Ice cream trend overview
Explore trends, analytics and statistics for ingredients, dishes, categories or consumer needs
Trend overview
- Social conversations about Ice cream have by year-over-year
- of U.S. restaurants offer Ice cream dishes on their menus
- The top consumer need driving Ice cream consumption today is
- Ice cream is the most dominant dietary adaptation
Interested? Discover more
Ice cream Trend performance of
Monitor trend developments
Easily track popularity changes, sales statistics, industry trend analysis and trend developments
Top ingredients by popularity
Use this data to refine recipes or inspire new formats for Ice cream that tap into functional needs or nostalgic comfort.
Top claims shaping F&B trend
These top claims are shaping product launches and menu positioning in the Ice cream space. Tastewise reveals these claims in context, helping you understand not just what’s trending. but why.
Ice Cream Trends 2025: A Vegan Snack on the Rise
Social buzz around ice cream jumped by 25.18% in 2025, with 27.14% of restaurants offering it on their menus.
As a top vegan snack, ice cream’s versatility and indulgence keep it a favorite for consumers seeking plant-based and dairy-free options.
Current Trends in the Ice Cream Market By Taste
- Classic Vanilla: Continues to dominate as a timeless favorite, appealing to a wide range of consumers due to its versatility and simplicity.
- Decadent Chocolate: Rich and indulgent flavors like dark chocolate or fudge ripple are increasingly popular among chocolate enthusiasts.
- Salted Caramel: This sweet and savory combination has gained traction for its unique and sophisticated taste profile.
- Fruity Blends: Flavors like mango, strawberry, and mixed berry are favored for their refreshing and natural appeal.
- Plant-Based Options: Almond, coconut, and oat-based ice creams featuring flavors like mocha or matcha cater to the growing vegan market.
- Exotic Tastes: Unique options such as black sesame, lavender, or ube highlight consumer curiosity for global and artisanal experiences.
- Nostalgic Treats: Flavors inspired by childhood favorites, such as birthday cake or cookies and cream, evoke a sense of nostalgia while boosting joy.
- Limited Edition Flavors: Seasonal or collaboration flavors keep consumers interested and create buzz for brands.
- Healthy Alternatives: Low-calorie, low-sugar, and high-protein options cater to health-conscious individuals without compromising on flavor.
What is the trend in ice cream for Gen Z?
- Bold Flavors: Gen Z craves unique, unexpected flavors that reflect their individuality, from spicy chili to tangy pickle.
- Dairy-Free Options: With growing interest in plant-based diets, Gen Z prefers dairy-free ice cream made from almond, coconut, or cashew milk.
- Instagram-Worthy Treats: Social media influences Gen Z’s choices, drawing them to visually striking treats like rainbow swirls or rolled ice cream.
- Customizable Creations: Personalization matters to Gen Z. They love mixing and matching flavors, toppings, and textures to create their ideal scoop.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Socially conscious Gen Z supports sustainable packaging, like biodegradable materials or reusable containers.
Popular Ice Cream Flavors
Classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry dominate ice cream trends, while innovations with plant-based milk alternatives continue to grow in popularity.
Ice cream remains a key player in the vegan dessert category.
FAQ
What are the main ingredients in ice cream?
Ice cream is typically made from milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings, with a process that involves churning and freezing.
Is ice cream gluten-free?
Many plain ice creams are gluten-free, but some flavors, especially those with added ingredients like cookies or cake pieces, may contain gluten. It’s best to check the label.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What are the biggest food trends right now?
Current food trends include plant-based eating, functional foods for health and wellness, and viral flavors discovered through media platforms like TikTok. These trends are influencing recipes, restaurant menus, and at-home cooking across the world.
-
Why should brands care about food trends?
Food trends reveal what your consumers care about. Monitoring them helps brands create relevant products, improve messaging, and stay ahead of changes in consumer behavior. This matters whether you’re managing a restaurant business, developing packaged foods, or launching a new product.
-
How often do food trends change?
Food trends evolve constantly. Some trends in food gain traction over years, while others, like viral fast food recipes, can peak within weeks. Brands benefit from tools that track both enduring and short-term changes.
-
How can I use food trends to grow my business?
Use trend data to inform what recipes you develop, what ingredients or claims you prioritize, and how you present your brand. Whether you’re creating a new product, updating a store display, or planning a media campaign, trends provide the insight you need to make strategic decisions.
-
How does Tastewise’s trend data compare to traditional trend reports?
Traditional food trend reports offer static snapshots. Tastewise updates daily, tracking how foods perform across menus, media, and home cooking. This ensures brands always have the latest food trends at their fingertips.
-
Can I track niche or regional food trends?
Yes. With Tastewise, brands can drill down into local preferences, whether it’s vegan ice cream in Brooklyn or spice-forward snacks in Texas. You can filter by diet, dish, occasion, or geography to find the insights that matter to your audience.
Get free trend reports with Tastewise Insights
Discover what's next for Ice cream, from rising flavor pairings to niche health claims. Use Insights to validate ideas, reduce guesswork, and turn insights into action. Export beautiful, data-backed reports in seconds and get your next innovation to market faster