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

Global Vegan Ice-Cream Market, By Source (Coconut Milk, Almond Milk, Cashew Milk, Soy Milk), Flavor (Vanilla, Chocolate, Butter Pecan, Strawberry, Neapolitan, Cookies and Cream, Mint Choco Chip, Caramel), Product (Impulse, Artisanal, Take Home), Form (Singles, Blends), Distribution Channel (Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Food and Drink Specialists, Restaurants, Online Stores) – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031.

Vegan Ice-Cream Market Analysis and Size

The growing popularity of fast food is unmistakable worldwide, with consumers showing a preference for international giants such as KFC, Domino's, and Starbucks, and regional brands. In Mexico, this trend is particularly pronounced, as evidenced by the National Statistical Directory of Economic Units (INEGI) reporting a significant presence of 67.9 thousand quick-service restaurants in 2021. This data underscores the widespread appeal and prevalence of fast-food establishments in the country, reflecting changing consumer habits and dining preferences.

The global vegan ice-cream market size was valued at USD 730.78 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1,659.99 Million by 2031, with a CAGR of 10.8% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, geographically represented company-wise production and capacity, network layouts of distributors and partners, detailed and updated price trend analysis and deficit analysis of supply chain and demand.

Report Scope and Market Segmentation       

Market Definition

Vegan ice cream is a dairy-free alternative to traditional ice cream made without any animal products. It uses plant-based ingredients such as almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk as the base. Vegan ice cream is designed to provide a similar creamy texture and rich flavor, catering to those who follow a vegan diet or have lactose intolerance.

Vegan Ice-Cream Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Shift in Consumer Behavior towards Healthier Food

A shift in consumer buying behavior towards healthier food choices has compelled manufacturers to focus on producing low-sugar options, including vegan ice cream and vegan ice cream bars. As consumers become more health-conscious and seek to reduce their sugar intake, they are turning to alternatives such as vegan ice cream bars, which often boast lower sugar content compared to traditional dairy ice cream treats. Manufacturers are responding to this demand by formulating vegan ice cream bar varieties that offer indulgent flavors and textures while minimizing added sugars.

Froneri launched the 'ROAR' vegan ice cream range, which aligns perfectly with the trend towards healthier, low-sugar options in the ice cream market. Offering flavors such as hazelnut chocolate cookie, hempseed chocolate brownie, and coconut mango passion fruit oat cookie, Froneri responds to consumer demand for indulgent yet health-conscious dessert choices. The launch of this innovative range reflects the company's recognition of the growing popularity of vegan products and its commitment to catering to the evolving preferences of health-conscious consumers.

• Increasing Dietary Restrictions

Consumers are becoming aware of their dietary limitations or choosing to adopt dairy-free lifestyles for health reasons, which increases the demand for alternatives such as vegan ice cream. Vegan ice cream offers a solution for individuals who cannot consume traditional dairy products, providing them with a delicious and satisfying dessert option. This driver expands the market by catering to a diverse range of dietary needs and preferences, thereby increasing the accessibility and popularity of vegan ice cream products in both retail and food service settings.

Opportunities

• Rising Demand for Vegan Ice Cream Flavors

Consumers are increasingly seeking diverse and innovative flavor options beyond traditional choices. Vegan ice cream brands are responding by introducing a wide range of flavors, including exotic fruits, indulgent chocolates, and unique combinations, catering to diverse palates. This trend enhances consumer satisfaction and encourages repeat purchases and brand loyalty. Additionally, the proliferation of artisanal and small-batch vegan ice cream producers contributes to the expansion of flavor offerings, further stimulating market growth.

For instance, in March 2022, Little Red Rooster Ice Cream Company's brand NadaMoo responded to the rising demand for vegan ice cream flavors by introducing their dairy-free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Flavor. This addition aligns with the market trend of offering diverse and indulgent flavor options to cater to the preferences of consumers seeking plant-based alternatives.

• Rising Product Development

Consumer preferences are evolving and demand for plant-based alternatives increases due to which there's a growing emphasis on innovation within the industry. This involves creating new flavors, textures, and formulations that closely mimic traditional dairy ice cream while remaining free from animal products. Companies invest in research and development to improve the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of vegan ice cream, making it more appealing to a broader audience. Product development efforts focus on addressing common challenges such as achieving creaminess without dairy, ensuring stability during storage, and enhancing the overall sensory experience.

Restraints/Challenges

• Higher Price Points

Compared to traditional dairy ice cream, the production of vegan alternatives often requires more expensive plant-based ingredients and specialized manufacturing processes. As a result, the retail price of vegan ice cream tends to be higher, which can deter price-sensitive consumers from making the switch. This pricing disparity may limit the affordability and accessibility of vegan options, particularly for budget-conscious individuals or families.

• Growing Allergen Concerns

While vegan ice cream is free from dairy and other animal products, it may still contain common allergens such as nuts, soy, or gluten. This poses a challenge for consumers with specific dietary restrictions or allergies, limiting the potential consumer base. Manufacturers must navigate allergen labeling regulations carefully and ensure stringent production processes to prevent cross-contamination, which adds complexity and cost to production. As a result, some consumers may opt for alternative dairy-free options with fewer allergen concerns, impacting the market share of vegan ice cream.

This market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Impact and Current Market Scenario of Raw Material Shortage and Shipping Delays

Data Bridge Market Research offers a high-level analysis of the market and delivers information by keeping in account the impact and current market environment of raw material shortage and shipping delays. This translates into assessing strategic possibilities, creating effective action plans, and assisting businesses in making important decisions.

Apart from the standard report, we also offer in-depth analysis of the procurement level from forecasted shipping delays, distributor mapping by region, commodity analysis, production analysis, price mapping trends, sourcing, category performance analysis, supply chain risk management solutions, advanced benchmarking, and other services for procurement and strategic support.

Expected Impact of Economic Slowdown on the Pricing and Availability of Products

When economic activity slows, industries begin to suffer. The forecasted effects of the economic downturn on the pricing and accessibility of the products are taken into account in the market insight reports and intelligence services provided by DBMR. With this, our clients can typically keep one step ahead of their competitors, project their sales and revenue, and estimate their profit and loss expenditures.

Recent Developments

• In 2022, Unilever's brand Ben & Jerry's launched two plant-based ice creams: "Chocolate Milk and Cookies" and "Dirt Cake." These additions cater to the growing demand for vegan options, offering indulgent flavors that maintain Ben & Jerry's signature creativity and quality
• In 2022, Little Red Rooster Ice Cream Company's brand NadaMoo launched a dairy-free "Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough" flavor. This new offering combines the classic taste of cookie dough with a creamy, plant-based ice cream, appealing to consumers looking for delicious and sustainable dessert alternatives
• In 2021, Oatly announced the launch of a vegan ice cream bar line, expanding to 3,000 stores across the United States. These ice cream bars, made with an oat milk base and covered in a rich chocolate shell, come in four flavors: Chocolate Fudge, Strawberry Swirl, Salted Caramel, and Vanilla, providing a variety of options for dairy-free dessert enthusiasts

Vegan Ice-Cream Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of source, flavor, form, product, and distribution channel. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyze meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Source

• Coconut Milk
• Almond Milk
• Cashew Milk
• Soy Milk

Flavor

• Vanilla
• Chocolate
• Butter Pecan
• Strawberry
• Neapolitan
• Cookies and Cream
• Mint Choco Chip
• Caramel

Product

• Impulse
• Artisanal
• Take Home

Form

• Singles
• Blends

Distribution channel

• Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Food and Drink Specialists
• Restaurants
• Online Stores

Vegan Ice-Cream Market Regional Analysis/Insights

The market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by country, source, flavor, form, product, and distribution channel as referenced above.

The major countries operating in the market are U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Italy, U.K., France, Spain, Netherland, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, New Zealand, Vietnam, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC), Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA).

Europe is expected to dominate the market due to shifting consumer preferences towards a healthier lifestyle, which has increased the demand for vinegar's health benefits. Additionally, the introduction of new and diverse flavors has attracted more consumers, further boosting market growth. This trend reflects a broader shift towards natural and versatile food products in the region.

Asia-Pacific is expected to experience significant growth during the forecast period, driven by increasing personal disposable income. As consumers in this region have more money to spend, demand for a variety of goods and services is likely to rise, contributing to robust economic expansion. This upward trend reflects a broader pattern of economic development and improved living standards across Asia-Pacific.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulations in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.   

Competitive Landscape and Vegan Ice-Cream Market Share Analysis

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 organic coffee market.

Some of the major players operating in the market are:

• Bliss Unlimited, LLC. (U.S.)
• General Mills Inc. (U.S.)
• Wells Enterprises. (U.S.)
• Happy Cow Ltd. (India)
• McDonald's. (U.S.)
• Nestlé S.A. (Switzerland)
• Tofutti Brands, Inc. (U.S.)
• Unilever (U.K.)
• Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited(U.K.)
• boojabooja (U.S.)
• Eden Creamery LLC. (U.S.)
• Over The Moo (Australia)
• Waitrose & Partners (U.K.)
• DREAM (U.S.)
• NADAMOO (U.S.)
• Van Leeuwen Ice Cream LLC (U.S.)
• Trader Joe's (U.S.)
• Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc. (U.S.)