2025
9
US Ice Cream and Frozen Novelties Market Report 2025
2025-04-30T14:01:52+00:00
REP482A4E20_A3A1_4A65_AB9D_84E403A10FD4
3695
181683
[{"name":"Desserts and Ice Cream","url":"https:\/\/store.mintel.com\/industries\/food\/desserts-ice-cream"},{"name":"360 Bundle","url":"https:\/\/store.mintel.com\/report-type\/360-bundle"},{"name":"Market Intelligence Reports","url":"https:\/\/store.mintel.com\/report-type\/market-intelligence-reports"},{"name":"US","url":"https:\/\/store.mintel.com\/markets\/us-market-research"}]
Report
en_GB
The growing appeal of away from home ice cream and frozen novelty experiences with younger generations indicates the craving for a level of intentionality and excitement in frozen treating. Away…
US
Desserts and Ice Cream
variable

US Ice Cream and Frozen Novelties Market Report 2025

"Frozen treat choices satisfy cravings at the core, and modernizing shopping habits suggest a craving for more intentional, in-the-moment purchasing and consumption."

Kelsey Girard - Senior Food & Drink Analyst

Kelsey Girard - Senior Food & Drink Analyst

To grow your business, you need a 360° view.

Understanding your industry isn’t just about where it stands today – it’s about knowing where it’s been and where it’s headed. What does the future of your market look like? And what innovations are driving those trends? Find out with Mintel’s 360° bundle deal, including:

  • The latest US Mintel market report: a comprehensive, localised market overview for today’s landscape.
  • A Year of Innovation in Ice Creama summary of the global game-changing innovations in your industry, powered by Mintel’s GNPD.
  • The Future of Ice Creamprepare for what’s next with Mintel’s expert analyst’s predictions for the future.

Mintel’s 360° report bundle ensures the best value for you, providing an extensive overview of your market at an exclusive price. Purchase the bundle to get all three full reports and save 15% on your total order.

Reports can also be purchased individually, simply make your selection before you add to basket.

US Ice Cream and Frozen Novelties Market Analysis

Historically, the US ice cream market saw a significant surge in the past due to increased at-home consumption, but growth has since stabilized amid inflation and economic uncertainty. Frozen novelties market now lead the industry, surpassing the ice cream market in total sales. Over the long term, the market is expected to grow nearly 10% in the foreseeable future, driven by innovation in product formats and flavors, though challenges like supply chain issues and tariff impacts could moderate growth.

US Ice Cream Consumer Trends

Consumer trends in the US Ice Cream market highlight a shift towards more intentional, in-the-moment purchases, particularly among younger generations seeking unique formats and seasonal flavors. While away-from-home experiences are popular, at-home indulgences are also on the rise due to economic uncertainty. Nostalgic flavors remain important, and snackable formats like bite-sized options are gaining popularity for convenience. Despite economic pressures, frozen treats are still viewed as an affordable indulgence, with value and quality being key purchase drivers.

Purchasing the Ice Cream and Frozen Novelties Market Report for the US offers valuable insights into evolving consumer preferences, key industry trends, and future growth forecasts, empowering you to refine strategies and stay ahead in the dynamic frozen treat sector.

About The Report

This US Ice Cream and Frozen Novelties Market Report provides in-depth insights into the, covering consumer behaviors, purchasing trends, and market dynamics.  It examines key areas such as market size, growth forecasts, segmentation, and product innovation, with a focus on emerging ice cream & frozen novelty trends like seasonal flavors and new formats. The research surveys consumer attitudes across different generations, financial situations, and purchasing locations. Businesses in the food and beverage industry, including manufacturers, retailers, and marketers, will benefit from this report by gaining a comprehensive understanding of the ice cream and frozen novelties industry, consumer preferences, and growth opportunities to stay competitive and make informed decisions.

Key Topics Analyzed in the Report

  • The current state of indulgences and economic uncertainty, and expectations for frozen treats
  • Trended frozen treat purchase location, purchase types, and purchase details
  • Occasions for familiar vs new frozen treat product choices
  • Approach to frozen treat flavor choices
  • Frozen treat new product trial motivators, and interest in frozen treat format concepts
  • Frozen treat attitudes and behaviors
  • Frozen treat innovation and marketing
Report AttributesDetails
Published DateApril 2025
Data Range2019-2029
Measurement MetricsRevenue in $
Country FocusUnited States of America (USA)
Consumer Data2,000  internet users aged 18+, January 2025
Number of Pages82
Market Segmentation Ice cream, Frozen novelties, Frozen Yogurt/non-dairy, Sherbet, Sorbet, and Ices
Leading CompaniesUnilever, Froneri International Limited, Wells Enterprises Inc., Blue Bell Creameries LP, Tillamook County Creamery Association, Mars Inc., Rich Products Corporation, Dairy Farmers of America Inc., Tropicale Foods Inc.
Collapse All
  1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    • What you need to know
    • Market size & forecast
    • Market predictions
    • What consumers want & why
    • Opportunities
    • Formats can provide timeless functionality and fun
    • Graph 1: interest in ice cream or frozen novelty format concepts, by generation, 2025
    • Flex frozen treats year round
    • Graph 2: ice cream/frozen novelty product trial motivators, 2025
    • Graph 3: frozen treat attitudes, 2025
    • Provide an accesible constant during volatile times
    • Graph 4: frozen treat attitudes, by financial situation, 2025
    • Lackluster interest in BFY ingredients and non-dairy’s halted growth emphasize BFY headwinds, yet some segments seeing success
    • Graph 5: ice cream/frozen novelty product trial motivators, 2025
    • Graph 6: total retail sales and forecast of select ice cream and frozen novelties segments, by segment, at current prices, 2019-29
  2. MARKET DYNAMICS

    • Market context
    • Market drivers
    • A recipe for supply chain woes
    • Consumer sentiment slumped in Q1
    • Graph 7: consumer sentiment index, 2022-25
    • Healthy financial situations lose footing as consumers increasingly ‘getting by’
    • Graph 8: trended household confidence – financial health, March 2020-March 2025
    • Tariffs may tell a different story of the ‘affordable indulgence’ narrative of years past
    • Following up on the state of dairy vs non-dairy
    • Graph 9: purchase of dairy and non-dairy milk, 2024
    • Market size and forecast
    • Uncertainty persists amidst steadying sales growth
    • Retail sales and forecast of ice cream and frozen novelties
    • Retail sales and forecast of ice cream and frozen novelties, at current prices
    • Retail sales and forecast of ice cream and frozen novelties, at inflation-adjusted prices
    • Market segmentation
    • Frozen novelties persist as the market leader
    • Graph 10: total retail sales of ice cream and frozen novelties, by segment, at current prices ($ million), 2024
    • Similar segment growth across larger segments, smaller segments a different story
    • Graph 11: total retail sales and forecast of ice cream and frozen novelties, by segment, at current prices, 2019-29
    • Retail sales of ice cream and frozen novelties, by segment
    • Market share/brand share
    • Steadier sales across leading companies, yet emerging companies and lingering spinoff remains
    • Sales of ice cream and frozen novelties, by company
    • Strong ups and downs in frozen novelty brand performance contribute to steady growth overall
    • Sales of frozen novelties, by leading companies and brands
    • Rocky road for ice cream segment makeup, yet some leading companies and private label shine
    • Sales of ice cream, by leading companies and brands
    • Frozen yogurt/non-dairy ups and downs within company portfolios as the overall segment struggles
    • Sales of frozen yogurt/non-dairy, by leading companies and brands
    • A standout season for most sherbet/sorbet/ice players
    • Sales of sherbet/sorbet/ices, by leading companies and brands
  3. CONSUMER INSIGHTS

    • Consumer fast facts
    • Trended purchase location
    • Sharpen value and enjoyment equations of at-home frozen treating beyond price points
    • Sharpen value and enjoyment equations of at home frozen treating beyond price points
    • Graph 12: trended frozen treat purchase location, 2024-25
    • Take notes from away from home fun (and intentionality)
    • Graph 13: frozen treat purchase location, by generation, 2025
    • At-home frozen treats hit the spot, regardless of financial situation
    • Graph 14: frozen treat purchase location, by financial situation, 2025
    • Trended purchase types
    • Specialized solutions heat up as palates diversify and preferences flex
    • Graph 15: trended frozen treat purchase types, 2024-25
    • Within the demands for variety, own category identities
    • Graph 16: frozen treat purchase, by gender and generation, 2025
    • Urban dwellers at the forefront of frozen treat diversification
    • Graph 17: frozen treat purchase, by area, 2025
    • Trended ice cream and frozen novelty purchase details
    • Cooling confidence and crowding indulgences eat into purchases across categories
    • Graph 18: trended frozen treat purchase details, 2024-25
    • Occasions for familiar vs new frozen treat product choices
    • Comfort (and familiarity) consistently satisfy cravings
    • Graph 19: occasions for different types of frozen treat flavor and format options, 2025
    • Gen Zs and Millennials prove enjoyment doesn’t require novelty
    • Graph 20: consumer associations with different flavor and format frozen treats – a source of joy, by generation, 2025
    • Frozen treats less sticky on grocery lists, making adaptable-sized solutions more prominent
    • Graph 21: consumer associations with different flavor and format frozen treats – as a regular purchase at the grocery store, by generation, 2025
    • Approach to frozen treat flavor choices
    • Shift to more-calculated cravings satisfaction
    • Graph 22: approach to new flavor trial of ice cream/frozen novelty products, 2025
    • Building basket size with intentionality
    • Graph 23: approach to new flavor trial of ice cream/frozen novelty products, by generation, 2025
    • Value and satisfaction found in consistency
    • Graph 24: approach to new flavor trial of ice cream/frozen novelty products, by financial situation, 2025
    • Frozen treat new product trial motivators
    • Make the most in the midst of compromise
    • Graph 25: ice cream/frozen novelty product trial motivators, 2025
    • Connect flavors with intended emotions
    • Graph 26: ice cream/frozen novelty product trial motivators, by generation, 2025
    • Accessibility means thinking outside of the innovation box
    • Graph 27: ice cream/frozen novelty product trial motivators, by financial situations, 2025
    • Interest in frozen treat format concepts
    • Formats can satisfy occasion cravings
    • Graph 28: interest in ice cream or frozen novelty format concepts, 2025
    • Appeal to different generational definitions of enjoyment
    • Graph 29: interest in ice cream or frozen novelty format concepts, by generation, 2025
    • Girls just wanna have… little frozen treats
    • Graph 30: interest in ice cream or frozen novelty format concepts, by parental status by gender, 2025
    • Package up the ice cream social for the family
    • Graph 31: interest in ice cream or frozen novelty format concepts, by parental status by gender, 2025
    • Frozen treat attitudes
    • Tie in comfort to extend frozen treat season
    • Graph 32: frozen treat attitudes, 2025
    • Expectations for variety eat into year round frozen treating
    • Graph 33: frozen treat attitudes, by generation, 2025
    • Position nostalgia and comfort within value equations
    • Graph 34: frozen treat attitudes, by financial situation, 2025
    • Frozen treat behaviors
    • 4 in 10 keep a frozen treat stash
    • Graph 35: frozen treat behaviors, 2025
    • Piece together the frozen treat experience
    • Graph 36: frozen treat behaviors, by generation, 2025
    • Help romanticize the intentional special occasions
    • Graph 37: frozen treat behaviors, by financial situation, 2025
  4. INNOVATION AND MARKETING STRATEGIES

    • Launch activity and innovation
    • Textural dynamic duos
    • Layering on textural experiences
    • Lean on hydration’s momentum with refreshment solutions
    • Formats foundational in frozen treat modernization
    • Snackable solutions hit the mainstream
    • Spotlight on frozen treat seasonality
    • Spring/summer leans into nostalgia and refreshment
    • Fall festivity in many forms
    • Winter: ’tis the season for modern nostalgia fusions
    • Marketing and advertising
    • Ben & Jerry’s goes big
    • Ice cream all day?
  5. APPENDIX

    • Market definition
    • Market size methodology
    • Consumer research questions
    • Consumer research methodology
    • Generations
    • Abbreviations and terms
    • Forecast methodology
    • Forecast fan chart methodology
    • Total market sales and forecast, at inflation-adjusted prices
    • Total retail sales and forecast, by segment share
    • Frozen novelties total retail sales and forecast, at current prices
    • Frozen novelties total retail sales and forecast, at inflation-adjusted prices
    • Total retail sales and forecast of ice cream, at current prices
    • Total retail sales and forecast of ice cream, at inflation-adjusted prices
    • Total retail sales and forecast of frozen yogurt/non-dairy, at current prices
    • Total retail sales and forecast of frozen yogurt/non-dairy, at inflation-adjusted prices
    • Total retail sales and forecast of sherbet/sorbet/ices, at current prices
    • Total retail sales and forecast of sherbet/sorbet/ices, at inflation-adjusted prices

Mintel: Market Intelligence Made Easier

The first Mintel Market Intelligence report was published over 50 years ago. Since then, we have provided our unique insights and understanding of consumers, innovation and global markets to thousands of customers worldwide. Here’s why our customers rely on Mintel:

  • Gain a comprehensive, 360-degree view of the market: Mintel reports blend consumer research, market forecasts, product innovation tracking, and competitive analysis, allowing businesses to see every angle of their industry and identify new opportunities quickly.
  • Make decisions with confidence, grounded in robust data: Each report draws on up-to-date, reliable information from trusted sources and industry experts, ensuring your strategies are based on solid evidence rather than speculation.
  • Benefit from expert analysis and practical recommendations: Mintel’s reports are written by experienced analysts who interpret complex data and provide clear, actionable insights you can trust to guide your next moves.
  • Stay ahead with actionable intelligence on market trends and consumer behaviour: By combining fresh research with long-term market monitoring, our reports help businesses anticipate changes and adapt strategically. So you’re prepared to make informed decisions and drive growth.

What goes into a Mintel Market Intelligence Report?

Curious about how a Market Intelligence report comes together? We like to think of it as building a detailed puzzle. We start with individual pieces: data from consumers, market statistics, industry trends, and online conversations. Then our expert analysts add world-class human insight and industry knowledge. The pieces are assembled to reveal a clear, comprehensive picture of a market.

The Four Pillars of Our Research

We use a combination of four main research methods when creating our reports, each adding a valuable perspective:

  • Consumer Research: Direct surveys with real people, giving us clear, current insights into what people think and do.
  • Desk Research: In-depth review of trusted data sources. We use this rich database, plus powerful internal tools that track new products and market sizes, to detect trends and guide forecasts.
  • Trade Research: Insights from conversations with industry experts. Their real-world experience helps us understand what’s happening behind the scenes.
  • Brand and Social Media Research: Analysis of online opinions and trends. This lets us spot trends, measure brand sentiment, and capture feedback in real time, adding further depth to our research.

Bringing It All Together

Each of these four pillars provides a different piece of the puzzle. Consumer research tells us what customers think, desk research provides the factual framework, trade research offers an insider’s view, and social media analysis reveals public sentiment.

Our expert analysts are skilled in weaving these diverse data streams together. They apply a range of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques to uncover the deeper story, connecting the dots to deliver clear, actionable insights. This comprehensive, multi-layered process is how we transform raw data into a market intelligence report you can trust to inform your most important business decisions.

For a closer look at a Mintel Market Intelligence Report, take a look at the sample PDF report below:
Please Note: All of the figures, graphs, and tables in this sample report have been redacted.
(Excl.Tax)
  • Download today with instant access
  • Multiple formats provided
  • Interactive databook included

Next Starts Here

Whatever your business needs, we have the solution. From market intelligence reports to customised growth strategies.

Learn more

Trusted by global industry leaders

Amazon logo

Working in a customer-obsessed organization means that data and insights have to be at our fingertips. Mintel’s reports help us support anecdotes with real quantifiable insights. The summary sections (which I really like) helps save time by giving a birds eye view of the content before spending time combing through the pages.

Our business review discussions are strengthened by the relevancy of the reports to help us better understand our customers. In addition, the customer service received from the team (especially in crunch periods) makes the process of understanding customer behavior even better.

Ngozi Ngonadi-Nkwoji, Senior Marketing Manager, Amazon
Tenth Wave logo

Mintel helps us when we want to know something quickly – it provides fast answers to our questions. If we need to get a view of what’s going on in a particular market it’s very useful.

When carrying out background research, I find Mintel an excellent starting point.

The fact that it covers so many markets is a big plus for me– instead of having to buy specialist products in each area we are interested in, especially when we only require a brief view on a particular market, we can go to Mintel for help as a one-stop shop. I find Mintel a useful and valuable resource.

Ben Zeidler, Director - Research and Analytics, Tenth Wave
Deutsch logo

One of the biggest challenges we face is the need to get smart on a business or category real quick.

We are talking to clients who live and breathe their category every day and the expectation is that we will be able to get caught up very quickly, and bring the thinking that can help them.

We need to do that often in a matter of days, so it’s not a small ask. Mintel gives us a very articulate view of category conditions and does so at the speed we need it.

Jeff White, Business Development Director, Deutsch
Wincanton logo

When I’m investigating specific sectors I tend to use Mintel reports for their forecasting, which I’ve always found to be very accurate.

They also offer really broad and deep coverage in their reports. They are very, very detailed. For example, we were able to gain insight across a wide range of business areas from just one report, proving that Mintel is excellent value for money.

So overall, it’s the level of detail and the quality of forecasting that really stand out for me.

Rebecca Green, Market Insight Manager, Wincanton
Abacus logo

There is no question that Mintel is the go-to resource for the best quality market research, but I did not think it was an affordable option for Abacus Marketing to consider. As a small marketing agency, we only work with a few new clients each year.

However, we have a very high-end consultative approach to our work, so we really do need a partner like Mintel to provide the big agency experience we are always aiming to deliver. Our clients come from an incredibly diverse range of industry sectors, so we obviously need access to market research reports from a very wide spectrum of marketplaces – and that is precisely what we got.

Stephen Taylor-Brown, Managing Director, Abacus

Next Starts Here

Whatever your business needs, we have the solution. From market intelligence reports to customised growth strategies.

Learn more