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.

United States Ice Cream Market was valued at USD 19.04 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow USD 23.43 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 3.58%.

The United States ice cream market value is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.80% between 2025 and 2034. The market is being aided by the growing demand for plant-based ice creams in the country.

The revenue in the 'Ice Cream' segment of the food market in the United States was modeled to stand at ************* U.S. dollars in 2024. Following a continuous upward trend, the revenue has risen by ************ U.S. dollars since 2018. Between 2024 and 2030, the revenue will rise by ************ U.S. dollars, continuing its consistent upward trajectory.Further information about the methodology, more market segments, and metrics can be found on the dedicated Market Insights page on Ice Cream.

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

The ice cream stores industry has expanded over the five years to 2024 at an annualized rate of 3.6% to $7.1 billion. This includes 2020 when the global pandemic saw a decrease in visits to ice cream stores as more consumers chose to satisfy their sweet tooth with ice cream gallons from supermarkets. In 2024 alone, industry revenue is expected to grow 1.0%. Despite stagnancy in profit, estimated to remain at 4.5% in 2024, specific trends have supported the ice cream store industry. The declining trend in the Healthy Eating Index, a measure quantifying how much the US' annual diet adheres to recommended healthy eating guidelines, has benefitted industry demand. 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. Besides, inflation has led to an increase in the price of milk, subsequently pushing up the costs for ice cream stores, thus affecting their profitability. Overall, the industry is forecast to expand at a CAGR of 1.6% over the five years to 2029, reaching $7.7 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 global ice cream market was worth ** billion U.S. dollars in 2017 and is expected to grow to nearly ** billion by 2024. This represents an over ** percent increase in market size over the period. Unilever was the market leader in ice cream manufacturing worldwide. Ice cream’s history In 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, and 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, Jacob Fussell, a milk dealer from Baltimore, began manufacturing ice cream. America’s favorite brands In the United States, Breyer’s and Ben & Jerry’s had the highest sales of all ice cream brands. Both brands are owned by Unilever. A recent survey on consumers’ preferred ice cream brands backed up these sales figures, as nearly half of respondents stated that they regularly purchased Breyer’s ice cream.

Ice cream producers navigate a rapidly evolving landscape characterized by intensified competition and fickle, shifting consumer preferences. Over the past five years, the largest producers have engaged in strategic mergers and acquisitions, such as PAI Partners' acquisition of Unilever's ice cream division in 2024, excluding Ben and Jerry's, to consolidate market power. This consolidation has sharpened the competitive landscape as companies vie for dominance in a market increasingly driven by demand for health-conscious and premium products. In response, brands heavily invest in product innovation and marketing strategies, leveraging digital platforms and influencer partnerships to maintain consumer engagement and brand loyalty. As competition heats up, introducing organic, plant-based and low-calorie alternatives is central to capturing today's health-conscious consumers. Revenue has been expanding at a CAGR of 3.3% over the past five years and is expected to hike at a CAGR of 1.0% in 2025, totaling $12.6 billion. Input price volatility has defined the current period, with producers contending with wild fluctuations in milk and sugar prices. These complexities caused fluctuations in average profit, but producers have stabilized it by 2025. This stability is largely attributed to effective supply chain strategies, including long-term contracts and diversified sourcing. The volatility of milk and sugar prices highlighted the need for agile pricing strategies and operational adjustments. Focusing on flavor innovation and strategic partnerships has allowed companies to navigate these economic uncertainties. Producers have differentiated from traditional offerings by enhancing product portfolios with limited edition and seasonal flavors, satisfying even the most fickle consumer tastes despite rising costs. Ice cream production is on track for further transformation in the coming years, driven by evolving health trends and global opportunities. Producers are poised to embrace functional ingredients, with an anticipated rise in keto-friendly and adaptogen-infused options. As plant-based alternatives gain traction, dairy-free options are expected to expand beyond niche status, providing new growth avenues. However, input costs are predicted to stabilize only moderately, with potential volatility still posing challenges, especially in sweeteners and alternative fat sources. Sustainability will take a forefront role, with innovations in packaging and eco-friendly practices reshaping operational strategies. As US producers explore internationally, they'll face the dual challenges of geopolitical uncertainties and local taste adaptations while striving for sustainable and innovative product development to maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly dynamic market. Revenue growth is forecast to slow over the next five years, climbing at a CAGR of 0.8% to $13.1 billion in 2030.

The United States Ice Cream report features an extensive regional analysis, identifying market penetration levels across major geographic areas. It highlights regional growth trends and opportunities, allowing businesses to tailor their market entry strategies and maximize growth in specific regions.

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.

The North America Non-dairy Ice Cream Market is segmented by Distribution Channel (Off-Trade) and by Country (Canada, Mexico, United States). Market Value in USD and Volume are both presented. Key Data Points observed include Per capita consumption; Population; and Production volume of plant-based products.

Discover the latest trends in the ice cream market in the United States with an anticipated CAGR of +0.1% in volume and +1.6% in value from 2024 to 2035, reaching 2.9M tons and $12.6B respectively by the end of 2035.

The revenue in the 'Ice Cream' segment of the food market in the United States was forecast to continuously increase between 2025 and 2030 by in total 4.3 billion U.S. dollars (+28.65 percent). After the 10th consecutive increasing year, the revenue is estimated to reach 19.27 billion U.S. dollars and therefore a new peak in 2030. Notably, the revenue of the 'Ice Cream' segment of the food market was continuously increasing over the past years.Find further information concerning the volume in the 'Confectionery' segment of the food market in Nigeria and the revenue in the 'Oils & Fats' segment of the food market in Italy.The Statista Market Insights cover a broad range of additional markets.

Premium Ice Cream: This segment continues to be a significant growth driver, fueled by consumers' willingness to pay a premium for high-quality ingredients, unique flavor profiles, and artisanal production methods.Healthier Options: Driven by increasing health consciousness, the demand for ice cream with reduced calories, sugar, and fat content is steadily rising. Manufacturers are responding with innovative formulations and ingredient substitutions.Plant-Based Ice Cream: The plant-based ice cream category experiences robust growth, propelled by expanding vegan and lactose-intolerant consumer segments, as well as increasing awareness of ethical and environmental concerns related to dairy farming.Novelty Ice Cream: Products like ice cream sandwiches, bars, and cones continue to represent a substantial portion of the market, offering convenience and portability. Recent developments include: In January 2021, Unilever created a variety of frozen dessert delights under the brand names Breyers, Good Humor, Klondike, Magnum, Popsicle, and Talenti., In January 2021, Northern Bloc, a prominent manufacturer of plant-based desserts, has raised USD 1.7 million. Northern Bloc will use the funds to increase production capacity, expand the workforce, and focus on brand experience across retail., In January 2020, Northern Bloc introduced plastic-free ice cream packaging to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability. The new paper packaging is fully biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable.. Notable trends are: Increasing Spending on R&D and Digitalization to Fuel Market Growth.

United States ice cream market is valued at USD 18 billion, driven by demand for premium, plant-based, and innovative flavors, with growth in e-commerce and organic segments.

United States Ice Cream Market was valued at USD 16.1 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 24.1 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2026-2032.

United States Ice Cream Market: Definition/Overview

In the United States, ice cream is a popular frozen dairy treat made mostly of cream, milk, sugar, and flavorings, which is frequently churned while freezing to get a smooth texture. It has a significant cultural importance and is widely served as a treat in homes, restaurants, and social occasions. American ice cream is noted for its numerous flavors and styles, which range from basic vanilla and chocolate to artisanal, low-fat, and plant-based options, reflecting the country’s diverse culinary environment and customer tastes.In the United States, ice cream is popular not only as a dessert, but also in milkshakes, sundaes, ice cream cakes, and novelty goods.

Discover the latest trends in the US ice cream market and projections for the next decade. With increasing demand driving market growth, consumption is expected to rise steadily. By 2035, the market volume is projected to reach 2.9M tons, with a value of $12.6B.

This graph shows the market share of the leading ice cream brands of the United States in 2017, based on generated sales. In that year, Häagen-Dazs captured a market share of 8.4 percent in the United States. The famous ice cream brand generated sales of about 461.3 million U.S. dollars in 2017. Chocolate, vanilla and cookie dough/cookies and cream were among the leading ice cream flavors in the United States in 2013.

Ice cream

Ice cream belongs to the frozen dessert category and serves as an indulgent snack for those who fancy something sweet. 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. Creamy options are based on dairy products such as milk or cream. In the retail landscape, ice cream is sold through different retail channels or specialized ice cream shops or parlors. In the retail aisles, consumers would find ice cream packaged in different sizes, mainly in bulk (gallons or pints) or as bars. Some ice cream suppliers offer seasonal ice cream flavors besides their year-round portfolio in order to meet consumer’s demand of diversification. In addition to private label products, companies shaping the industry include Nestlé Dreyer’s Ice Cream Co., Good Humor/Breyers Ice Cream, Ben & Jerry's Homemade and Wells Enterprises. At specialized ice cream shops or parlors, consumers may order their desired flavors as scoops and combine them with further mix-ins and toppings. Famous U.S. ice creamery chains comprise Cold Stone Creamery and Häagen-Dasz. The Cold Stone Creamery was founded in 1988 and is currently headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.

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Gourmet Ice Cream Market Size 2025-2029

The gourmet ice cream market size is forecast to increase by USD 12.36 billion, at a CAGR of 15.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is driven by the increasing health benefits associated with gelato, a key segment within the market. Consumers are increasingly drawn to the denser, richer texture and authentic Italian origins of gelato, which is perceived as a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream due to its lower fat content and use of natural ingredients. This trend is further fueled by the growing culture of socializing in gelaterias and ice cream parlors, where consumers can enjoy a premium experience and indulge in a wide variety of unique and artisanal flavors. However, the market also faces challenges in its distribution channels. With the increasing popularity of online sales and home delivery services, traditional brick-and-mortar stores are facing increased competition. Additionally, the perishable nature of gourmet ice cream poses logistical challenges for manufacturers and retailers, requiring careful planning and coordination to ensure timely delivery and optimal product quality. Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities must navigate these challenges effectively, leveraging innovative distribution strategies and supply chain management techniques to maintain a competitive edge.

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

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
Request Free SampleThe market continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of consumer preferences and industry trends. The artisan food movement has led to a surge in small-batch production, with quality control and ethical sourcing becoming key differentiators. Plant-based and dairy-free options, including vegan ice cream, have gained popularity due to increasing demand for sustainable and ethical food choices. Food festivals and events provide a platform for brands to showcase their unique flavors and innovative recipe formulations. Premium pricing and luxury food market trends have led to the emergence of gourmet toppings and subscription services. Social media marketing and influencer collaborations have become essential strategies for brand differentiation and customer engagement. Food safety standards and sustainable practices are increasingly important, with many brands focusing on local sourcing and fair trade ingredients. The freezing process and packaging technology have also advanced, enabling online ordering and direct-to-consumer sales. Specialty ice creams, seasonal flavors, and ice cream cakes continue to capture the imagination of consumers, offering a sensory experience that goes beyond the traditional scoop. Brand loyalty is fostered through custom flavors, loyalty programs, and a focus on the customer experience. The market is a constantly unfolding landscape, with ongoing innovation in flavor development, sensory analysis, and marketing strategies. The dessert industry as a whole continues to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics, ensuring a rich and diverse range of options for consumers.

How is this Gourmet Ice Cream Industry segmented?

The gourmet ice cream industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. ProductGelatoSorbetFrozen custardOthersDistribution ChannelOfflineOnlineProduct TypeInorganicOrganicFlavorVanillaChocolateStrawberryButter pecanOthersGeographyNorth AmericaUSCanadaEuropeFranceGermanyItalySpainUKAPACChinaIndiaJapanRest of World (ROW).

By Product Insights

The gelato segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.The market encompasses various offerings, including ice cream sandwiches, artisan ice cream, plant-based ice cream, and frozen yogurt. This market is a significant segment of the dessert industry, with a strong focus on quality control, ethical sourcing, and sustainable practices. The artisan food movement has fueled innovation, leading to unique flavors, custom formulations, and small-batch production. Consumer preferences for natural ingredients, organic dairy, and dairy-free options have driven the growth of this sector. Food festivals and events serve as platforms for brand differentiation and influencer marketing. Premium pricing is common, reflecting the luxury food market status of gourmet ice cream. Food safety standards are stringently adhered to, ensuring a superior customer experience. Sensory analysis plays a crucial role in recipe formulation and flavor development. Subscription services and online ordering have streamlined distribution, while direct-to-consumer sales and

Number of Businesses statistics on the Ice Cream Stores industry in the US