Non-Dairy Ice Cream Market | Overview and Outlook by Potential Growth By 2032

Non-Dairy Ice Cream Market Synopsis

Non-Dairy Ice Cream Market Size Was Valued at USD 539.12 Million in 2023 and is Projected to Reach USD 1104.94 Million by 2032, Growing at a CAGR of 8.3% From 2024-2032.

The non-dairy ice cream market refers to the segment of the frozen dessert industry dedicated to products that are free from traditional dairy ingredients like milk, cream, and butter. Instead, these ice creams are typically made using alternatives such as coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk, or other plant-based ingredients. The rising consumer demand for dairy-free options, driven by factors such as lactose intolerance, ethical concerns, and dietary preferences like veganism, has fueled the growth of this market. Non-dairy ice creams offer a range of flavors and textures comparable to traditional ice creams, appealing to a diverse consumer base seeking healthier, more sustainable, and inclusive dessert options. As the market continues to expand, manufacturers are innovating with new ingredients, flavors, and production methods to meet the evolving preferences and expectations of consumers.

• The non-dairy ice cream products market today has shown a tremendously incredible growth in the recent years to which various factors contribute highlighting the modern changes in needs and wants of the society. This growing market can be mainly attributed to the ever-evolving dietary trend, where people are gravitating towards plant-based products as alternatives to dairy products. Several factors have thus made plant-based substitute more popular over time especially for particular food groups like ice cream; lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, and ethical factors such as mastery of veganism among consumers.
   
• Such shift of paradigm is experienced in the sector where non-dairy ice cream is manufactured and this has resulted in a flurry of invention to meet the diversified market’s needs of caloric intake and value/ sensory satisfaction. Therefore, there is a wide range of products for diverse consumers’ preferences with non-dairy ice cream from such options as almond milk and coconut milk-based, soy-based ice cream as well as oat-based ones which can have different and more specific tastes and health advantages for customers.
   
• It has also remained clear that many of the leading players in the industry arebeginning to invest more of their resources towards research and improved developmental projects that are designed to enhance the formulation and processing techniques required to come up with irresistible creamy feel and taste so customary or synonymous with the typical dairy ice cream. Thus, thanks to the new technologies and using the natural ingredients prevalent in the products based on plants or nuts, these companies are quickly and successfully finding solutions to the sensory divergence that separates the dairy products from their substitutes, and thus increasing their audience.
   
• In addition, strategic alliances with the retailers and intensive and extensive marketing activities are contributing significantly towards how mucg the market is penetrated and brand consciousness is cultivated. Direct partnerships between non-dairy ice cream makers and grocery stores, health food stores, and online distribution services are also increasing the consumers base availability of these products across the societies, age and geographical worldwide.
   
• Apart from the lactose-intolerant consumers and vegan population, non-dairy ice cream is also appealing to the new generation of consumers with change in consciousness to healthy living and coming consequences for the environment and ethic issues of the normal diary production. With a general trend of increased consciousness and wellness, consumer’s knowledge on aspects like animal rights, environmental conservation as well as carbon footprints have been awakened and people are thus turning to plant-based diets to satisfy their conscience.
   
• Finally, I unearth that the non-dairy ice cream market is set up to enter a phase of steady growth and product development, which envisages the enhancing needs, wants, and concerns of the contemporary consumer. Despite the challenges of calorie restriction, it seems that industry players are well-equipped to exploit this still emerging market opportunity and redefine the frozen dessert space in the years to come through themes of quality, novelty and availability.

Non-Dairy Ice Cream Market Trend Analysis

Driving Forces Behind the Growth of the Non-Dairy Ice Cream Market

• An increased incidence rate of lactose intolerance coupled with the increasing cases of dairy allergies in the general population contributes to the growth of the non-dairy ice cream market. Booting out, lactose intolerance which is the inability to take milk or any dairy products mainly affects a one third of the whole world population, globally it is estimated that up to 65 percent of the population have some form of lactose intolerance. Which is why, with increased knowledge about this ailment, people are not only looking for substitutes to dairy in general but to ice cream as well. Likewise, with the ordinary intolerance which may be mild or serious, the general public is opting to skip the foods derived from dairy products. Many people have become aware of special diets in the recent past as more and more people develop restricted diets due to lactose intolerance or other health issues in the society; the market for non-dairy ice cream has hence consequently risen, encouraging more manufactures to produce new flavors and varieties.
   
• Added to this, a shift in consumers’ perception towards health-benefit properties of non-dairy products has also boosted the interest in this segment of Non-Dairy Ice Creams. Consumers are also opting for dairy-free foods due to an increasing trend towards healthier dietary choices as a way of maintaining good health. When prepared, non-dairy is recognized as a healthier choice than the conventional ice cream because usually consumed in fewer calories less saturated fat content and lack of cholesterol. Continuing with the alternative concept, more and more people, became more informed with the health benefits of consuming more plant based products mostly due to the adoption of a vegan diet, Non-dairy has always been the go to when it comes to frozen desserts. Overall, the steady change to a more healthy and conscious consumption pattern constitutes substantial growth prospects for the non-dairy ice cream market in the near future.

Environmental Awareness Driving the Rise of Non-Dairy Ice Cream

• Rising concerns about the negative effects dairies have on the environment implies that many people are likely to shift towards other products that are not related to dairies such as non dairy ice cream. Such feelings of the current population on water consumption, greenhouse effect, and the welfare of the animals used in traditional practices of dairy farming, have seen the new generation consumers adopt the new innovative and sustainable forms of dairy farming. Hence, since non-dairy ice cream is made without the use of cow’s milk, they are friendly to the environment and the consumers contributor to compounding environmental issues such as global warming. This shift is also seen as a part of a continuous quest for products that are friendly to the environment by different global citizens.
   
• To meet this cultures shift toward environmentally friendly products cues from the non-dairy ice cream market have called for aspiration of new formulations that use plant based ingredients including almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk and cashew milk. It is imperative to note that these alternatives not only suit the lactose intolerance, or dairy allergy but also vegans, or people with concern for animal life. Thus, using plant-based products as raw materials, manufacturers get not only more ecological but also a differentiated product that contains less saturated fats and cholesterol in comparison with the traditional ice cream on its basis. The positive effects of taste without the health drawbacks related to dairy, positive environmental effects, and ethical concerns have propelled non-dairy into the future and increased the range and choice for consumers.

Non-Dairy Ice Cream Market Segment Analysis:

Non-Dairy Ice Cream Market is Segmented based on Source, Form, Product, Distribution Channels and Flavor

By Source, Almonds segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period

• Derived from the food-wholesome almonds, popular for their peculiarity for nutritive values and subtle, nutty taste, almonds have remained the most preferred in the production of the plant-based milk substitutes. The focus on consuming better and more eco-friendly dairy alternatives that can easily substitute traditional cow’s milk stimulated the increase in interest in almonds milk. It has a very fine grain and it has very little flavor, so can be added to products like cereals, morning shakes, breads, etc. Hence, almonds are produced and marketed around the world, and their availability combined with the fairly cheap price of almond milk helps maintain the plant-based milk market under the rule of almond milk.
   
• While soy and almond milk have always had their claim in the dairy substitutes market, coconut milk has recently soared high and has found its own market. Coconut milk, unlike almond milk, is originated from mature coconuts whereby the fleshy part is ground to produce a smooth paste which is then incubated before extracting the milk; this gives it a unique taste and creamy texture. Most plant-based milk have a specific flavor, which will not be the case with coconut milk, as it is both versatile for use in sweet and savory dishes. Be it curries, and soups, and sweets and even beverages, people could not get enough of coconut milk; this thick, delicious and creamy dairy-free solution has not only captured the hearts of lovers of healthy dairy alternatives that do not lack flavors or richness. Furthermore, people have now started realizing its healthy values like MCTs content and religion, such as lauric acid putting coconut milk on the same pedestal of plant based milk rivals.

By Product, Take-home segment held the largest share in 2023

• Tetra pak products, especially in terms of plant based milk, are popular with consumers because of the several advantages that include the fact that people can buy large quantities of a particular kind of milk to indulge in as often as they want. These bulk sizes are mostly bought while conducting their usual shopping activities in large stores, specifically supermarkets or through online platforms and this enables consumers to afford to stock plant based milk in large quantity for daily use. The nonstandard nature of take-home packages complements the drift toward acquiring more wholesome and sustainable production of dairy and plant-based milk products, which ensures a constant buying frequency of plant-based milk as a major household necessity. Hence, tempting various tastes and variants, which are available in take-home packages, can suit the different choice of the consumers with different diets and needs, which again secures their leading position in the specified market sector as the dominant product category.
   
• According to the statistics, take-home packs have the most significant market share, whereas impulsive purchases are also significantly important for the Plant-Based Milk consumption, especially in convenience stores and supermarkets. These serve-sized packagings are placed close to the counters where customers might purchase a carton set while paying at the cash register or other frequently accessed zones. Some of the reasons that can lead to impulse buying include necessity, where a person only intends to buy one product but ends up buying another product for one reason or the other; need for convenience, for instance, a person only intends to get a snack but ends up being compelled to buy a certain flavor or brand of the snack. It is vital to note that the new Plant-Based milk in an single-serve packaging is not only meeting the need of 1-time consumers, but over all, they form a pathway to new consumers in the perusal of plant-based milk products. Therefore, sales of impulse products also fall directly into the growth of the plant-based milk market in addition to customers’ constant demand for take-home packs which gives a broader market reach to the product.

Non-Dairy Ice Cream Market Regional Insights:

Asia Pacific is Expected to Dominate the Market Over the Forecast period

• Among the markets of Asia Pacific region, the non-dairy ice cream has establish a dominating position as they are supported by number of factors that have complements with the altering consumer’s trend. As a result of evolving consumer preferences and expectations towards consumption of nutrition and health-enhancing products, the use of plant-based products such as soy-based and other plant-based dairy products have gained prominence in Southeast Asian countries including China, Japan, and India. This change is not only driven by concerns about the effects of consuming milk and other dairy products on health but also due to the ever-growing sensitivity of consumers towards the environmental consequences of dairy production processes. Therefore, this type of product has become the topic of high interest and a huge market for both domestic and foreign manufacturers.
   
• Furthermore, the increasing rate of urbanization further the middle income group in the region and the consumer preferences for non-dairy ice creams has also boosted the market. As one observes that consumers have higher disposable income, they prefer more luxurious or premium products such as non-dairy frozen desserts. This has been due to the realization of the large market potential in this segment by major players in the food industry that are consequently dedicating a lot of capital in both product customization from what they consider the standard palate palate and appropriate marketing strategies in the particular regions. Adopting to these characteristics and consumers preferences these companies have well established their ground and created huge market share to their own selves in non dairy ice cream market in Asia Pacific. Altogether, this approach, along with the continually increasing interest in plant-based products among consumers providing the local market with a strong impulse for constant development, it has become one of the fastest-growing segments within the ice cream industry of the region.

Active Key Players in the Non-Dairy Ice Cream Market

• Eden Creamery LLC
• Over The Moo
• Dream
• Swedish Glace
• NadaMoo
• Trader Joe’s
• Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream
• Unilever
• Danone, General Mills
• The Booja-Booja Co. Central Europe Ltd.
• Happy Cow Limited
• Tofutti Brands, Inc.
• Bliss Unlimited, LLC
• Other Key Players