Explore the latest innovation in ice cream in 2025 with Mintel’s global innovation report. The report identifies the major launch activities, pivotal consumer attitudes and most important product development of the year across regions EMEA, APAC, and the Americas.
Key innovation trends in the ice cream market are analysed and succinctly presented alongside Mintel’s consumer data and insights. So you can understand changing consumer demands and identify future growth opportunities.
This report also presents Mintel’s analysts’ pick of the most innovative launches in the global ice cream market. Understanding innovation in ice cream has never been so easy.
To discover more about the global ice cream market, read Mintel’s The Future of Ice Cream or take a look at Mintel’s extensive food market research.
Meet the Expert Behind the Analysis
This report was written by Benedict Lai. Benedict joined the Mintel Food & Drink team in March 2025, bringing with him over three years’ experience as a CN-EN translator within the localisation team. Currently, he researches and writes Year of Innovation reports.
Brands are responding to UPF concerns with simpler ingredient lists while also focusing innovation on enhanced textures and expanded flavour varieties.
Benedict Lai
Associate Analyst (Innovation)
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- What we have seen
- Our pick of the most innovative launches in this review
- Other innovative launches
- The Future of Ice Cream: 2025
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EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA (EMEA)
- Europe: clean-label ice cream takes hold as processing concerns rise
- Processing concerns drive demand for natural ice cream
- Plant- and water-based ice cream launches lead for natural-related claims
- Graph 1: % of ice cream launches with select natural claims, 2024-25
- Ice cream brands ease health concerns with clean-label recipes
- Brands spotlight natural ingredients to counter ultra-processed perceptions
- Europe: chunky textures take centre stage in ice cream
- Textural appeal drives ice cream purchases
- Europe leads for chunky-textured ice cream launches
- Brands showcase multi-textured ice cream launches
- Brand renovation/innovation: Ben & Jerry's teams up with refugee entrepreneurs for new ice cream
- The Middle East & Africa (MEA)
- No additives/preservatives claims grow in ice cream launches
- Graph 2: % of ice cream launches with select natural claims, 2020-25
- Ice cream launches drop additives/preservatives to meet clean-label demand
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ASIA PACIFIC (APAC)
- Asia: crunchy textures gain ground in the dairy ice cream market
- Appetite for novelty drives ice cream innovation
- Crunchy textures gain traction in Asia's dairy ice cream launches
- Graph 3: % of dairy based ice cream launches, by top three texture, 2020-25
- Ice cream brands launch texture-forward products to tap into consumers' craving for novelty
- Chinese ice cream brands push boundaries in flavour innovation
- Asia: cup/tub and stick are the leading formats for ice cream launches
- Consumers seek convenient and on-the-go ice cream options
- Cup/tub and stick formats are the most common in ice cream launches in Asia
- Ice cream launches in convenient formats cater to on-the-go lifestyles
- Brand renovation/innovation: Calva collaborates with Meiji and 7‑Eleven to launch a plant‑based, allergen‑free ice cream
- Australia & New Zealand
- Ice cream brands innovate to meet diverse dietary needs
- Brand renovation/innovation: pattern-forward packaging reinforces Kori's creative brand identity
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THE AMERICAS
- North America: ice cream brands innovate by reimagining familiar favourites
- Consumers crave both comfort and curiosity in flavour innovation
- Fruit flavours rise as sweet and spice notes decline
- Graph 4: % of ice cream launches, by top three flavour component groups, 2020-25
- Ice cream brands introduce familiar flavours with a twist
- North America: private label shows strength in dairy, but underperforms in plant-based ice cream
- Consumers seek more diverse private label offerings
- Private label sees growth in dairy, but falls behind in plant-based ice cream
- Graph 5: % of dairy-based ice cream launches, by branded vs private label, 2020-25
- Private labels use evocative flavour names to entice consumers
- Name brands stand out with unique dairy-free flavours and formats
- Latin America
- Lesser-used local flavours offer untapped novelty
- Graph 6: % of ice cream launches, by top five flavour components, 2024-25
- Innovation in regional flavours offers a balance of novelty and familiarity
What is 'A Year of Innovation' Report?
To truly understand a market, it’s essential to look at the products that are shaping it. Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports provide a detailed review of specific categories, focusing on the most notable product launches from the past 12 months. These reports are designed to give you a clear and comprehensive picture of recent innovation and its impact.
How We Analyse a Year of Innovation
By deconstructing the past year’s activity, we can provide valuable context for your current and future strategies. Here’s how we do it.
A Deep Dive into Product Launches
The core of these reports is a thorough examination of new products. We go beyond simply listing what’s new. Our analysis delves into the “why” behind each product launch, exploring the strategies, ingredients, and marketing claims that are driving innovation. This helps you understand what’s working, what’s not, and where the market is headed.
Powered by the Global New Products Database (GNPD)
Our insights are built on a foundation of robust data from Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD). This powerful tool tracks and catalogues new product launches from around the world. By leveraging the GNPD, we offer a complete exploration of innovative activity within your category, ensuring our analysis is comprehensive, accurate, and relevant.
Uncovering Trends and Consumer Shifts
Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports are designed to equip you with actionable insights into how to lead innovation in your category. By studying recent product launches, we can identify shifting consumer habits and preferences. These reports help you connect the dots between what consumers want and how companies are responding. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of emerging trends, allowing you to refine your own product development and marketing strategies with confidence.
For a more detailed look at a Year of Innovation report, take a look at a sample PDF report below.
Please Note: All of the figures, graphs, and tables have been redacted.
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