GITNUXREPORT 2025

Ice Cream Statistics

Global ice cream market exceeds $53 billion; Americans love favorite flavors.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Americans consume about 23 pounds of ice cream per person annually

Statistic 2

The top three ice cream flavors globally are vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry

Statistic 3

The average American eats about three bowls of ice cream per week

Statistic 4

Italy has the highest per capita ice cream consumption in Europe at about 23 liters per person annually

Statistic 5

In the US, nearly 90% of households purchase ice cream at least once a year

Statistic 6

Chocolate chip cookie dough is the most popular ice cream flavor in the United States

Statistic 7

Over 50% of all ice cream sales in the U.S. occur during the summer months of June, July, and August

Statistic 8

Mint chocolate chip is among the top five favorite flavors in the US

Statistic 9

Approximately 86% of adults in the U.S. enjoy eating ice cream

Statistic 10

The average size of a single-serving ice cream tub in the US is about 1.5 cups

Statistic 11

The average ice cream cone has about 70 calories, depending on size and toppings

Statistic 12

Vegan ice cream sales increased by over 20% in the U.S. in 2022

Statistic 13

The average American consumes about 6.4 quarts of soft serve ice cream annually

Statistic 14

The top country for ice cream consumption per capita is Italy, with over 23 liters per person annually

Statistic 15

The average ice cream purchase in the US costs about $4.50, including toppings and extras

Statistic 16

About 56% of Americans prefer their ice cream individually packaged rather than in larger containers

Statistic 17

Approximately 80% of ice cream consumption in the US occurs during spring and summer months

Statistic 18

Men are more likely to favor chocolate flavors, while women are more inclined toward fruit flavors

Statistic 19

The average number of ice cream cones sold per US ice cream shop per day is roughly 375

Statistic 20

The most popular retail flavor of ice cream in the US is vanilla, followed by chocolate and strawberry

Statistic 21

In Japan, the annual per capita ice cream consumption is about 3 liters, significantly lower than in Italy

Statistic 22

The majority of ice cream purchased in the US is consumed within the first week after purchase, estimated at over 80%

Statistic 23

Nearly 35% of ice cream consumed worldwide is in North America

Statistic 24

North America holds the largest share of the global ice cream market at over 40%

Statistic 25

The global ice cream market was valued at approximately $53.4 billion in 2021

Statistic 26

About 9% of all dairy produced in the United States is used to make ice cream

Statistic 27

More than 1.6 billion gallons of ice cream are produced in the U.S. annually

Statistic 28

The global ice cream cone market is projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2027

Statistic 29

The world’s largest ice cream sundae weighed over 12,000 pounds, created in Alberta, Canada, in 2015

Statistic 30

Approximately 600 million gallons of ice cream are produced annually in China, making it one of the largest markets

Statistic 31

The global demand for dairy-based frozen desserts is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 4.5% through 2028

Statistic 32

The world’s largest ice cream cake weighed over 12 tons and was made in Italy in 2016

Statistic 33

The average lifespan of a commercial ice cream truck in the US is approximately 6 years

Statistic 34

The global organic ice cream market is expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7%

Statistic 35

The average revenue for ice cream shops in the US is around $400,000 annually

Statistic 36

The global demand for premium and artisanal ice creams has increased by over 15% from 2019 to 2022

Statistic 37

The USA accounts for about 50% of the world's ice cream production

Statistic 38

The global market for ice cream toppings is projected to reach $6.7 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5%

Statistic 39

The rise of plant-based and vegan ice creams has driven the global market to grow annually by approximately 6%

Statistic 40

The largest ice cream cone ever recorded was over 9 feet tall, created in Italy in 2011

Statistic 41

The first recorded ice cream recipe dates back to China around 200 BC

Statistic 42

Gelato contains less fat than traditional ice cream, generally around 4-8% fat content

Statistic 43

The fastest-selling ice cream flavor in the US in 2022 was Cookies & Cream

Statistic 44

Over 70% of ice cream sales in the US are made through supermarkets and grocery stores

Statistic 45

Approximately 10% of all ice cream sales in the US are made through convenience stores

Slide 1 of 45
Share:FacebookLinkedIn
Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

  • The global ice cream market was valued at approximately $53.4 billion in 2021
  • Americans consume about 23 pounds of ice cream per person annually
  • About 9% of all dairy produced in the United States is used to make ice cream
  • The top three ice cream flavors globally are vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry
  • The average American eats about three bowls of ice cream per week
  • More than 1.6 billion gallons of ice cream are produced in the U.S. annually
  • Italy has the highest per capita ice cream consumption in Europe at about 23 liters per person annually
  • The largest ice cream cone ever recorded was over 9 feet tall, created in Italy in 2011
  • In the US, nearly 90% of households purchase ice cream at least once a year
  • Chocolate chip cookie dough is the most popular ice cream flavor in the United States
  • The global ice cream cone market is projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2027
  • Over 50% of all ice cream sales in the U.S. occur during the summer months of June, July, and August
  • Mint chocolate chip is among the top five favorite flavors in the US

From giant cones to global consumption trends, ice cream isn’t just a sweet treat—it’s a worldwide phenomenon valued at over $50 billion, with Americans devouring an average of 23 pounds per person annually and Italy leading per capita indulgence.

Consumer Consumption Patterns and Preferences

  • Americans consume about 23 pounds of ice cream per person annually
  • The top three ice cream flavors globally are vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry
  • The average American eats about three bowls of ice cream per week
  • Italy has the highest per capita ice cream consumption in Europe at about 23 liters per person annually
  • In the US, nearly 90% of households purchase ice cream at least once a year
  • Chocolate chip cookie dough is the most popular ice cream flavor in the United States
  • Over 50% of all ice cream sales in the U.S. occur during the summer months of June, July, and August
  • Mint chocolate chip is among the top five favorite flavors in the US
  • Approximately 86% of adults in the U.S. enjoy eating ice cream
  • The average size of a single-serving ice cream tub in the US is about 1.5 cups
  • The average ice cream cone has about 70 calories, depending on size and toppings
  • Vegan ice cream sales increased by over 20% in the U.S. in 2022
  • The average American consumes about 6.4 quarts of soft serve ice cream annually
  • The top country for ice cream consumption per capita is Italy, with over 23 liters per person annually
  • The average ice cream purchase in the US costs about $4.50, including toppings and extras
  • About 56% of Americans prefer their ice cream individually packaged rather than in larger containers
  • Approximately 80% of ice cream consumption in the US occurs during spring and summer months
  • Men are more likely to favor chocolate flavors, while women are more inclined toward fruit flavors
  • The average number of ice cream cones sold per US ice cream shop per day is roughly 375
  • The most popular retail flavor of ice cream in the US is vanilla, followed by chocolate and strawberry
  • In Japan, the annual per capita ice cream consumption is about 3 liters, significantly lower than in Italy
  • The majority of ice cream purchased in the US is consumed within the first week after purchase, estimated at over 80%

Consumer Consumption Patterns and Preferences Interpretation

With Americans consuming approximately 23 pounds of ice cream annually—favoring classics like vanilla, chocolate chip cookie dough, and mint chocolate chip—it's clear that while the summer months see over half of their ice cream sales, their love for the chilly treat remains a year-round obsession, driven by both tradition and a sweet tooth that refuses to melt away.

Market Segmentation and Regional Trends

  • Nearly 35% of ice cream consumed worldwide is in North America
  • North America holds the largest share of the global ice cream market at over 40%

Market Segmentation and Regional Trends Interpretation

With North America scooping up over 40% of the global ice cream market and nearly 35% of the world's ice cream consumed on its doorstep, it's clear that when it comes to cold treats, this continent unquestionably has the scoop.

Market Size and Industry Value

  • The global ice cream market was valued at approximately $53.4 billion in 2021
  • About 9% of all dairy produced in the United States is used to make ice cream
  • More than 1.6 billion gallons of ice cream are produced in the U.S. annually
  • The global ice cream cone market is projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2027
  • The world’s largest ice cream sundae weighed over 12,000 pounds, created in Alberta, Canada, in 2015
  • Approximately 600 million gallons of ice cream are produced annually in China, making it one of the largest markets
  • The global demand for dairy-based frozen desserts is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 4.5% through 2028
  • The world’s largest ice cream cake weighed over 12 tons and was made in Italy in 2016
  • The average lifespan of a commercial ice cream truck in the US is approximately 6 years
  • The global organic ice cream market is expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7%
  • The average revenue for ice cream shops in the US is around $400,000 annually
  • The global demand for premium and artisanal ice creams has increased by over 15% from 2019 to 2022
  • The USA accounts for about 50% of the world's ice cream production
  • The global market for ice cream toppings is projected to reach $6.7 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5%
  • The rise of plant-based and vegan ice creams has driven the global market to grow annually by approximately 6%

Market Size and Industry Value Interpretation

With a global ice cream market valued at over $53 billion and nations scooping out millions of gallons annually—including the U.S. chipping in over 1.6 billion gallons—it's clear that while the world may be warming, our sweet tooth for frozen dairy continues to grow, topping $6.7 billion in toppings and inspiring monstrous creations like a 12-ton sundae—proof that ice cream isn’t just a dessert, but a global phenomenon melting into every facet of our cultural and economic fabric.

Product Types, Flavors, and Innovations

  • The largest ice cream cone ever recorded was over 9 feet tall, created in Italy in 2011
  • The first recorded ice cream recipe dates back to China around 200 BC
  • Gelato contains less fat than traditional ice cream, generally around 4-8% fat content
  • The fastest-selling ice cream flavor in the US in 2022 was Cookies & Cream

Product Types, Flavors, and Innovations Interpretation

From towering Italian marvels and ancient Chinese origins to guilt-free gelato and the perennial popularity of Cookies & Cream, ice cream proves that sweet innovation and tradition continue to sweeten our lives—one scoop at a time.

Sales Data, Market Shares, and Top Performers

  • Over 70% of ice cream sales in the US are made through supermarkets and grocery stores
  • Approximately 10% of all ice cream sales in the US are made through convenience stores

Sales Data, Market Shares, and Top Performers Interpretation

With supermarkets and grocery stores scooping up over 70% of ice cream sales and convenience stores capturing just 10%, it's clear that Americans prefer their cool treats cowed into the comfort of their home aisles rather than the quick fix of a corner store; after all, when it comes to frozen indulgence, the fridge reigns supreme.