GITNUXREPORT 2025

Ice Cream Consumption Statistics

Global market valued at $71 billion; millennials and premium brands dominate.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Consumers aged 18-34 have the highest rate of experimenting with exotic and unconventional flavors, constituting about 45% of such sales

Statistic 2

The environmentally-conscious consumer trend has increased demand for biodegradable and eco-friendly ice cream packaging by 25%

Statistic 3

The adoption of biodegradable spoons and cups for ice cream has increased by 30% over the last year, driven by eco-conscious consumers

Statistic 4

The global ice cream market was valued at approximately $71 billion in 2022

Statistic 5

The average American consumes about 23 pounds of ice cream annually

Statistic 6

In the United States, ice cream sales peak during July and August

Statistic 7

Vanilla remains the most popular ice cream flavor in the U.S., accounting for approximately 29% of all ice cream sales

Statistic 8

The global ice cream cone market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% through 2027

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The market share of premium ice cream brands has increased by 15% over the past five years

Statistic 10

The average cost of a half-gallon of ice cream in the US is around $4.50

Statistic 11

Over 70% of ice cream consumers prefer natural ingredients and fewer artificial additives

Statistic 12

Indonesia has seen a 12% annual increase in ice cream sales over the last decade

Statistic 13

The rise of plant-based ice cream alternatives has led to a 20% increase in sales within the vegan market segment

Statistic 14

The global ice cream vending machine market is projected to reach $1.2 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 4%

Statistic 15

Ice cream sales in amusement parks and tourist destinations constitute approximately 10% of total global sales

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The average lifetime expenditure on ice cream per person is around $300 in the US

Statistic 17

During summer months, up to 80% of ice cream consumption is outside the home, mainly in outdoor settings or on the go

Statistic 18

The number of new ice cream flavors launched globally increased by 10% in 2022 compared to 2021

Statistic 19

Specialty and artisanal ice cream brands are growing three times faster than conventional brands

Statistic 20

In India, ice cream consumption is growing at an annual rate of about 10%, with a per capita consumption of 0.5 liters

Statistic 21

Approximately 45% of ice cream sales in Australia are during the summer season, which lasts roughly from December to February

Statistic 22

The rise of social media influencers has increased interest in boutique and unique ice cream flavors, leading to a 12% growth in specialty ice cream sales in 2023

Statistic 23

In South Korea, ice cream consumption per capita is approximately 4.2 liters annually

Statistic 24

The UK consumes an average of 8.5 liters of ice cream per person annually

Statistic 25

In Finland, around 70% of households own an ice cream freezer, contributing to high per capita consumption

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The popularity of frozen yogurt has increased and now constitutes about 12% of the frozen dessert market

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In Canada, ice cream consumption per capita is approximately 13 liters annually

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The top five flavor categories worldwide are vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookie dough, and mint, in order of popularity

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In France, ice cream sales increase by approximately 10% during the summer months, with a significant rise in artisanal product sales

Statistic 30

The consumption of organic and natural ice cream products has grown by 15% annually over the past three years

Statistic 31

In Japan, ice cream consumption per capita is approximately 2.8 liters per year, making it a niche but growing market

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The U.S. ice cream industry generates over $15 billion in retail sales annually

Statistic 33

Seasonal ice cream sales tend to be 3-4 times higher than off-season sales in colder regions

Statistic 34

In South Africa, ice cream sales increased by 18% during the summer of 2022, driven by a hot climate and festive season

Statistic 35

The global frozen dessert market, including ice cream, is projected to reach $180 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.8%

Statistic 36

The rise of subscription and delivery services for artisanal and gourmet ice cream has increased consumer accessibility, contributing to an 8% increase in sales in 2022

Statistic 37

The use of alternative milk sources like almond, coconut, and oat milk has resulted in a 25% increase in vegan ice cream sales globally over the past two years

Statistic 38

In New Zealand, ice cream per capita consumption is around 10 liters annually, with a rising trend

Statistic 39

The flavor profile most preferred by consumers in South America includes dulce de leche and tropical fruit flavors

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Flavored ice cream with added ingredients like cookies, brownies, or nuts now makes up 40% of all sales

Statistic 41

The fastest-growing ice cream segment in recent years is dairy-free and lactose-free options, with a 25% growth rate

Statistic 42

Sales of ice cream bars account for about 50% of all ice cream products sold in retail outlets globally

Statistic 43

The global premium ice cream segment saw a 20% growth last year, outpacing standard ice cream sales

Statistic 44

Ice cream cones account for about 20% of total ice cream sales in retail outlets, with the remaining 80% divided between cups, bars, and tubs

Statistic 45

Millennials are the largest consumers of ice cream, making up about 35% of the market share

Statistic 46

Children's ice cream consumption accounts for about 22% of total sales in the US

Statistic 47

In Italy, ice cream consumption per capita is approximately 6 liters annually

Statistic 48

About 15% of households worldwide have an ice cream freezer or fridge dedicated to storing ice cream

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Mode of purchase varies significantly by region, with 65% of Europeans preferring impulse buy at retail stores

Statistic 50

Regional preference influences flavor trends, with fruit flavors dominating in Europe and chocolate in North America

Statistic 51

In Brazil, ice cream consumption is estimated at 8 liters per capita per year, with a market value of over $3 billion

Statistic 52

The proportion of households with children under 12 years old is correlated with higher ice cream sales, accounting for nearly 60% of the market share in the US

Statistic 53

The top exporting countries for ice cream products include the US, Germany, and the Netherlands, totaling over 60% of global exports

Statistic 54

Approximately 55% of ice cream consumed in the US is bought in grocery stores

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The average number of ice cream cups sold per day in US convenience stores is approximately 15,000

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Over 60% of consumers prefer to buy ice cream from supermarkets rather than specialty shops

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The fastest-growing retail channel for ice cream in recent years has been online e-commerce, with a growth rate of 15% annually

Statistic 58

The average ice cream truck sells approximately 300 cones per day during peak season

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Key Highlights

The global ice cream market was valued at approximately $71 billion in 2022
The average American consumes about 23 pounds of ice cream annually
In the United States, ice cream sales peak during July and August
Vanilla remains the most popular ice cream flavor in the U.S., accounting for approximately 29% of all ice cream sales
Millennials are the largest consumers of ice cream, making up about 35% of the market share
The global ice cream cone market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% through 2027
Approximately 55% of ice cream consumed in the US is bought in grocery stores
The market share of premium ice cream brands has increased by 15% over the past five years
Children's ice cream consumption accounts for about 22% of total sales in the US
The average cost of a half-gallon of ice cream in the US is around $4.50
Over 70% of ice cream consumers prefer natural ingredients and fewer artificial additives
In Italy, ice cream consumption per capita is approximately 6 liters annually
Indonesia has seen a 12% annual increase in ice cream sales over the last decade

From a global market worth $71 billion to a surge in innovative flavors and eco-friendly packaging, the world of ice cream is more vibrant and diverse than ever—sweetening our lives across continents and generations with each scoop.

Consumer Preferences

Consumers aged 18-34 have the highest rate of experimenting with exotic and unconventional flavors, constituting about 45% of such sales

Consumer Preferences Interpretation

With nearly half of all exotic ice cream flavors scooped up by spirited millennials eager to push flavor boundaries, it's clear that this age group isn't just cooling off—they're turning ice cream into a canvas of culinary adventure.

Environmental and Lifestyle Trends

The environmentally-conscious consumer trend has increased demand for biodegradable and eco-friendly ice cream packaging by 25%
The adoption of biodegradable spoons and cups for ice cream has increased by 30% over the last year, driven by eco-conscious consumers

Environmental and Lifestyle Trends Interpretation

With eco-aware consumers scooping up biodegradable packaging and utensils at a rapid clip—up 25% and 30% respectively—it's clear that even our sweet treats are melting away their environmental impact one conscious lick at a time.

Market Trends and Consumer Preferences

The global ice cream market was valued at approximately $71 billion in 2022
The average American consumes about 23 pounds of ice cream annually
In the United States, ice cream sales peak during July and August
Vanilla remains the most popular ice cream flavor in the U.S., accounting for approximately 29% of all ice cream sales
The global ice cream cone market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% through 2027
The market share of premium ice cream brands has increased by 15% over the past five years
The average cost of a half-gallon of ice cream in the US is around $4.50
Over 70% of ice cream consumers prefer natural ingredients and fewer artificial additives
Indonesia has seen a 12% annual increase in ice cream sales over the last decade
The rise of plant-based ice cream alternatives has led to a 20% increase in sales within the vegan market segment
The global ice cream vending machine market is projected to reach $1.2 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 4%
Ice cream sales in amusement parks and tourist destinations constitute approximately 10% of total global sales
The average lifetime expenditure on ice cream per person is around $300 in the US
During summer months, up to 80% of ice cream consumption is outside the home, mainly in outdoor settings or on the go
The number of new ice cream flavors launched globally increased by 10% in 2022 compared to 2021
Specialty and artisanal ice cream brands are growing three times faster than conventional brands
In India, ice cream consumption is growing at an annual rate of about 10%, with a per capita consumption of 0.5 liters
Approximately 45% of ice cream sales in Australia are during the summer season, which lasts roughly from December to February
The rise of social media influencers has increased interest in boutique and unique ice cream flavors, leading to a 12% growth in specialty ice cream sales in 2023
In South Korea, ice cream consumption per capita is approximately 4.2 liters annually
The UK consumes an average of 8.5 liters of ice cream per person annually
In Finland, around 70% of households own an ice cream freezer, contributing to high per capita consumption
The popularity of frozen yogurt has increased and now constitutes about 12% of the frozen dessert market
In Canada, ice cream consumption per capita is approximately 13 liters annually
The top five flavor categories worldwide are vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookie dough, and mint, in order of popularity
In France, ice cream sales increase by approximately 10% during the summer months, with a significant rise in artisanal product sales
The consumption of organic and natural ice cream products has grown by 15% annually over the past three years
In Japan, ice cream consumption per capita is approximately 2.8 liters per year, making it a niche but growing market
The U.S. ice cream industry generates over $15 billion in retail sales annually
Seasonal ice cream sales tend to be 3-4 times higher than off-season sales in colder regions
In South Africa, ice cream sales increased by 18% during the summer of 2022, driven by a hot climate and festive season
The global frozen dessert market, including ice cream, is projected to reach $180 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.8%
The rise of subscription and delivery services for artisanal and gourmet ice cream has increased consumer accessibility, contributing to an 8% increase in sales in 2022
The use of alternative milk sources like almond, coconut, and oat milk has resulted in a 25% increase in vegan ice cream sales globally over the past two years
In New Zealand, ice cream per capita consumption is around 10 liters annually, with a rising trend
The flavor profile most preferred by consumers in South America includes dulce de leche and tropical fruit flavors

Market Trends and Consumer Preferences Interpretation

With a global dot of $71 billion melted into our markets in 2022, vanilla reigning supreme amid an ice cream craze fueled by artisanal, plant-based, and social media-driven flavors, it's clear that whether you're a summer beachgoer or a winter freezer dweller, ice cream remains a sweetly indispensable international obsession—documenting a delightful market that’s cooling, yet ever expanding.

Product Types and Market Segments

Flavored ice cream with added ingredients like cookies, brownies, or nuts now makes up 40% of all sales
The fastest-growing ice cream segment in recent years is dairy-free and lactose-free options, with a 25% growth rate
Sales of ice cream bars account for about 50% of all ice cream products sold in retail outlets globally
The global premium ice cream segment saw a 20% growth last year, outpacing standard ice cream sales
Ice cream cones account for about 20% of total ice cream sales in retail outlets, with the remaining 80% divided between cups, bars, and tubs

Product Types and Market Segments Interpretation

As ice cream brands churn out increasingly inventive flavors and healthier, premium, and portable options—while cones maintain their classic appeal—consumers’ frosty cravings continue to diversify and grow, reflecting a sweet appetite for innovation and indulgence worldwide.

Regional and Demographic Insights

Millennials are the largest consumers of ice cream, making up about 35% of the market share
Children's ice cream consumption accounts for about 22% of total sales in the US
In Italy, ice cream consumption per capita is approximately 6 liters annually
About 15% of households worldwide have an ice cream freezer or fridge dedicated to storing ice cream
Mode of purchase varies significantly by region, with 65% of Europeans preferring impulse buy at retail stores
Regional preference influences flavor trends, with fruit flavors dominating in Europe and chocolate in North America
In Brazil, ice cream consumption is estimated at 8 liters per capita per year, with a market value of over $3 billion
The proportion of households with children under 12 years old is correlated with higher ice cream sales, accounting for nearly 60% of the market share in the US
The top exporting countries for ice cream products include the US, Germany, and the Netherlands, totaling over 60% of global exports

Regional and Demographic Insights Interpretation

While millennials dominate nearly a third of the ice cream market and regional tastes dictate flavor and buying habits, one thing's clear: ice cream remains the sweet universal language melting cultural boundaries, kids or grown-ups.

Sales Channels and Distribution Methods

Approximately 55% of ice cream consumed in the US is bought in grocery stores
The average number of ice cream cups sold per day in US convenience stores is approximately 15,000
Over 60% of consumers prefer to buy ice cream from supermarkets rather than specialty shops
The fastest-growing retail channel for ice cream in recent years has been online e-commerce, with a growth rate of 15% annually
The average ice cream truck sells approximately 300 cones per day during peak season

Sales Channels and Distribution Methods Interpretation

With over half of Americans preferring grocery store ice cream, a booming online market, and trucks churning out 300 cones daily, it’s clear that whether in aisles, online, or on wheels, Americans’ sweet tooth drives a multi-channel dessert economy that's both frosty and fiercely competitive.