Global Vegan Ice Cream Market to Reach $1.05 Billion by 2032
The vegan ice cream industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by innovative flavors and ingredients. Traditional dairy alternatives like almond, soy, and coconut milk are now joined by oats, cashews, and hemp bases, offering diverse textures and tastes. Unique flavors such as matcha green tea, lavender honey, turmeric chai, and reimagined classics cater to discerning palates. Natural sweeteners like agave and coconut sugar enhance flavors while maintaining health benefits. Superfoods and unique additives like spirulina and adaptogens boost nutrition and appeal to health-conscious consumers. This ongoing innovation attracts vegans and those seeking healthier, ethical dessert options, fueling industry growth. In February 2024, Magnum launched vegan Blueberry Cookie Ice Cream with Sorbet Centre, expanding its plant-based range.
The demand for vegan ice cream is surging due to the increasing prevalence of dairy allergies and lactose intolerance. This shift towards plant-based alternatives is driven by growing consumer awareness about health and wellness, alongside a broader trend towards plant-based diets. Retailers and manufacturers are expanding their vegan ice cream lines to meet diverse consumer tastes.
This trend caters to dietary restrictions and appeals to a broader audience seeking healthier, environmentally friendly choices. In October 2023, Michelin Star pastry chef Olivia Green's 'Creme de la Crop,' a new vegan ice cream shop, received a national award from PETA, further validating the health benefits of vegan ice cream.
The prevalence of obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions has increased in recent years, with a projected rise in obesity rates worldwide by 2030. Affluent regions like North America and Western Europe are experiencing higher susceptibility to these health issues due to unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. This shift in consumer preferences is leading to the expansion of the global vegan ice cream market.
Asia-Pacific Vegan Ice Cream Market
The Asia-Pacific vegan ice cream market is growing due to higher disposable incomes and a preference for high-quality products. Increasing demand for ice cream and frozen desserts in the region, particularly in countries like India, Japan, New Zealand, and China, is driving this growth. China's ice cream market is primarily influenced by changing dietary habits, rising disposable incomes, and a growing middle-class population. The increase in per capita disposable income and the growth of the middle-income population group in China present opportunities for developing premium and artisanal ice cream brands in the country.
Japanese consumers enjoy traditional flavors like matcha, black sesame, and cherry blossom, as well as more adventurous options such as squid ink and wasabi. Manufacturers are constantly introducing new and unique flavors to cater to diverse preferences. In March 2024, Eclipse Foods launched its plant-based ice cream in Japan as eclipseco, featuring flavors like Cookie Butter Crumble, Classic Chocolate, and Mango Passion Fruit, now available at Family Mart stores in Tokyo. Kaori Onguchi, the company's country manager for Japan, sees this as a significant milestone and just the beginning of their journey in Japan.
Vegan Ice Cream Company News
- In May 2024, Over The Moo, a plant-based ice cream brand, introduced a new chocolate flavor to its coconut-based ice cream treats in the UK.
- In December 2023, Salt & Straw will bring back the Dairy Free Decadence Series, featuring five vegan ice cream flavors for a limited time, available in-store and online.
- In May 2023, Haagen-Dazs launched a new line of plant-based frozen treats in London, Ontario. These oat-based products are vegan-approved.
- In March 2023, Booja-Booja relaunched its dairy-free ice cream collection with four new flavors and three updated recipes, all organic, vegan, dairy-free, soya-free, gluten-free, and kosher.
- In 2022, Ben & Jerry's teamed up with Tony's Chocolonely to combat modern slavery in chocolate production by adopting Open Chain principles to enhance working conditions for farmers.
