, but the market is expanding to include a diverse range of frozen desserts. Meanwhile, the rising popularity of vegan ice cream is posing a challenge to traditional dairy-based ice cream brands.

How is this Ice Cream Industry segmented?

The ice cream industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  Impulse
  Take home
  Artisanal


Type

  Dairy
  Non-Dairy


Flavor

  Chocolate
  Vanilla
  Fruit
  Strawberry
  Others


Distribution Channel

  Supermarkets and hypermarkets
  Convenience stores
  Ice cream parlors
  Online retail
  Foodservice


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The Impulse segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. In the dynamic the market, companies cater to consumers' evolving preferences through product innovation and diverse offerings. Ice cream mixes and gelato mixes, available in bulk packaging, are popular choices for ice cream parlors and foodservice operators. Online retailers have emerged as significant distribution channels, enabling consumers to explore a wide range of new flavors, including salted caramel, peanut butter, and fruit purees. Consumer preferences lean towards local sourcing, fair trade ingredients, and novel textures, driving the demand for artisan ice cream and gourmet ice cream.

Continuous freezers and frozen dessert machines facilitate efficient production and distribution. Premium ice cream brands highlight unique ingredients, such as cookie dough and chocolate coatings, to cater to health consciousness and indulgence. Soft serve machines and batch freezers cater to the convenience stores and foodservice sectors, while retail packaging and foodservice packaging ensure product freshness. Sorbet mixes and whipped cream are popular add-ons, while flavor trends shift towards healthier options, such as plant-based and low-calorie ice

Discover some of the most popular full fat ice cream brands that offer a wide range of flavors and varieties, including Ben & Jerry's, Haagen-Dazs, Blue Bell, Tillamook, and Turkey Hill. Indulge in their rich and creamy textures for a delicious treat that will satisfy any ice cream craving.

Amongst the leading ice cream brands in Canada in 2017, Breyers had the highest retail sales at approximately ***** million U.S. dollars. Häagen-Dazs came in second with around ***** million U.S. dollars worth of sales.

Ben & Jerry's was the most popular brand of ice cream among survey respondents in the United States in 2024, based on consumption. Some ** percent of consumers stated that they had eaten Ben & Jerry's ice cream in the past year.

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Wafer Biscuit Market Size 2024-2028

The wafer biscuit market size is forecast to increase by USD 2.87 billion at a CAGR of 5.84% between 2023 and 2028. The wafer biscuit market is experiencing significant growth driven by innovation in flavors and varieties, catering to evolving consumer preferences. Brands are increasingly launching new products that incorporate unique ingredients, such as exotic fruits, savory spices, and even health-conscious options like protein-enriched wafers. This diversification not only appeals to a broader audience but also stimulates interest among adventurous eaters looking for novel snacking experiences. Furthermore, the rise in on-trade sales of confectionery bakery items, such as cafes and specialty stores, enhances visibility and accessibility of wafer biscuits. This trend fosters a premium positioning for these snacks, encouraging impulse purchases and elevating their status from everyday treats to gourmet experiences, thereby propelling market growth and brand loyalty.

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The Protein-rich, Hypermarkets, Supermarkets, and Chocolate bars are significant contributors to the market. Fiber-rich wafers have gained popularity due to their health benefits, driving market growth. Biscuits, Coated with various flavors, cater to diverse consumer preferences. The Cream-filled wafers segment also experiences steady demand. Cookies and Cakes, often containing wafers, are part of this market landscape. Retailers outlets, such as hypermarkets and supermarkets, are crucial distribution channels. The market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by consumer preferences for convenient and tasty snack options.

Market Segmentation

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Type

  Cream-filled
  Coated


Geography

  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    Italy


  North America

    US


  APAC

    China


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

By Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The offline distribution channels refer to the distribution of the biscuits through physical stores, supermarkets, and other brick-and-mortar retail outlets. This method of distribution has been the traditional method of selling the products and has been in use for a long time.

Further, offline distribution channels are characterized by the physical presence of retailers or distributors who sell biscuits to customers. This method of distribution offers customers the opportunity to interact with the products physically before making a purchase. It also allows consumers to get the biscuit immediately after purchase without waiting for delivery. However, offline distribution channels have some drawbacks, such as limited reach, high overhead costs, and limited product variety. Nevertheless, they still play a vital role in the market, especially for those who prefer to shop in person. Most customers prefer to buy the biscuits in offline stores because they can check the quality, color, and taste. Thus, the offline segment in the market is expected to witness moderate growth during the forecast period.

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The offline segment accounted for USD 5.48 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Insights

Europe is estimated to contribute 31% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market encompasses various product categories, including Cream-Filled and Coated Wafer Biscuits. Madagascar vanilla is a popular flavoring for Cream-Filled Biscuits, while Chocolate coating is common for Coated Wafer Biscuits. Other related products include Chocolate bars, Cookies, and Ice creams. Retail outlets, supermarkets & hypermarkets, and online channels are key distribution channels. Urbanization drives market growth, with consumers increasingly opting for convenient snacking options. Key players offer a range of Cream-filled and Coated Wafer Biscuits, with Coffee Crisp being a notable brand. Cream flavoring and Chocolate coating are common features across product offerings.

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Market Driver

Innovation in flavors and varieties in

In 2025, General Mills’ global net sales amounted to almost ***** billion U.S. dollars, a decrease of around *** million U.S. dollars compared to the previous year. The fiscal year-end of the company is the last Sunday in May. General Mills worldwide General Mills, Inc. is an American food company, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Beginning over 150 years ago, the company now sells various types of food products, such as baking mixes, ice cream, and pet food, across the globe. In 2024, General Mills’ top-selling product categories included snacks, cereal, and convenient meals. North America Retail The company’s largest global operating segment by far was its North America Retail segment: almost ***** billion U.S. dollars of net sales was generated within this segment in 2024, while all other segments generated between *** ********* billion. The company’s North America Retail segment consists of a number of divisions, the largest of which being the U.S. Meals & Baking division. This division alone generated over *** billion U.S. dollars’ worth of net sales in 2024.

According to Cognitive Market Research, The Global Mochi market size is USD 381 million in 2023 andwill grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.50% from 2023 to 2030.

The demand for mochi is rising due to the rising demand for healthier dining options with reduced levels of saturated fat.
Demand for strip mochi remains higher in the mochi market.
The supermarket category held the highest mochi market revenue share in 2023.
North America will continue to lead, whereas the Asia Pacific mochi market will experience the strongest growth until 2030.

Growing Consumer Interest in International Cuisine to Provide Viable Market Output

The Mochi market is the increasing global interest in diverse and exotic cuisines. Mochi, a traditional Japanese delicacy, has gained immense popularity worldwide. With globalization and the ease of international trade, people from different cultures are now more exposed to various cuisines, including Japanese. Mochi, with its unique chewy texture and versatile fillings, appeals to the adventurous foodie in search of novel experiences.

Japanese mochi maker Shirakiku Co. announced in August 2022 that it is expanding into the US market. The company will sell its mochi products through select retailers and online. This expansion is expected to boost the growth of the mochi market in the US.

(Source: www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mymochi-doubles-down-on-innovation-in-2023-introducing-new-mochi-ice-cream-flavors-and-expanding-into-new-categories-301761449.html)

As a result, there's a rising demand for authentic mochi products and innovative mochi-based desserts. This trend is further amplified by social media, where food enthusiasts share their culinary explorations, creating a buzz around mochi and driving its market growth.

Health and Wellness Trends to Propel Market Growth

The Mochi market is the increasing focus on health-conscious eating. Consumers are now more aware of their dietary choices, seeking healthier snack options. Traditionally made from glutinous rice flour, Mochi is gluten-free and offers a low-fat, low-calorie alternative to many other desserts and sweets. In order to meet the needs of the expanding vegan and health-conscious customer base, the industry has also experienced a spike in demand for vegan and organic mochi choices. In response to this desire, producers are coming out with delectable mochi products that also respect nutritional guidelines and tastes.

Increasing Vegan and Vegetarian Population Fuels the Market

Market Dynamics of the Mochi

Key Drivers for Mochi

Asian Cuisine's Globalization and Cultural Curiosity: The demand for mochi has increased dramatically due to the growing appeal of Japanese food on a global scale. Consumer interest in and acceptance of traditional Japanese foods in Western markets has increased due to international exposure through social media, food tourism, and Japanese pop culture.

Flavor and Product Format Innovations: In addition to new product forms like mochi ice cream, mochi donuts, and fusion desserts, manufacturers are launching a variety of creative mochi flavors, including matcha, chocolate, strawberry, and mango. Both younger consumers looking for novelty and traditionalists will find these innovations appealing.

Growing Interest in Plant-Based and Gluten-Free Snacks: Mochi fits in with the growing consumer preference for plant-based and gluten-free food products because it is usually made from glutinous rice and frequently contains no dairy, especially in traditional varieties. This feature has increased its appeal to populations that are sensitive to allergies and health issues.

Key Restraints for Mochi

Limited Shelf Life and Storage Issues: Conventional mochi has a short shelf life and needs to be frozen or refrigerated, especially for filled or ice cream varieties. These logistics limitations limit retail flexibility and make long-distance transportation difficult, particularly in markets with weak cold chain infrastructure. Choking Hazard Risk, Particularly for Youngsters and the Elderly: Mochi's chewy, sticky texture has been linked to choking incidents, prompting health warnings in certain nations. Particularly in regulatory environments that are cautious, this safety concern may have a detrimental effect on its reputation and reduce its customer base.

Insufficient Knowledge Outside of Specific Ethni...

This graph shows the leading ice cream manufacturers worldwide in 2010 and 2015, based on market share. In 2010, Nestlé SA was the second ranked ice cream manufacturer worldwide with a market share of ** percent. Ice cream production - additional informationIn the 12th century, Marco Polo returned to Italy from his travels to Asia with a recipe that was akin to the modern sherbet. Historians claim that this recipe developed into ice cream during the 16th century. “Cream ice” was known to be a favorite dessert of Charles I during the 17th century. A similar dessert was introduced to France by Catherine de Medici when she married Henry II. Ice cream was first made available to the public around 1660. In the United States, the earliest account of ice cream came from a letter in 1744. The dessert was first advertised in the New York Gazette in 1777. Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were also known to be avid fans of the rare and exotic dessert. In 1851, the ice cream manufacturing began with Jacob Fussell, a milk dealer from Baltimore. In 2015, the leading global ice cream manufacturers were Unilever, Nestlé, General Mills and Lotte Group. Unilever accounted to a **** percent market share that year, followed by Nestlé with **** percent.In 2016, the best-selling ice cream brands in the United States included Breyer’s, Ben & Jerry’s and Häagen Dazs. Private labels generated approximately **** billion U.S. dollars in sales that year.

In 2024, Frito Lay was the leading potato chips vendor in the United States, based on sales of over *** billion U.S. dollars. Ruffles was the next best selling chip at *** billion dollars. Potato chips industry in the United States - additional information Although the exact origins of potato chips are disputed, they have become a staple snack food around the world and are associated with the U.S. American culture just as much as chewing gum and peanut butter. According to industry representatives, not only is the potato chip more than 160 years old, but the potato chip industry itself can be traced back to 1895, when the product first became available in grocery stores. A recent survey showed that potato chips are Americans' second snack food of choice, more so than chocolate, cheese or ice cream.

According to market share figures, Breyer’s was the leading take-home ice cream brand in Canada in 2014 with **** percent. Häagen-Dazs and Chapman’s followed as the second and third most popular brands, with shares of **** and **** percent respectively.

Ice cream preferences in Canada

Whilst there is a clear brand preference among Canadian ice cream consumers, according to sales figures there are also favored flavors. In 2018, vanilla was the top-selling flavor, with sales reaching approximately *** million U.S. dollars. Chocolate and Neapolitan ranked in second and third places, with sales of around ** and ** million U.S. dollars respectively. According to a recent survey, the majority of Canadians named Dairy queen as their favorite frozen dessert chain.

Ice cream market in Canada

In 2018, Canada produced approximately *** million liters of hard ice cream. Canada is also active in the international trade of the foodstuff: in 2018 they imported around **** million Canadian dollars’ worth of ice cream and edible ice cream products. The majority of these imports come from the United States.

This statistic shows the brands of frozen novelty treats used most often in the United States in 2020. The data has been calculated by Statista based on the U.S. Census data and Simmons National Consumer Survey (NHCS). According to this statistic, ***** million Americans used Klondike Bars in 2020.

In the third quarter of 2024, sales of Unilever's ice cream segment increased by 9.8 percent, and continued to increase by 4.3 percent in the fourth quarter of the same year, supported by operational improvements and innovations.

This statistic shows the number of Baskin-Robbins stores worldwide from 2007 to 2019, by region. There were ***** Baskin-Robbins stores in the United States in 2019.

Baskin-Robbins is a brand of the Dunkin' Brands franchise. Dunkin' Brands is a franchise of quick service restaurants, selling hot and cold coffee, baked goods and ice cream from more than ****** outlets worldwide.

In 2024, General Mills’ global net sales amounted to almost 19.86 billion U.S. dollars, a decrease of nearly 140 million U.S. dollars compared to the previous year. The fiscal year-end of the company is the last Sunday in May. General Mills worldwide General Mills, Inc. is an American food company, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Beginning over 150 years ago, the company now sells various types of food products, such as baking mixes, ice cream, and pet food, across the globe. In 2023, General Mills’ top-selling product categories included snacks, cereal, and convenient meals. North America Retail The company’s largest global operating segment by far was its North America Retail segment: almost 12.66 billion U.S. dollars of net sales was generated within this segment in 2023, while all other segments generated under two billion. The company’s North America Retail segment consists of a number of divisions, the largest of which being the U.S. Meals & Baking division. This division alone generated over 4.4 billion U.S. dollars’ worth of net sales in 2023.