United States Ice Cream Market Size and Share

United States Ice Cream Market Summary
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United States Ice Cream Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The United States ice cream market size stood at USD 19.51 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 22.41 billion by 2030, advancing at a 2.81% CAGR. This growth highlights a mature yet resilient market, where premiumization continues to drive value growth despite the stabilization of overall volume. The market benefits from entrenched consumption habits, supported by the country's well-established cold-chain infrastructure and a plentiful domestic dairy supply, which collectively ensure consistent baseline demand. Additionally, the increasing popularity of premium artisanal ice cream, the expansion of plant-based innovations catering to evolving consumer preferences, and the adoption of technology-enabled distribution channels are creating new revenue opportunities. These factors collectively sustain the market's momentum and contribute to its long-term growth potential. Meanwhile, regulatory vigilance under 21 CFR 135.110 and ongoing input-cost volatility in dairy and sugar continue to shape strategic decisions across the value chain.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By product type, impulse ice cream held 42.74% of the United States ice cream market share in 2024 while the artisanal segment is growing the fastest at 3.51% CAGR to 2030.
  • By category, dairy products dominated with 80.27% revenue share in 2024; non-dairy alternatives are forecast to expand at a 3.42% CAGR through 2030.
  • By distribution channel, off-trade accounted for 88.42% of the United States ice cream market size in 2024 whereas on-trade is projected to post the quickest growth at 3.81% CAGR over the same period.

Segment Analysis

By Product Type: Artisanal Growth Outpaces Volume Leaders

Impulse ice cream continues to dominate the United States ice cream market, accounting for a commanding 42.74% share in 2024. Its strong performance is driven by widespread availability across retail channels, from supermarkets to convenience stores, ensuring high accessibility for consumers. The segment’s success is also supported by its alignment with on-the-go consumption habits, capturing both planned and spontaneous purchases. Major brands have strategically positioned impulse ice cream products through promotional tie-ins and seasonal flavor launches to sustain consumer interest. Additionally, single-serve packaging formats and expanding freezer presence in smaller retail outlets have reinforced its market penetration. This extensive distribution network and convenience-focused appeal have solidified impulse ice cream's position as the market leader, reflecting its ability to combine accessibility, affordability, and variety effectively.

The artisanal ice cream segment, on the other hand, represents the fastest-growing category, registering an impressive CAGR of 3.51%, far outpacing the overall market expansion. This growth is fueled by rising consumer preference for premium, small-batch products that emphasize craftsmanship and authentic ingredients. Artisanal brands leverage narratives around locally sourced dairy, handmade preparation, and unique flavor innovation to differentiate themselves from mass-market offerings. The trend toward indulgence with consciousness—balancing rich taste with clean labels and natural ingredients—has further attracted a niche but rapidly expanding consumer base. Premium pricing within this segment has not deterred demand; rather, it underscores consumers’ willingness to pay more for perceived quality and exclusivity. As a result, the artisanal segment continues to reshape the competitive landscape, driving diversification and elevating value perception within the U.S. ice cream market.

United States Ice Cream Market: Market Share by Product Type
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By Category: Dairy Dominance Faces Plant-Based Disruption

Dairy ice cream continues to hold a dominant position in the United States ice cream market, capturing a substantial 80.27% share in 2024. This leadership underscores consumers’ strong attachment to traditional taste, texture, and mouthfeel that dairy-based formulations uniquely deliver. The segment’s dominance is further supported by well-established brand portfolios and consistent product innovation in flavors and formats. Manufacturers have successfully leveraged nostalgia and indulgence while introducing cleaner ingredient labels and reduced-sugar options to retain a broad consumer base. Dairy ice cream’s affordability and wide availability across retail and foodservice channels reinforce its entrenched position in American households. Its enduring popularity highlights how familiarity and sensory satisfaction continue to outweigh newer dietary or ethical considerations for the majority of consumers.

In contrast, non-dairy ice cream is emerging as the fastest-growing segment, advancing at an impressive CAGR of 3.42% amid shifting consumer preferences toward health and sustainability. Growth in this category is closely tied to the rising incidence of lactose intolerance, vegan lifestyles, and increasing awareness of environmental impacts linked to dairy farming. Brands in the non-dairy space have successfully expanded consumer reach through innovations using plant-based bases such as almond, oat, coconut, and soy. These formulations replicate creamy textures and distinctive flavor experiences comparable to traditional ice cream, appealing to a broader audience beyond strict vegans. The segment also benefits from premium positioning, as consumers are willing to experiment with healthier and ethically conscious choices. As a result, non-dairy ice cream continues to gain traction within retail and online channels, signaling a structural shift that will gradually diversify the competitive dynamics of the U.S. ice cream market.

By Distribution Channel: Off-Trade Leadership with On-Trade Recovery

Off-trade distribution channels remain the dominant sales avenue in the United States ice cream market, commanding an impressive 88.42% share in 2024. This segment’s strength is underpinned by the extensive presence of grocery stores, convenience outlets, and specialty retailers that ensure broad consumer accessibility. The convenience of take-home packaging formats and multipack options continues to align well with household consumption patterns. Promotional pricing, brand variety, and strong visibility within retail freezers further enhance consumer engagement and repeat purchase behavior. Additionally, the expansion of e-commerce and click-and-collect platforms has reinforced the off-trade segment’s accessibility and competitiveness. As a result, these channels maintain an essential position in driving volume sales, solidifying their role as the cornerstone of the U.S. ice cream distribution landscape.

The on-trade segment, although smaller in scale, represents the fastest-growing distribution channel with a notable CAGR of 3.81%. This growth momentum is propelled by the resurgence of foodservice establishments, quick-service restaurants, and experiential dining formats post-pandemic. Increasing consumer interest in indulgent desserts and freshly served ice cream experiences within cafes and restaurants has enhanced the appeal of on-trade channels. These outlets provide opportunities for premium presentation, customization, and seasonal flavor innovation that distinguish them from retail offerings. Moreover, partnerships between ice cream brands and hospitality operators are expanding availability across dining venues, movie theaters, and leisure spaces. As experiential consumption continues to gain traction, the on-trade segment is expected to play a transformative role in shaping future demand patterns and diversifying consumption occasions across the U.S. ice cream market.

United States Ice Cream Market: Market Share by Distribution Channel
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Geography Analysis

The United States ice cream market exhibits notable geographic diversity in consumption patterns and growth drivers across regions. The Northeast and Midwest regions traditionally hold strong market shares due to high population density and well-established retail infrastructures, supporting widespread availability of dairy and frozen dessert products. In these areas, premium and artisanal ice creams are seeing growing interest, driven by urban consumers seeking unique flavor profiles and high-quality ingredients. Meanwhile, the South benefits from a combination of large population bases and warmer climates, which historically fuel strong demand for take-home and impulse ice cream products through grocery and convenience channels. The region’s expanding urban centers continue to attract investments from major ice cream brands aiming to strengthen distribution and reach.

The Western United States, including key states such as California and Washington, stands out as a rapidly evolving market segment with pronounced growth in health-conscious and plant-based ice cream alternatives. This region’s progressive consumer demographics emphasize sustainability, dietary inclusivity, and premium offerings, which have catalyzed the rise of vegan and low-sugar frozen desserts. Innovations in product formulations coupled with active marketing campaigns around clean-label and eco-friendly attributes have resonated particularly well with West Coast consumers. Additionally, the thriving foodservice and specialty retail scene enhances exposure to artisanal and experiential ice cream formats, contributing to the region’s higher-than-average market growth rates. This blend of health focus and premiumization marks the West as a key driver in the U.S. ice cream market expansion.

Across all regions, e-commerce and direct-to-consumer platforms are increasingly influential, transcending geographic boundaries and enhancing market access. Online sales channels have grown significantly, supported by consumer demand for convenience, subscription services, and greater product variety not always available in physical stores. Seasonal variations in consumption remain relevant, with summer months driving peak sales nationwide, but regional weather variations also influence consumption patterns, with warmer states experiencing longer high-demand periods. The geographic landscape of the U.S. ice cream market is thus shaped by a combination of established regional preferences, demographic trends, innovation adoption, and evolving retail formats, making it a dynamic and highly segmented market environment.

Competitive Landscape

The United States ice cream market demonstrates a moderate concentration score of 6, indicating a balanced competitive environment where a few major players hold significant influence while smaller regional and niche brands coexist and thrive. Established multinational corporations such as Unilever and Nestlé leverage their scale advantages across production, distribution, and marketing to sustain their leadership positions. These companies employ vertical integration strategies, controlling multiple stages of the supply chain, and diversify their brand portfolios to cater to varied consumer preferences. Their expansive distribution networks and strong brand equity create significant barriers for many competitors, enabling them to capture broad market share across multiple segments and channels.

At the same time, the market is characterized by persistent pressure from regional specialists and emerging entrants, particularly in the plant-based and artisanal product categories. Low barriers to entry for these smaller players allow them to innovate rapidly and target niche consumer segments with unique value propositions such as organic ingredients, locally sourced dairy, and vegan formulations. This dynamic fosters a bifurcated market structure, wherein volume leaders focus on mass-market appeal and operational efficiency, while premium specialists emphasize quality, craftsmanship, and brand storytelling. Regional brands frequently capitalize on local consumer loyalty and trends, challenging the dominance of global giants on a more localized scale. This dual nature of competition enriches the product landscape and offers consumers a wider range of choices.

The competitive intensity in the U.S. ice cream market thus reflects a nuanced interplay between scale-driven advantages and innovation-driven disruption. High barriers to scaling production and distribution maintain the dominance of large corporations, while the relatively open landscape for product innovation encourages a growing cohort of artisanal and plant-based entrants. This segmentation allows both traditional and emerging players to carve out distinct strategic spaces, enabling the market to evolve with shifting consumer preferences. As premiumization, health consciousness, and sustainability continue to shape demand trends, the competitive landscape is expected to remain dynamic, with companies balancing the pursuit of volume growth and differentiation through product innovation and brand positioning.

United States Ice Cream Industry Leaders

  1. Blue Bell Creameries LP

  2. Froneri International Limited

  3. Unilever PLC

  4. Nestlé S.A

  5. Ferrero International SpA

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
United States Ice Cream Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • July 2025: See’s Candies and McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams have teamed up to celebrate National Ice Cream Month, unveiling three new co-branded flavors. Drawing inspiration from See’s classic treats, the new flavors include: Brown Sugar with Milk Bordeaux, PB&J with Peanut Butter Patties, and Strawberry with Strawberry Creams. These flavors can be found nationwide at McConnell’s online store and Scoop Shops.
  • September 2024: Hiland Dairy Foods announced expansion of its Tyler, Texas facility with 90,000 square feet of additional processing, filling, and storage capacity, targeting completion by Q1 2026 to meet growing regional demand for dairy products including ice cream products.
  • August 2024: Idaho Milk Products announced a USD 200 million investment to build a 183,000-square-foot dual ice cream and powder blending facility at its Jerome, Idaho campus, with construction beginning fall 2024 and commercial production expected by May 2026.
  • July 2024: Turkey Hill Dairy has announced a strategic collaboration with Mattel, Inc. to introduce two limited-edition Barbie®-inspired ice cream flavors: Strawberry Marshmallow and Frosted Cupcake. This partnership celebrates Barbie's 65th anniversary, marking a significant milestone for the iconic brand. Additionally, it aligns with the summertime demand for fresh and playful product offerings, appealing to consumers seeking unique and nostalgic experiences.

Table of Contents for United States Ice Cream Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Growing demand for premium and artisanal ice cream
    • 4.2.2 Innovation in exotic and unique flavors
    • 4.2.3 Expansion of healthier, low-sugar, and dairy-free options
    • 4.2.4 Effective marketing via digital channels and influencers
    • 4.2.5 Surge in plant-based and vegan ice cream alternatives
    • 4.2.6 Growing emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable packaging
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Health concerns over sugar and saturated fat content
    • 4.3.2 Competition from alternative frozen desserts and snacks
    • 4.3.3 Volatile prices of key raw materials like dairy and sugar
    • 4.3.4 Seasonal demand fluctuations affecting sales stability
  • 4.4 Value/ Supply-Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Landscape
  • 4.6 Technological Outlook
  • 4.7 Porter's Five Forces
    • 4.7.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
    • 4.7.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.7.3 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.7.4 Threat of Substitute Products
    • 4.7.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE AND VOLUME)

  • 5.1 By Product Type
    • 5.1.1 Artisanal Ice Cream
    • 5.1.2 Impulse Ice Cream
    • 5.1.3 Take-Home Ice Cream
  • 5.2 By Category
    • 5.2.1 Dairy
    • 5.2.2 Non-Dairy (Plant-Based)
  • 5.3 Distribution Channel
    • 5.3.1 On-Trade
    • 5.3.2 Off-Trade
    • 5.3.2.1 Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
    • 5.3.2.2 Specialist Retailers
    • 5.3.2.3 Convenience Stores
    • 5.3.2.4 Online Retail Stores
    • 5.3.2.5 Other Distribution Channels

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global Overview, Market-level Overview, Core Segments, Financials, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share, Products & Services, Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Unilever PLC
    • 6.4.2 Ferrero International SpA
    • 6.4.3 Froneri International Ltd.
    • 6.4.4 Nestlé S.A
    • 6.4.5 Blue Bell Creameries LP
    • 6.4.6 Turkey Hill Dairy
    • 6.4.7 Tillamook County Creamery Association
    • 6.4.8 Dairy Farmers of America Inc.
    • 6.4.9 Focus Brands LLC
    • 6.4.10 Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
    • 6.4.11 Gifford’s Dairy Inc.
    • 6.4.12 Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
    • 6.4.13 Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
    • 6.4.14 Giffords Dairy Inc.
    • 6.4.15 Alden’s Organic Ice Cream
    • 6.4.16 Clover Sonoma
    • 6.4.17 Straus Family Creamery
    • 6.4.18 Stewart’s Shops
    • 6.4.19 Braum’s Ice Cream
    • 6.4.20 Perry’s Ice Cream

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

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United States Ice Cream Market Report Scope

Off-Trade, On-Trade are covered as segments by Distribution Channel.
By Product Type
Artisanal Ice Cream
Impulse Ice Cream
Take-Home Ice Cream
By Category
Dairy
Non-Dairy (Plant-Based)
Distribution Channel
On-Trade
Off-Trade Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
Specialist Retailers
Convenience Stores
Online Retail Stores
Other Distribution Channels
By Product Type Artisanal Ice Cream
Impulse Ice Cream
Take-Home Ice Cream
By Category Dairy
Non-Dairy (Plant-Based)
Distribution Channel On-Trade
Off-Trade Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
Specialist Retailers
Convenience Stores
Online Retail Stores
Other Distribution Channels
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Market Definition

  • Butter - Butter is a yellow-to-white solid emulsion of fat globules, water, and inorganic salts produced by churning the cream from cows’ milk
  • Dairy - Dairy product include milk and any of the foods made from milk, including butter, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, and condensed and dried milk.
  • Frozen Desserts - Frozen dairy dessert means and includes products containing milk or cream and other ingredients which are frozen or semi-frozen prior to consumption, such as ice milk or sherbet, including frozen dairy desserts for special dietary purposes, and sorbet
  • Sour Milk Drinks - Sour milk is thick, curdled milk, with a sour taste, obtained from the fermentation of milk. Sour milk drinks such as kefir, laban, buttermilk have been considered in the study
Keyword Definition
Cultured Butter Cultured butter is prepared by having the raw butter go through chemical processing and has been added with certain emulsifiers and foreign ingredients.
Uncultured Butter This type of butter is one which has not been processed in any way
Natural Cheese The type of cheese in its most natural form. It is made from natural and simple products and ingredients, including fresh and natural salts, natural colors, enzymes, and high-quality milk.
Processed Cheese Processed cheese undergoes the same processes as natural cheese; however, it requires more steps and many different forms of ingredients. Making processed cheese involves melting natural cheese, emulsifying it, and adding preservatives and other artificial ingredients or colorings.
Single Cream Single cream contains around 18% fat. It’s a single layer of cream that appears over boiled milk.
Double Cream Double cream contains 48% fat, more than double the amount of fat of single cream. It’s heavier and thicker than single cream
Whipping Cream This has a much higher fat percentage than single cream (36%). Used to top cakes, pies, and puddings and as a thickener for sauces, soups, and fillings.
Frozen Desserts Desserts that are meant to be eaten in frozen condition. E.g., sherbets, sorbets, frozen yogurts
UHT Milk (Ultra-high temperature milk) Milk heated at a very high temperature. Ultra-high-temperature processing (UHT) of milk involves heating for 1–8 sec at 135–154°C. which kills the spore-forming pathogenic microorganism, resulting in a product with a shelf-life of several months.
Non-dairy butter/Plant-based butter Butter made from plant-derived oil such as coconut, palm, etc.
Non-dairy Yogurt Yogurt made from typically made from nuts, like almonds, cashews, coconuts, and even other foods like soybeans, plantains, oats, and peas
On-trade It refers to restaurants, QSRs, and bars.
Off-trade It refers to supermarkets, hypermarkets, on-line channels, etc.
Neufchatel cheese One of the oldest kinds of cheese in France. It is a soft, slightly crumbly, mold-ripened, bloomy-rind cheese made in the Neufchâtel-en-Bray region of Normandy.
Flexitarian It refers to a consumer preferring a semi-vegetarian diet, that is centered on plant foods with limited or occasional inclusion of meat.
Lactose Intolerance Lactose intolerance is a reaction in digestive system to lactose, the sugar in milk. It causes uncomfortable symptoms in response to the consumption of dairy products.
Cream Cheese Cream cheese is a soft and creamy fresh cheese with a tangy taste made from milk and cream.
Sorbets Sorbet is a frozen dessert made using ice combined with fruit juice, fruit purée, or other ingredients, such as wine, liqueur, or honey.
Sherbet Sherbet is a sweetened frozen dessert made with fruit and some sort of dairy product such as milk or cream.
Shelf stable Foods that can be safely stored at room temperature, or "on the shelf," for at least one year and do not have to be cooked or refrigerated to eat safely.
DSD Direct Store Delivery is the process in supply chain management wherein the product is delivered from manufacturing plant directly to the retailer.
OU Kosher Orthodox Union Kosher is a kosher certification agency based in New York City.
Gelato Gelato is a frozen creamy dessert made with milk, heavy cream and sugar.
Grass-fed Cows Grass-fed cows are allowed to graze in pastures, where they eat a variety of grasses and clover.
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Research Methodology

Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.

  • Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step 1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set, and the model is built on the basis of these variables.​
  • Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country.​
  • Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables, and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.​
  • Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
research-methodology
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