Global Dairy-free Ice Cream Market Insights Forecasts to 2033

• The Global Dairy-free Ice Cream Market Size was estimated at USD 0.91 Billion in 2023
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 15.24% from 2023 to 2033
• The Worldwide Dairy-free Ice Cream Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 3.76 Billion by 2033
• Europe is expected to grow the fastest during the forecast period.

The Global dairy-free ice cream market size was worth around USD 0.91 Billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to around USD 3.76 Billion by 2033 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.24% between 2023 and 2033. The dairy-free ice cream market is being driven by increased health consciousness, rise in lactose intolerance and dairy allergies, vegan and plant-based diet trends, variety and flavor innovations, and Europe as an emerging key growth region.

Market Overview

The ice cream industry that caters to frozen desserts made without ingredients derived from milk, cream, and butter is called dairy-free ice cream. These types of ice creams are usually made with alternatives, such as plant-based milk, purees from fruits, or other non-dairy sources. Dairy-free ice creams are directed towards lactose-intolerant, vegan, and dairy-allergic individuals, as well as people who would otherwise avoid dairy for health or ethical reasons. Moreover, dairy-free ice creams are also garnering traction due to plant-based ice creams offering protein content higher than conventional dairy ice creams, thus making them a healthy alternative. The cause of healthy indulgence foods among people, the global dairy-free ice cream market, became popular among the masses. The availability of dairy-free ice creams in an extensive range of flavors has also drawn consumers. The shifting pattern of consumer preference from dairy-dependent food items to non-dairy plant products is influenced by factors like animal welfare, health, or environmental sustainability. The ice cream companies now produce comprehensive product variations with the incorporation of other milks, such as that from coconuts, almonds, oats, or soy replacing cow milk for the production of dairy-free ice creams. Less fat in dairy-free products has made them popular among health-conscious consumers, which in turn led to a rise in the market of dairy-free ice creams.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the dairy-free ice cream market based on various segments and regions forecasts revenue growth and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the dairy-free ice cream market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, type launch, development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the dairy-free ice cream market.

Driving Factors

The demand for dairy-free products has been stepped up with a consequent increase in consumer awareness of plant-based diets, whether for health, ethical, or environmental reasons. There is usually a tendency for plant-based eating to be associated with a lower risk of overall chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes, making this popular with health-conscious consumers. Moreover, lactose intolerance or a milk allergy in a sizeable section of the population creates demand for dairy alternatives. Increased awareness regarding the conditions has made more people aware of dairy-free alternatives, including ice cream.

Restraining Factors

The high costs of dairy-free ice creams make them at a greater price when compared to dairy-based products, which influences their market growth. Raw material price fluctuations related to the manufacturing of dairy-free products increase the overall price of the end product, thus harming market growth. Compared to dairy-free products, the market for dairy-based products has a much greater establishment in maturing economies, thereby hindering the market growth process.

Market Segmentation

The dairy-free ice cream market share is classified into flavor, source, and distribution channel

• The chocolate segment accounted for the highest share in 2023 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the flavor, the dairy-free ice cream market is divided into chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. Among these, the chocolate segment accounted for the highest share in 2023 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to chocolate adapting well to the dairy-free formulation. The rich, sweet, and decadent taste of chocolate can easily be replicated with cocoa and other plant-based ingredients in plant-based ice cream. Chocolate dairy-free ice creams can deliver the flavor and the same creamy texture closely mimicking traditional dairy chocolate ice cream.

• The coconut segment accounted for the majority share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a remarkable CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the source, the dairy-free ice cream market is divided into coconut, almond, soy, and others. Among these, the coconut segment accounted for the majority share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a remarkable CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is driven by coconut milk, which makes for a fantastic base for dairy-free ice cream, as it pleases the consumer seeking a truly satisfying alternative to traditional ice cream with its natural creaminess and rich mouthfeel. Moreover, coconut milk's health benefits, such as its high content of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that can aid in weight management and give quick energy, add to its already rising popularity.

• The supermarkets segment dominated the market in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the distribution channel, the dairy-free ice cream market is divided into supermarkets, convenience stores, online, and others. Among these, the supermarkets segment dominated the market in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The segmental growth is due to their reach and the easy access that they provide to consumers. The feature of supermarkets is that customers will easily find and buy dairy-free ice creams and other products during such grocery shopping. Besides, sales, discounts, and in-store samples make consumers more willing to check out new offerings.

Regional Segment Analysis of the Dairy-free Ice Cream Market

• North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico) 
• Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)
• South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America) 
• The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)

North America is anticipated to hold the largest share of the dairy-free ice cream market over the predicted timeframe.

North America is anticipated to hold the largest share of the dairy-free ice cream market over the predicted timeframe. Health consciousness through the roof, lactose intolerance, and dairy allergies becoming more common in this region are other factors influencing the increasing demand for dairy-free alternatives. The momentum of plant-based eating practices and the sustainability and ethicality surrounding food choices are also factors contributing to the burgeoning popularity of dairy-free ice cream. In addition, there is a strong presence of major market players, along with a well-developed distribution network, which makes access to various products very easy. Moreover, these efforts in marketing and innovations in flavor and formulation were also enticing to a broad spectrum of consumers, which is expected to drive market growth.

Europe is expected to grow at a rapid CAGR in the dairy-free ice cream market during the forecast period. The European consumer is becoming increasingly health-conscious and concerned about wellness and nutrition. People are increasingly taking on board dairy substitutes in a larger trend of eliminating sugar, dairy, and animal-based products for health reasons. This promotes the demand for dairy-free ice cream as one of those healthier and lighter dessert options.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the dairy-free ice cream market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their type of offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes type development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• General Mills, Inc.
• Unilever
• Booja-Booja
• Tofutti Brands, Inc.
• Bliss Unlimited, LLC
• Swedish Glace
• Danone
• NadaMoo
• Ben and Jerry’s
• Little Red Rooster Ice Cream Company
• Others

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting And Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Recent Development

• In June 2024, McDonald's announced the arrival of some vegan ice cream in two flavors: Strawberry and Choco, both being approved by The Vegetarian Society.
• In February 2024, Ben & Jerry's launched its newest invention: oat-based non-dairy ice cream. After testing over 70 formulations, the company introduced a base that pairs beautifully with the beloved chunks and swirls famed for this brand.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2023 to 2033. Spherical Insights has segmented the dairy-free ice cream market based on the below-mentioned segments: 

Global Dairy-free Ice Cream Market, By Flavor

• Chocolate
• Vanilla
• Strawberry

Global Dairy-free Ice Cream Market, By Source

• Coconut
• Almond
• Soy

Global Dairy-free Ice Cream Market, By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Others

Global Dairy-free Ice Cream Market, By Regional Analysis

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa