Plant Based Ice Creams Market

Global Plant-Based Ice Creams Market Size (2024 to 2029) 

The Global Plant-Based Ice Creams Market size is estimated at USD 3.3 billion in 2024 to USD 5.11 billion By 2029 with a CAGR of 9.10% throughout the forecast period 2024 to 2029.

Plant-based ice cream is mainly beneficial for lactose-intolerant people. These ice creams create a large clientele in the field of non-dairy products. The growing population of lactose-intolerant customers is likely to be the primary factor in increasing ice cream consumption and boosting the herbal ice cream market. Also, the high amounts of protein in these herbal ice creams should make them a healthier option, further stimulating the global Plant-Based Ice Cream market.  

Current Scenario of the Global Plant-based Ice Creams Market  

The global plant-based ice cream market has been experiencing moderate growth in the past years. Consumer demand for nutritious and healthy food products and the accelerating vegan population across the globe are positively impacting the expansion of the market. The plant-based ice creams are lower in saturated fats, lactose-free, and cholesterol-free, which can be compatible with the dietary preferences of the consumers. Various researchers state that most consumers prefer products due to their health benefits. Even though 1% of the world population identifies themselves as vegans, studies are proof that veganism is soon going to be a popular lifestyle worldwide. The escalating innovations in the food industry and technological advancements encourage manufacturers to formulate and launch high-quality plant-based ice creams, creating opportunities for market growth in the coming years. The market will evolve due to shifting consumer behavior, and most leading food companies plan to launch plant-based ice creams.  

MARKET DRIVERS  

As consumers begin to see a more profound link between food, health, and the environment, the public profile of organic and plant foods is evolving in an upward spiral. In addition to the foods eaten regularly, herbal and natural substitutes offer snacks, drinks, and frozen desserts like ice cream. Natural ice cream has gained ground with the increasing popularity of organic milk and milk powder obtained from cows-fed organic food. However, another segment of consumers inclined to the "vegan" culture continually demands plant-based ice cream. Growing concern about animal welfare issues in the food and beverage industry, reduced consumption of animal products, and the rapid expansion of the range of alternatives have led to the development of vegan culture, then plant-based ice cream. As studies continue to link vegan food with a longer, healthier life, the demand for Plant-Based Ice Cream is supposed to be strong in the future. 

Additionally, the herb ice cream market is assumed to benefit from a significant increase in lactose intolerance among more consumers, resulting in increased sales of vegan cheese and protein shakes plants. Coconut milk and cream remain the base of choice for plant-based ice creams, owing to the lower air content, which makes the products denser than other dairy alternatives. The emergence of Southeast Asia as the world's leading producer of coconuts has attracted a great deal of attention from market players. Soy milk is also one of the most commonly used creamy ingredients in Plant-Based Ice Cream. However, several adverse effects associated with soy milk are suspected to decrease sales for use in Plant-Based Ice Creams.  

Plant-Based Ice Creams served in cones continue to be popular with consumers, while manufacturers are introducing takeaway cups, tubs, and homemade ice creams. As innovation becomes increasingly important to align with ever-changing trends and generate profit margins, several traditional ice cream makers are venturing into the new market. Like any other plant-based or natural products, plant-based ice creams offer several functional benefits over conventional ice creams. Additionally, frozen dessert companies are reformulating ice creams to appeal to consumers who care about their health and the environment.  

MARKET RESTRAINTS  

Formulation of Plant-based Ice Creams is much more complicated than its conventional equivalents, resulting in high processing costs, a significant factor hampering the market growth due to high final product prices. Removal of dairy products from ice cream results in a complicated food label, as more ingredients are needed to produce the preferred flavor and textures. These factors are anticipated to pose a potential challenge to manufacturers to enhance sales. The availability of substitutes and other conventional ice creams will limit the adoption of plant-based ice creams as most of the world population are still nonvegetarians who prefer dairy products. There is a need for awareness as plant-based ice cream is an entirely new product that consumers need to know, as similar ice creams hinder the market growth rate. The presence of stringent regulations and the chances of developing adverse reactions to soy-milk and almond-milk-based creams will impede the market expansion.   

REPORT COVERAGE: 

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS 

Global Plant-Based Ice Creams Market By Product Source            

The coconut milk-based segment held the largest share of 47.5% of the global market revenue in 2023 and is projected to dominate in the forecast period. Coconut milk cream remains the base for many plant-based ice creams because of its density compared to other dairy products. Coconut milk is a good source of healthy fats, and it has a creamy texture, which is well-suited as the ice cream base, which drives the segment's growth. The affordability of coconut milk enhances adoption among plant-based ice cream producers, which drives revenue growth in the segment. Southeast Asian region is the world's top producer of coconut, which is accelerating the opportunities for the market players.    

The soy milk-based segment is estimated to grow steadily in the coming years as it is also the most commonly preferred cream base in plant-based ice creams. Soy-based milk is estimated to have several adverse effects, which limit the adoption of soy-based milk.                                                    

Global Plant-Based Ice Creams Market By Packaging                     

The tub segment dominates the plant-based ice cream market, with the most significant share. Manufacturers are introducing cups and tubs to make it convenient for consumers to take home specially-made artisanal plant-based ice creams. These ice creams are packed with premium quality, and the manufacturers are choosing tubs for the convenience of the consumers, which is driving the segment growth.                  

Global Plant-Based Ice Creams Market By Distribution Channel 

The supermarkets/hypermarkets segment held a significant share in the global plant-based ice cream market revenue 2023. The supermarkets/hypermarkets are key distribution channels where consumers can be exposed to various brands and flavors, primarily fueling the segment's growth. This distribution channel makes it easy for consumers to locate and choose the desired product due to their ease of availability and accessibility. The supermarkets and hypermarkets enable different deals and discounts to consumers, making the plant-based ice creams cost-effective, and boosting the distribution channel's revenue.  

Online stores have gained traction in recent years due to their ease of accessibility and the adoption of digital shopping platforms among consumers. Various advantages of online shopping, such as home delivery, ease of payment, and a wide range of products, are enhancing the consumers' adoption of online services.    

REGIONAL ANALYSIS 

The North American Plant Based Ice Cream was further segmented into the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The European Plant Ice Cream market has been ranked in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the rest of Europe. The Asia-Pacific Plant Ice Cream market has been divided into China, India, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the rest of the Asia-Pacific. The Plant-Based Ice Cream market in the rest of the world has been segmented into South America, the Middle East, and Africa.  

The Asia-Pacific plant-based ice cream market is expected to experience the highest annual growth rate in the coming years due to an increase in the lactose-intolerant population. Consumers are shifting their preferences to almond ice cream because it has high nutritional values ​​and tastes better than soy milk ice cream. The increased production of coconuts in the Southeast region is increasing the opportunities for regional market growth.  

The North American region dominated the global plant-based ice cream market revenue with a significant market share. The growing disposable incomes of the people, accelerating growth in the vegan population across the region, and growing health consciousness and awareness regarding the benefits of plant-based ice creams are escalating regional market growth.  

Demand for lactose-free ice cream is increasing in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. However, in European countries such as France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, small local manufacturers of plant-based ice creams cannot follow the quality and safety guidelines required to obtain organic certification for their plants. According to a survey in Russia, a large part of the population is nonvegetarian and prefers ice cream made from cow's milk over plant-based ice cream. 

KEY PLAYERS IN THE PLANT-BASED ICE CREAMS MARKET 

Key players in the Plant-Based Ice Cream Market Are Coconut Collaborative Swedish Glace, Perfect World, Almond Drea, Booja-Booja, Turtle MountainMountain's, Frankie & Jo's, Smooze, So Delicious, Luna & Larry's, and Unilever's Ben & Jerry.  

RECENT HAPPENINGS IN THE MARKET 

• In May 2023, Haagen-Dazs launched a new vegan-friendly technique for enjoying its classic frozen sweets. The new oat-based line is designed for flexitarians who aim to incorporate more plants into their diet and exceed preconceptions of how plant-based frozen treats taste.  

• In July 2022, Unilever's Ben & Jerry's brand introduced two plant-based ice cream flavors – Chocolate Milk and Cookies and Dirt Cake.  

• In March 2022, the brand NadaMoo from Little Red Rooster Ice Cream company introduced a dairy-free ice cream chocolate chip cookie dough flavor. The ice cream is sold through supermarket chains, including Wegmans, local natural markets, Stop & Shop, certain whole foods markets, Walmart, and Online stores.  

• In November 2021, Oatly introduced vegan ice cream bars, which are available in 3000 locations across the country. The new ice cream bars, which are produced with an oat milk base, come in four flavors: strawberry swirl, salted caramel, chocolate fudge, and vanilla.   

• In August 2018, Hindustan Unilever agreed to buy Karnataka-based ice cream brand Adityaa from Vijaykant Dairy and Food Products Limited (VDFPL) for an undisclosed amount, seeking more market share that is gradually seeing local or family brands sell to multinationals. Last month, Hindustan Unilever consolidated its food and soda businesses into a single division to increase agility, which aligns with the world-class structure of parent company Unilever. 

• Froneri, the UK-based ice cream joint venture owned by Nestlé and R&R, has launched a new brand of indulgent herbal ice creams. Called Roar, the ice cream brand that concentrates on saving endangered feral cats and encourages its consumers to "find their nature." The new brand has formed a long-term partnership with Panthera as a financial sponsor supporting the Tigers Forever fund to increase the number of tigers by at least 50% over ten years. 

DETAILED SEGMENTATION OF GLOBAL PLANT BASED ICE CREAMS Market INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT    

This research report on the global Plant Based Ice Creams Market has been segmented and sub-segmented based on Product Source, Packaging, Distribution Channel & region.           

By Product Source           

• Soy Milk Based      
• Coconut Milk Based            
• Almond Milk Based
• Cashew Milk           
• Rice Milk Based     
• Others                 

By Packaging           

• Tub             
• Bag/Sachet                     

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets         
• Convenience Stores            
• Specialist Stores    
• Health Food Stores              
• Others    

By Region

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa