GITNUXREPORT 2025

Ice Cream Sales Statistics

Global ice cream market valued at $72 billion, driven by summer, flavors, and trends.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The average American consumes about 23 pounds of ice cream per year

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The most popular ice cream topping in the US is sprinkles, used by 65% of consumers

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Approximately 42% of ice cream consumers are under 30 years old

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The majority of ice cream sales are impulsive, comprising about 75% of purchases in grocery stores

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More than 60% of consumers prefer buying ice cream from supermarkets over specialty shops

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The average household in the US spends around $33 on ice cream annually

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55% of ice cream buyers prefer pints over larger gallon containers

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About 35% of ice cream consumption occurs at home, with the rest eaten outside such as in restaurants or on-the-go

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Children under 12 are responsible for roughly 45% of ice cream consumption in the US

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Approximately 30% of consumers choose non-dairy ice cream as a dairy-free alternative

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The percentage of households that purchase ice cream weekly is about 40%, indicating regular consumption habits

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The popularity of gourmet and artisanal ice creams increased by 60% from 2018 to 2022

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The amount of sugar in a typical scoop of ice cream ranges from 14 to 20 grams, depending on flavor and brand

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Children aged 6-12 are responsible for about 50% of ice cream snack sales in vending machines in the US

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

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Chocolate is the second most popular flavor, making up about 15% of ice cream sales

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The chocolate chip flavor accounts for nearly 22% of all ice cream sales by flavor segment

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The average calorie count for a standard scoop of vanilla ice cream is around 137 calories

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Flavored ice creams with added mix-ins like nuts and candies make up about 25% of all ice cream sales

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Dairy-based ice creams still account for more than 75% of all flavor varieties sold worldwide

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Ice cream sales typically peak in July and August due to summer weather

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Coastal regions in the US tend to have higher ice cream sales than inland areas, with sales up to 25% higher

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Ice cream consumption increases by 15% during major holidays such as Independence Day and July 4th in the US

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The most popular season for ice cream sales in Australia is summer, with a 40% increase over winter sales

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Ice cream sales at amusement parks and fairgrounds increase by up to 35% during summer festivals

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Festive and holiday-themed ice cream flavors account for around 15% of seasonal sales, especially during Christmas and Halloween

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The flavor with the highest seasonal spike is pumpkin spice, experiencing a 75% increase in fall

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Online searches for “best ice cream near me” increased by 120% during summer months, indicating rising consumer interest in local sourcing

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Summer sales of ice cream in Nigeria increase by up to 50% during peak season, driven by hot climate conditions

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The global ice cream market was valued at approximately $72 billion in 2022

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The United States alone sells over 1.6 billion gallons of ice cream annually

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The global ice cream cone market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2023 to 2030

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Dairy-based ice creams hold roughly 86% of the total ice cream market share worldwide

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Non-dairy ice cream sales are expected to grow at a CAGR of 11% between 2023 and 2027

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In Europe, Germany is the largest consumer market for ice cream, with annual sales exceeding 1.4 billion liters

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The organic ice cream segment is growing at a CAGR of 8.3% globally

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The average price of a pint of premium ice cream in the US is about $5.00

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Dairy-free ice cream options account for approximately 12% of total ice cream sales in the US

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Vegan ice cream sales increased by over 50% from 2019 to 2022 globally

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In 2022, online ice cream sales accounted for approximately 15% of total ice cream sales in the US

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In India, the ice cream market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10% over the next five years

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Traditional ice cream brands hold about 70% of the US market, with new artisanal brands gaining market share rapidly

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The top three ice cream brands in the US in 2023 are Ben & Jerry’s, Häagen-Dazs, and Blue Bell

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The sale of frozen yogurt, a category related to ice cream, is valued at over $1.2 billion annually in the US

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Ice cream sales have increased by roughly 7% annually over the past decade globally

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The ice cream vending machine market is expected to reach $180 million by 2027, growing rapidly due to technological advances

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Vegan and plant-based ice creams make up approximately 10% of the global market share, with rapid growth

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There is a rising trend of biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging in ice cream products, with a growth rate of 15% annually

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The international ice cream market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2030, reaching a valuation of over $104 billion

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In China, ice cream consumption per capita has increased by 25% over the past five years, signaling market growth

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About 10% of ice cream sales are made through vending machines

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The most popular package size in the US for household ice cream is the pint, followed by half-gallon sizes

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Approximately 20% of ice cream sales are made through convenience stores globally

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The most purchased retail pack size for ice cream in supermarkets globally is the 1-liter size, making up approximately 40% of total sales volume

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Key Highlights

The global ice cream market was valued at approximately $72 billion in 2022
The United States alone sells over 1.6 billion gallons of ice cream annually
The average American consumes about 23 pounds of ice cream per year
Vanilla remains the most popular ice cream flavor, accounting for approximately 29% of all sales
Chocolate is the second most popular flavor, making up about 15% of ice cream sales
About 10% of ice cream sales are made through vending machines
The global ice cream cone market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2023 to 2030
Dairy-based ice creams hold roughly 86% of the total ice cream market share worldwide
Non-dairy ice cream sales are expected to grow at a CAGR of 11% between 2023 and 2027
The most popular ice cream topping in the US is sprinkles, used by 65% of consumers
Ice cream sales typically peak in July and August due to summer weather
Approximately 42% of ice cream consumers are under 30 years old
In Europe, Germany is the largest consumer market for ice cream, with annual sales exceeding 1.4 billion liters

From a global market valued at $72 billion to youthful consumers driving impulsive summer splurges, the world of ice cream reveals a sweet mix of booming sales, irresistible flavors, and rising trends shaping its future.

Consumer Behavior and Demographics

The average American consumes about 23 pounds of ice cream per year
The most popular ice cream topping in the US is sprinkles, used by 65% of consumers
Approximately 42% of ice cream consumers are under 30 years old
The majority of ice cream sales are impulsive, comprising about 75% of purchases in grocery stores
More than 60% of consumers prefer buying ice cream from supermarkets over specialty shops
The average household in the US spends around $33 on ice cream annually
55% of ice cream buyers prefer pints over larger gallon containers
About 35% of ice cream consumption occurs at home, with the rest eaten outside such as in restaurants or on-the-go
Children under 12 are responsible for roughly 45% of ice cream consumption in the US
Approximately 30% of consumers choose non-dairy ice cream as a dairy-free alternative
The percentage of households that purchase ice cream weekly is about 40%, indicating regular consumption habits
The popularity of gourmet and artisanal ice creams increased by 60% from 2018 to 2022
The amount of sugar in a typical scoop of ice cream ranges from 14 to 20 grams, depending on flavor and brand
Children aged 6-12 are responsible for about 50% of ice cream snack sales in vending machines in the US

Consumer Behavior and Demographics Interpretation

Despite Americans’ annual love affair with ice cream averaging 23 pounds per person—with sprinkles reigning supreme and children under 12 tossing in half the consumption—most treats are impulsively bought from supermarkets and enjoyed at home, highlighting a sweet blend of tradition, spontaneity, and a burgeoning appetite for artisanal varieties.

Flavor Preferences and Product Offerings

Vanilla remains the most popular ice cream flavor, accounting for approximately 29% of all sales
Chocolate is the second most popular flavor, making up about 15% of ice cream sales
The chocolate chip flavor accounts for nearly 22% of all ice cream sales by flavor segment
The average calorie count for a standard scoop of vanilla ice cream is around 137 calories
Flavored ice creams with added mix-ins like nuts and candies make up about 25% of all ice cream sales
Dairy-based ice creams still account for more than 75% of all flavor varieties sold worldwide

Flavor Preferences and Product Offerings Interpretation

Despite the rising popularity of creative mix-ins and diverse flavors, vanilla's steady dominance and dairy's majority share remind us that when it comes to ice cream, tradition still rules the scoop.

Geographical and Seasonal Insights

Ice cream sales typically peak in July and August due to summer weather
Coastal regions in the US tend to have higher ice cream sales than inland areas, with sales up to 25% higher
Ice cream consumption increases by 15% during major holidays such as Independence Day and July 4th in the US
The most popular season for ice cream sales in Australia is summer, with a 40% increase over winter sales
Ice cream sales at amusement parks and fairgrounds increase by up to 35% during summer festivals
Festive and holiday-themed ice cream flavors account for around 15% of seasonal sales, especially during Christmas and Halloween
The flavor with the highest seasonal spike is pumpkin spice, experiencing a 75% increase in fall
Online searches for “best ice cream near me” increased by 120% during summer months, indicating rising consumer interest in local sourcing
Summer sales of ice cream in Nigeria increase by up to 50% during peak season, driven by hot climate conditions

Geographical and Seasonal Insights Interpretation

Ice cream sales swell with summer’s heat and festivities worldwide, revealing a sweet correlation between climate, celebration, and consumer cravings that peaks most notably with pumpkin spice’s fall surge and local searches soaring in warmer months.

Market Size and Revenue Trends

The global ice cream market was valued at approximately $72 billion in 2022
The United States alone sells over 1.6 billion gallons of ice cream annually
The global ice cream cone market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2023 to 2030
Dairy-based ice creams hold roughly 86% of the total ice cream market share worldwide
Non-dairy ice cream sales are expected to grow at a CAGR of 11% between 2023 and 2027
In Europe, Germany is the largest consumer market for ice cream, with annual sales exceeding 1.4 billion liters
The organic ice cream segment is growing at a CAGR of 8.3% globally
The average price of a pint of premium ice cream in the US is about $5.00
Dairy-free ice cream options account for approximately 12% of total ice cream sales in the US
Vegan ice cream sales increased by over 50% from 2019 to 2022 globally
In 2022, online ice cream sales accounted for approximately 15% of total ice cream sales in the US
In India, the ice cream market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10% over the next five years
Traditional ice cream brands hold about 70% of the US market, with new artisanal brands gaining market share rapidly
The top three ice cream brands in the US in 2023 are Ben & Jerry’s, Häagen-Dazs, and Blue Bell
The sale of frozen yogurt, a category related to ice cream, is valued at over $1.2 billion annually in the US
Ice cream sales have increased by roughly 7% annually over the past decade globally
The ice cream vending machine market is expected to reach $180 million by 2027, growing rapidly due to technological advances
Vegan and plant-based ice creams make up approximately 10% of the global market share, with rapid growth
There is a rising trend of biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging in ice cream products, with a growth rate of 15% annually
The international ice cream market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2030, reaching a valuation of over $104 billion
In China, ice cream consumption per capita has increased by 25% over the past five years, signaling market growth

Market Size and Revenue Trends Interpretation

As global ice cream sales soar past $72 billion with dairy still reigning supreme but plant-based options melting into market share, the sweet spot of growth lies in innovative, eco-friendly, and digital avenues—proving that whether you prefer a cone, a cup, or a vending machine, the world’s appetite for frozen delights isn’t cooling down anytime soon.

Sales Channels and Packaging

About 10% of ice cream sales are made through vending machines
The most popular package size in the US for household ice cream is the pint, followed by half-gallon sizes
Approximately 20% of ice cream sales are made through convenience stores globally
The most purchased retail pack size for ice cream in supermarkets globally is the 1-liter size, making up approximately 40% of total sales volume

Sales Channels and Packaging Interpretation

While pints and half-gallons scoop up the greatest domestic loyalty, it's striking that a sweet 10% of sales are vending machine hits and 20% worldwide occur in convenience stores—reminding us that when it comes to ice cream, convenience and global appetite are as crucial as the classic pint in the fridge.