Global High Protein Ice Cream Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Pints, Bars, Sandwiches, Tubs), By Protein Source (Whey Protein, Milk Protein, Plant-based Protein), By Flavor (Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Mint Chip, Cookies & Cream, Other Flavors) By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online Retail, Others), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023 - 2033

Global High Protein Ice Cream Market Insights Forecasts to 2033

• The Global High Protein Ice Cream Market Size was estimated at USD 2.46 Billion in 2023
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 6.15% from 2023 to 2033
• The Worldwide High Protein Ice Cream Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 4.47 Billion by 2033
• Asia Pacific is expected to Grow the Fastest during the Forecast period.

The Global high protein ice cream Market size was worth around USD 2.46 Billion in 2023 and is predicted to Grow to around USD 4.47 Billion by 2033 with a compound annual Growth rate (CAGR) of 6.15% between 2023 and 2033. The high protein ice cream market is being influenced by rising health consciousness, fitness and protein supplementation trends, dietary needs and preferences, an increase in plant-based and dairy-free alternatives, and new product offerings.

Market Overview

High-protein ice cream market is the portion of the ice cream market that specializes in manufacturing ice cream products that are supplemented with greater-than-average protein levels than regular ice cream. Such products are usually promoted as healthier versions of regular ice cream, usually appealing to consumers who seek lower-calorie, higher-protein desserts that fit fitness, weight loss, or overall health-oriented lifestyles. High protein ice cream generally has two to three times the protein of normal ice cream, commonly between 20 and 25 grams of protein per serving. This high protein level is realized by using protein-rich ingredients such as whey protein, milk protein concentrate, or plant protein sources for vegetable-based ice creams. Companies in this category have been developing to enhance flavor, texture, and nutritional content, creating a varied range of flavors and forms that compete with conventional ice cream versions.  Food service establishments, including restaurants and cafes, are also introducing high protein ice creams onto their menus as a way of reaching health-conscious consumers and increasing the diversity of their menu items.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the high protein 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 high protein 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 high protein ice cream market.

Driving Factors

High-protein ice cream tends to have reduced sugar and fat levels from regular ice cream, and hence it is a desirable choice for those with calorie intake management or weight control solutions creating demand in the high protein ice cream market. Additionally, the ice cream industry is constantly coming up with newer offerings, whether in terms of flavors or composition, addressing various dietary requirements. The presence of creative and unique flavors along with protein enrichment is fueling consumer demand and increasing the high protein ice cream market expansion.

Restraining Factors

High-protein ice cream has intense competition from regular ice cream and other frozen foods, which could be affordable or more common among consumers deterring the demand for high protein ice cream market. Moreover, growth in plant-based ice creams and dairy-free foods could divert interest away from high-protein types, particularly among consumers keen on avoiding dairy limiting the market growth.

Market Segmentation

The high protein ice cream market share is classified into type, protein source, flavor, and distribution channel.

• The pints segment dominated the market in 2023 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the type, the high protein ice cream market is divided into pints, bars, sandwiches, and tubs. Among these, the pints segment dominated the market in 2023 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to pints providing a controlled portion size and convenience. Consumers get to indulge in a treat while monitoring their calorie and protein consumption. This is a big draw among health-conscious buyers who want a balance between indulgence and nutrition.

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

Based on the protein source, the high protein ice cream market is divided into whey protein, milk protein, and plant-based protein. Among these, the whey protein segment accounted for a significant share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a remarkable CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is driven by whey protein ranks among the most effective sources of protein regarding its amino acid balance. It has high concentrations of essential amino acids and is readily absorbed by the body, which is why it is a favorite among those wishing to increase their protein consumption.

• The chocolate segment accounted for the biggest share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the flavor, the high protein ice cream market is divided into vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint chip, cookies & cream, and other flavors. Among these, the chocolate segment accounted for the biggest share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The segmental growth is due to chocolate being among the most popularly enjoyed and eaten ice cream flavors. Its velvety, rich flavor entices a mass audience, positioning it as an ice cream choice for numerous individuals. This widespread appeal carries through to high-protein ice cream, where chocolate maintains a leading position.

• The supermarkets/hypermarkets segment accounted for the biggest share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the distribution channel, the high protein ice cream market is divided into supermarkets/hypermarkets, specialty stores, online retail, and others. Among these, the supermarkets/hypermarkets segment accounted for the biggest share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to supermarkets and hypermarkets carrying a broad range of products, ranging from various brands and flavors of high-protein ice cream. The variety provides customers with numerous options, satisfying various tastes and dietary requirements, such as lactose-free or plant-based ones.

Regional Segment Analysis of the High Protein 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 high protein ice cream market over the predicted timeframe.

North America is anticipated to hold the largest share of the high protein ice cream market over the predicted timeframe. North American consumers are extremely accepting of new food products, particularly those positioned as healthier or functional. High-protein ice cream presents a particularly attractive combination of indulgence and nutrition, fitting a wide base of consumers searching for convenient, guilt-free treats.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a rapid CAGR in the high protein ice cream market during the forecast period. The APAC region is witnessing a growing fitness culture, with increasing numbers of individuals showing a keen interest in protein-based foods for muscle recovery and weight control. This movement, fueled by international health and fitness trends, has helped fuel the surge in demand for protein-rich snacks and desserts such as ice cream.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the high protein 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

• Halo Top Creamery
• Enlightened
• Unilever
• Wells Enterprises, Inc.
• Nestle
• ProYo
• Coolhaus
• Arctic Zero
• Yasso
• Skinny Cow
• Others

Key Target Audience

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

Recent Development

• In March 2025, Nestlé introduced a new Drumstick cone line with creamy peanut butter or chocolate peanut butter ice cream and a peanut butter center, all covered in a chocolate coating with crunchy cookie bits. This innovation appeals to peanut butter lovers who want something different in frozen desserts.

Market Segment

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

Global High Protein Ice Cream Market, By Type

• Pints
• Bars
• Sandwiches
• Tubs

Global High Protein Ice Cream Market, By Protein Source

• Whey Protein
• Milk Protein
• Plant-based Protein

Global High Protein Ice Cream Market, By Flavor

• Vanilla
• Chocolate
• Strawberry
• Mint Chip
• Cookies & Cream
• Other

Global High Protein Ice Cream Market, By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Online Retail
• Others

Global High Protein 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