Global Vegan Ice-Cream Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031

Vegan Ice-Cream Market Size

• The global vegan ice-cream market was valued at USD 809.70 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1,839.27 million by 2032
• During the forecast period of 2025 to 2032 the market is likely to grow at a CAGR of 10.80%, primarily driven by increasing consumer demand for plant-based and dairy-free alternatives
• This growth is driven by factors such as rising health consciousness, increasing cases of lactose intolerance, and the growing popularity of vegan lifestyles globally

Vegan Ice-Cream Market Analysis

• Vegan ice-cream is a rapidly growing segment within the frozen dessert industry, offering dairy-free alternatives made from plant-based ingredients like almond, soy, oat, and coconut milk. It caters to consumers with dietary restrictions, ethical concerns, or preferences for sustainable products
• The demand for vegan ice-cream is significantly driven by the rising awareness of animal welfare, increasing cases of lactose intolerance, and the growing adoption of plant-based diets. Millennials and Gen Z consumers are particularly influencing market trends with their preference for clean-label, ethical, and environmentally friendly products
• The North America region stands out as one of the dominant regions for vegan ice-cream, driven by high consumer awareness, a strong presence of plant-based brands, and increasing availability across retail and foodservice channels 
  • For instance, major brands and startups alike are expanding their vegan ice-cream lines in the U.S. market, supported by innovations in flavor profiles, texture improvements, and aggressive marketing that targets health- and climate-conscious consumers
• Globally, vegan ice-cream is emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments in the dairy alternatives market and plays a pivotal role in the overall shift toward plant-based consumption patterns

Report Scope and Vegan Ice-Cream Market Segmentation   

Vegan Ice-Cream Market Trends

“Rising Demand for Clean Label and Functional Ingredients”

• One prominent trend in the global vegan ice-cream market is the rising consumer demand for clean label products and functional ingredients
• Consumers are increasingly seeking ice-cream options made with natural, recognizable ingredients that are free from artificial additives, preservatives, and allergens 
  • For instance, vegan ice-creams enriched with probiotics, plant-based proteins, or adaptogens are gaining popularity among health-conscious individuals who desire both indulgence and wellness benefits
• This shift is also encouraging brands to innovate with ingredients like oat milk, coconut cream, and cashew milk while promoting added health benefits such as gut health or low glycemic index
• This trend is reshaping product development strategies across the industry, prompting manufacturers to prioritize transparency, nutritional value, and sustainability in their offerings

Vegan Ice-Cream Market Dynamics

Driver

“Increasing Health Consciousness and Shift Toward Plant-Based Diets”

• The growing health consciousness among consumers is a major driver of demand in the global vegan ice-cream market, as more people are adopting plant-based diets for health, ethical, and environmental reasons
• Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the potential health risks associated with high dairy consumption, such as lactose intolerance, high cholesterol, and saturated fats, prompting a shift toward dairy-free alternatives
• Vegan ice-cream, typically lower in cholesterol and made from nutrient-rich ingredients like almonds, oats, soy, and coconut, is becoming an attractive option for health-focused individuals
• In addition, plant-based diets are associated with benefits such as improved heart health, better digestion, and weight management, which further supports the rise in vegan ice-cream consumption
• As the demand for nutritious, allergen-free, and ethically sourced products continues to increase, manufacturers are innovating to create vegan ice-creams that not only meet health standards but also offer indulgent taste and texture

For instance,

• In 2023, a study by The Good Food Institute noted that 48% of U.S. consumers are actively trying to consume fewer animal-based products, with younger generations showing the strongest preference for plant-based alternatives. This shift plays a crucial role in propelling the vegan ice-cream market forward
• In 2022, data from Mintel showed that nearly 65% of U.K. consumers were interested in trying plant-based frozen desserts, highlighting a strong demand driven by health and lifestyle choices 
• As a result of increasing health awareness and the broader move toward sustainable food consumption, the global vegan ice-cream market continues to experience robust growth and consumer adoption

Opportunity

“Leveraging Technology and Innovation to Meet Evolving Consumer Preferences”

• The global vegan ice-cream market presents a major opportunity through the integration of food technology and innovation to develop improved taste, texture, and nutritional profiles that rival traditional dairy ice-cream
• Advancements in plant-based ingredients and dairy alternatives, such as oat, cashew, pea, and fava bean proteins, are enabling manufacturers to create creamier and more indulgent vegan ice-creams without compromising on flavor or quality
• Additionally, innovations in food processing and formulation, like the use of microencapsulation, natural emulsifiers, and fermentation—are helping brands overcome past challenges related to consistency and mouthfeel

For instance,

• In October 2023, a study published in FoodTech Magazine highlighted that plant-based startups leveraging AI and machine learning for flavor mapping and ingredient optimization were able to launch successful product lines that mimicked the sensory experience of traditional dairy products 
• These innovations not only meet growing consumer expectations but also open doors for expansion into new segments such as keto-friendly, high-protein, probiotic-infused, or allergen-free frozen desserts. This positions technology-driven vegan ice-cream brands to capture a larger share of the health-conscious and flexitarian markets

Restraint/Challenge

“Premium Pricing and Limited Accessibility in Emerging Markets”

• The relatively high price point of vegan ice-cream compared to traditional dairy-based options poses a significant challenge for widespread market penetration, particularly in price-sensitive and emerging economies
• Vegan ice-cream often uses premium plant-based ingredients such as almond, cashew, or coconut milk, which are more costly to source and process, contributing to higher retail prices
• This cost disparity can deter average consumers, especially in regions where affordability plays a critical role in food purchasing decisions, thereby limiting the product’s reach and mainstream adoption

For instance,

• In August 2023, according to a report by the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA), the average price of vegan frozen desserts in the U.S. was 35–50% higher than conventional ice-cream, which remains a major barrier to converting non-vegan consumers in lower-income brackets 
• Additionally, limited distribution channels, especially in rural areas or regions without strong plant-based infrastructure, restrict consumer access to vegan ice-cream, impacting overall market growth
• As a result, unless pricing becomes more competitive and accessibility improves through economies of scale and local production, the market’s potential in developing countries may remain underexploited

Vegan Ice-Cream Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of source, flavor, product, form, and distribution channel

Vegan Ice-Cream Market Regional Analysis

“North America is the Dominant Region in the Vegan Ice-Cream Market”

• North America dominates the global vegan ice-cream market, driven by rising health awareness, increasing adoption of plant-based diets, and a strong presence of both established food giants and innovative startups
• The U.S. leads the region with a high concentration of health-conscious consumers, well-developed retail infrastructure, and a growing number of dairy-free and vegan product offerings across mainstream grocery and specialty stores
• The popularity of veganism and flexitarian lifestyles, especially among Millennials and Gen Z, combined with frequent product innovation and celebrity endorsements, continues to boost demand
• Additionally, supportive initiatives such as product labeling laws, sustainability-focused campaigns, and growing investments in plant-based food startups have solidified North America’s leadership in the vegan ice-cream space

“Asia-Pacific is Projected to Register the Highest Growth Rate”

• The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate in the global vegan ice-cream market, fueled by increasing consumer awareness of lactose intolerance, rapid urbanization, and shifting dietary preferences
• Countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea are emerging as key markets due to growing middle-class populations, rising disposable incomes, and a surge in interest in health and wellness trends
• Japan and South Korea show high demand for innovative and functional plant-based frozen desserts, while India and China are experiencing an increase in domestic brands entering the vegan food space
• The region is also witnessing a growing number of international plant-based brands expanding their footprint through partnerships, e-commerce platforms, and retail channels. Government support for sustainable food production and the rising influence of Western food trends further bolster market expansion across Asia-Pacific

Vegan Ice-Cream Market Share

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to market.

The Major Market Leaders Operating in the Market Are:

• Ben & Jerry’s (U.S.)
• So Delicious Dairy Free (U.S.)
• Oatly (Sweden)
• Halo Top Creamery (U.S.)
• Tofutti Brands, Inc. (U.S.)
• Booja-Booja (U.K.)
• Coconut Bliss (U.S.)
• NadaMoo! (U.S.)
• Alpro (Belgium)
• Swedish Glace (U.K.)
• Valsoia S.p.A. (Italy)
• Trader Joe’s (U.S.)
• Unilever (U.K./Netherlands)
• Nestlé S.A. (Switzerland)
• Van Leeuwen Ice Cream (U.S.)
• Perry’s Ice Cream (U.S.)
• Eclipse Foods (U.S.)
• Planet Oat (U.S.)
• Jollyum (U.K.)
• Frankie & Jo’s (U.S.)

Latest Developments in Global Vegan Ice-Cream Market

• In March 2022, Unilever’s renowned brand Ben & Jerry’s expanded its plant-based product line by introducing two new vegan ice cream offerings: "Chocolate Milk and Cookies" and "Dirt Cake." These innovative additions align with the growing consumer demand for premium vegan alternatives, providing indulgent, creative flavors that uphold Ben & Jerry’s reputation for high-quality and inventive products. This strategic move is highly relevant to the global vegan ice-cream market, as it reflects the increasing trend of mainstream brands embracing plant-based options to cater to health-conscious consumers and those with dietary restrictions, further fueling market growth
• In April 2022, Little Red Rooster Ice Cream Company’s brand NadaMoo introduced a new dairy-free flavor: "Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough." This latest offering combines the beloved taste of traditional cookie dough with a rich, plant-based ice cream, catering to the increasing demand for sustainable and indulgent dessert options. This product launch is highly relevant to the global vegan ice-cream market, as it reflects the growing trend among consumers seeking dairy-free alternatives that do not compromise on flavor or quality
• In June 2021, Oatly announced the launch of its new line of vegan ice cream bars, which expanded to 3,000 stores across the U.S. These ice cream bars, crafted with an oat milk base and coated in a rich chocolate shell, are available in four flavors: Chocolate Fudge, Strawberry Swirl, Salted Caramel, and Vanilla, catering to a wide range of dairy-free dessert preferences. This launch is particularly significant in the context of the global vegan ice-cream market, as it highlights the increasing consumer demand for plant-based dessert options that deliver both indulgence and sustainability
• In February 2024, Unilever announced a shift in its approach to reformulating Ben & Jerry’s dairy-free ice cream products. After experimenting with almond and sunflower bases for its vegan offerings, the company is now exploring new alternatives to enhance the flavor and texture of its plant-based ice creams. This strategic pivot represents a significant change for the popular brand, which has long been committed to expanding its plant-based options. The launch of these reformulated products is highly relevant to the global vegan ice-cream market, as it highlights the increasing emphasis on delivering high-quality, indulgent plant-based options that meet evolving consumer expectations
• In August 2023, sweet lupin, a centuries-old bean, is experiencing a resurgence in Canada as a key ingredient in high-protein, plant-based foods. This ancient legume is now being utilized to create a vegan version of soft-serve ice cream, which is being offered at a popular ice cream stand in Winnipeg. This development is highly relevant to the global vegan ice-cream market, as it highlights the growing trend of innovation in plant-based ingredients 

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