United States Ice Cream Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

United States Ice Cream Market Analysis

The United States Ice Cream Market size is estimated at 19.51 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 22.41 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.81% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The ice cream industry in the United States continues to evolve with changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. Consumer behavior data reveals that approximately 87% of the US population maintains ice cream in their freezers at any given time, with Sunday being the most popular day for purchases. The frequency of ice cream consumption remains robust, as 74% of Americans consume ice cream at least once weekly, predominantly at home. This shift in consumption patterns has prompted manufacturers to focus on developing premium products and innovative flavors that cater to both traditional preferences and emerging taste profiles, with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry maintaining their positions as the most popular flavors.

The digital transformation of ice cream retail has revolutionized the industry's distribution landscape. With 45% of the US population now browsing online websites through mobile devices, retailers and manufacturers have significantly expanded their digital presence. The integration of technology has enabled more sophisticated inventory management, personalized marketing campaigns, and enhanced customer engagement strategies. Over 68 million US households now utilize various online shopping methods, including delivery, pickup, and shipping-to-home options, demonstrating the growing importance of omnichannel distribution strategies.

The retail infrastructure for ice cream distribution continues to expand and modernize across the United States. Currently, there are 63,419 supermarkets operating nationwide, forming a robust foundation for ice cream distribution. Major retailers have invested heavily in cold chain infrastructure, implementing advanced freezer technologies and temperature monitoring systems to maintain product quality. Supermarkets and hypermarkets have emerged as the dominant distribution channel, accounting for 66.65% of ice cream sales through off-trade channels in 2022, reflecting consumers' preference for one-stop shopping experiences.

Product innovation and premiumization have become key differentiators in the ice cream market, with manufacturers focusing on clean label ingredients, functional benefits, and sustainable packaging solutions. The industry has witnessed a surge in premium ice cream launches featuring unique flavor combinations, artisanal production methods, and health-conscious formulations. Major brands are increasingly incorporating natural ingredients, reducing artificial additives, and introducing portion-controlled formats to meet evolving consumer demands. This trend is particularly evident in the growth of premium pint offerings and individually wrapped novelties that cater to both indulgence and portion control preferences.

United States Ice Cream Market Trends

The increasing influence of innovative flavors is impacting the consumption of ice cream in the United States

• The increasing preference of consumers for premium ice creams and intercontinental flavors has led to a sharp increase in the per capita consumption of ice cream in the United States during the last decades. In 2022, per capita consumption of ice cream increased by 1.3% compared to the previous year, 2021. Consumers purchase ice cream in large cartons as well as individually wrapped frozen novelties that include ice-cream sandwiches, ice cream cones, chocolate-dipped bars, Klondike bars, and popsicles. Approximately 87% of the US population has ice cream in their freezers at any time, while Sunday is the most common day for them to purchase ice cream.
• Ice creams with low-calorie (150 calories per serving) or no-sugar options compared to regular ice creams have gained popularity among health-conscious consumers. Due to this, regular ice cream consumption experienced a dip of 9% up to 2021, compared to the historical years, while low-fat ice cream consumption increased by 20%. As of 2021, almost 74% of the US population eats ice cream at least once a week, which they also like to eat at home, while 84% of the US population purchased ice cream at grocery stores and ate it at home.
• Popular flavors of ice cream in the United States include vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, butter pecan, and mint chocolate chip. Despite this, chocolate remains the favorite among consumers. In 2021, 17% of US consumers preferred the chocolate flavor, followed by vanilla with 15%, and strawberry and mint chocolate chip with 8% each. Almost half of the consumers bought ice cream in half-gallon containers, and about 23% preferred to buy pints.

OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT

• Growth in milk volume per cow is among the factors largely boosting milk production in the country

Segment Analysis: Distribution Channel

Off-Trade Segment in US Ice Cream Market

The off-trade ice cream distribution channel dominates the United States ice cream market, accounting for approximately 94% of the total market value in 2024. This channel's prominence is primarily driven by the extensive network of supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and online retail platforms across the country. The segment's growth is supported by the increasing consumer preference for at-home consumption, with about 84% of US consumers purchasing retail ice cream from grocery stores for home consumption. The expansion of cold chain infrastructure, improved storage facilities, and the rising adoption of digital payment systems have further strengthened the off-trade channel's position. Additionally, the segment is experiencing robust growth with a projected increase of nearly 3% during 2024-2029, driven by the rapid expansion of e-commerce platforms, enhanced last-mile delivery capabilities, and the growing trend of online grocery shopping.

On-Trade Segment in US Ice Cream Market

The on-trade segment represents a vital component of the US ice cream market segmentation, encompassing sales through restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlors, and food service outlets. This channel has evolved significantly with the integration of digital ordering systems, contactless payments, and enhanced delivery services to meet changing consumer preferences. The segment's growth is supported by the expanding number of Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) franchise locations, which increased to over 192,000 outlets in recent years. The channel has also benefited from the growing popularity of premium commercial ice cream offerings and unique flavor experiences that consumers seek when dining out. Furthermore, the segment has adapted to modern consumer demands by implementing various technology-based solutions, including digital menus and innovative service models, while also capitalizing on the increasing trend of food delivery services.