North America Ice Cream Market Report by Flavor, Category, Product, Distribution Channel, and Country 2025-2033

The North America ice cream market size reached USD 15.4 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 21.2 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% during 2025-2033. Evolving consumer preferences for healthier and innovative options, global expansion into emerging markets, seasonal and limited-time offerings, and an increasing focus on sustainability and ethical practices are some of the key factors driving the market growth.

North America Ice Cream Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The increasing consumer demand for indulgent treats and the inflating spending capacities of consumers are primarily driving the growth of the market. Furthermore, the introduction of ice creams in unique textures and flavors is also contributing to the market growth.
• Key Market Trends: The growing demand for healthier and vegan ice cream alternatives catering to changing consumer preferences is creating a positive outlook for the overall market. Additionally, advancements in freezing and production technologies, such as low-temperature extrusion and cryogenic freezing, have enabled the production of premium quality ice creams, which is also propelling the North America ice cream market share.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Challenges include fluctuating raw material costs and the need for sustainable production methods. However, opportunities exist in the growing demand for healthier and vegan ice cream alternatives, catering to changing consumer preferences.

North America Ice Cream Market Trends:

Availability of Ice Cream in Various Flavors

The availability of a wide range of ice cream flavors is creating a positive outlook for the overall market. Popular flavors, such as chocolate, cookies and cream, vanilla, and strawberry, are widely consumed by North Americans. For instance, the vanilla flavor is preferred by 36.87% of consumers, while chocolate is preferred by 25.42% of the population. Moreover, the rising spending capacities of consumers and the growing younger and millennial population in the region, which is more inclined to such treats, are positively impacting the North America ice cream market outlook. For instance, on average, an American consumes approximately 10 kg of ice cream and related frozen desserts per year, among which regular ice cream is the most popular category. Furthermore, various key market players are increasingly introducing unique flavors to cater to the escalating demand for innovative flavors. For instance, in February 2024, Haagen-Dazs added two new ice cream flavors to its portfolio, New York strawberry cheesecake and vanilla caramel pecan. The introduction of ice creams in unique flavors is expected to propel the North American ice cream market's recent price.

Rising Consumer Preferences for Healthier and Innovative Ice Creams

Increasing preference for healthier and innovative options, such as low-calorie, low-sugar, and dairy-free alternatives, on account of the rising health consciousness among consumers, is offering lucrative growth opportunities to the overall market. Moreover, the growing lactose-intolerant population across the region is also prompting manufacturers to launch dairy-free ice creams. For instance, in July 2023, dairy-free brand, KLIMON, announced the launch of its popular almond milk ice cream at all Costco stores in Northern California, Central California, and Northern Nevada. The brand's ice cream is available for purchase in 4-pint variety packs. Similarly, in January 2024, Oatly, a global leader in oat milk production, partnered with Carvel, one of America's most beloved classic ice cream stores, to launch oat desserts in nearly 300 U.S. stores. The introduction of healthy variants of ice creams is anticipated to further propel the North America ice cream market revenue in the coming years.

Increasing Number of Organized Retail Channels

The convenience of offline retail stores and online delivery services has extended to ice creams, with many brands offering direct-to-consumer sales through e-commerce platforms or partnering with food delivery services. Convenience stores are one of the largest channels for the sales of ice cream. In 2022, the global sales value of ice cream through convenience stores increased by 3.4% compared to 2021. Many convenience stores stay open longer than traditional retail stores, resulting in more time in the day for the companies' products to be sold. Moreover, supermarkets and hypermarkets in North America provide ice cream at different prices, which range from US$ 4.84 and go up to more than US$ 140. The easy availability of ice creams at different prices also surges the buying power of consumers. Besides this, online retailing sectors in the region also witnessed growth in their retail value by 2.56% in 2022. Online retailers are captivating the focus of consumers towards e-commerce shopping by offering them a variety of offers. The expansion of both online and offline retail channels is projected to augment the North America ice cream market demand in the coming years.

North America Ice Cream Market Key Segmentation:

Breakup by Flavor:

• Chocolate
• Fruit
• Vanilla
• Others

North American ice cream market statistics by IMARC indicate that the growing consumption of chocolate-flavored ice cream is on account of the rising young population in the region. Moreover, chocolate ice cream is evolving to cater to specific preferences. For instance, dark chocolate ice cream has gained popularity among consumers seeking a more intense cocoa flavor with potential health benefits. Similarly, fruit-flavored ice cream is a prime candidate for catering to health-conscious individuals, with a focus on low-sugar and dairy-free alternatives to accommodate various dietary needs. Besides this, vanilla ice cream is a timeless classic and continues to be a dominant player in the market. Its popularity stems from its versatile flavor profile, making it a perfect base for a wide range of toppings and mix-ins.

Breakup by Category:

• Impulse Ice Cream
• Take-Home Ice Cream
• Artisanal Ice Cream

The North America ice cream report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the category. This includes impulse ice cream, take-home ice cream, and artisanal ice cream.

Impulse ice cream, also known as on-the-go or single-serve ice cream, caters to spontaneous purchases and immediate consumption. These products are typically sold at convenience stores, ice cream trucks, and kiosks, making them easily accessible to consumers looking for a quick treat. Consumers often choose these products for their portability and the instant gratification they provide.

Breakup by Product:

• Cup
• Stick
• Cone
• Brick
• Tub
• Others

Cup ice cream is a popular and convenient option among consumers. It is typically sold in single-serving containers, making it easy for individuals to enjoy their favorite flavors without the need for additional serving utensils. Stick ice cream, also known as ice cream bars or popsicles, is a favorite among both children and adults. These frozen treats are known for their variety of flavors and novelty shapes, making them a fun and engaging choice for consumers. The convenience and mess-free nature of stick ice cream makes it a popular choice for outdoor events and summertime enjoyment.

Breakup by Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Ice cream Parlours
• Online Stores
• Others

North America ice cream market forecast indicates that supermarkets are one of the significant distribution channels for ice cream products. They offer a wide variety of ice cream brands, flavors, and formats in their frozen food sections. Consumers appreciate the convenience of shopping for ice cream while doing their regular grocery shopping. Supermarkets often run promotions and discounts, attracting price-conscious consumers. Moreover, supermarkets and hypermarkets provide ice cream at different prices, which range from US$ 4.84 and go up to more than US$ 140. The easy availability of ice creams at different prices also surges the buying power of consumers.

Besides this, as per the North America ice cream market overview convenience stores play a unique role in the ice cream market. They cater to consumers looking for immediate indulgence and impulse purchases. Ice cream brands often offer single-serving and grab-and-go options, well-suited for convenience store shoppers. The challenge for this channel is limited shelf space, making it essential for brands to establish strong partnerships with convenience store chains and ensure consistent product availability.

Breakup by Country:

• United States
• Canada
• Mexico

The presence of prominent market players, such as Baskin-Robbins, Ben & Jerry's, Blue Bell, etc., is primarily driving the growth of the ice cream market in the country. Furthermore, the rising younger population in the country, along with the inflating disposable incomes of consumers, is also bolstering the consumption of ice cream. Additionally, the growing number of ice cream serving outlets across the country is creating a positive outlook for the market. For instance, in January 2023, around 150,174 convenience stores were operating in the United States, which was a rise of 1.5% from the 2022 store count. The significant rise in the number of convince stores in the U.S. helped consumers purchase ice cream products more frequently, thereby bolstering the market growth.

Competitive Landscape

• The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.
• IMARC Group's latest report provides a deep insight into the North America ice cream market covering all its essential aspects. This ranges from macro overview of the market to micro details of the industry performance, recent trends, key market drivers, North America ice cream market companies and challenges, SWOT analysis, Porter's five forces analysis, value chain analysis, etc. This report is a must-read for industry players, investors, researchers, consultants, business strategists, and all those who have any kind of stake or are planning to foray into the North America ice cream market in any manner.

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the North America ice cream market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What are the key regions in the North America ice cream market?
• What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the North America ice cream market?
• What is the breakup of the North America ice cream market on the basis of flavor?
• What is the breakup of the North America ice cream market on the basis of category?
• What is the breakup of the North America ice cream market on the basis of product?
• What is the breakup of the North America ice cream market on the basis of distribution channel?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the North America ice cream industry?
• What are the recent opportunities in the North America ice cream market?
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the North America ice cream industry?
• What is the structure of the North America ice cream industry and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the North America ice cream industry?
• What are the profit margins in the North America ice cream industry?