Top 15 Ice Cream Trends: Ice Cream Stats and Trends (2024)
Explore the top trends shaping the ice cream industry, from innovative ideas to evolving consumer preferences.
Jim McCormickAuthor
Opening a Restaurant Checklist
So many things go into opening a restaurant. Use this free PDF checklist to set your new restaurant up for success.
Get free downloadIce Cream Trends: What's Changing and Why It Matters
Ice cream has long been a part of American culture, serving as a source of comfort during tough times. In the 1920s, when the Eighteenth Amendment prohibited alcohol, breweries like Anheuser-Busch and Yuengling pivoted to making ice cream. The ingredients in ice cream—fat, sugar, and vanilla—became emotional substitutes for alcohol. By 1929, consumption surged to over a million gallons per day, even though it dipped during the Great Depression. Despite these hardships, ice cream remained a beloved treat, offering solace to Americans through difficult periods.
Ice cream has long been a beloved dessert, but its role in restaurant menus is evolving, driven by innovation, cultural shifts, and growing customer demand for more diverse and unique culinary experiences. In an age where diners seek more than just traditional fare, ice cream has emerged as a canvas for creativity, combining flavor experimentation, interactive dining experiences, and new techniques.
Social media platforms, especially Instagram and TikTok, have amplified these trends, allowing restaurants to showcase visually stunning and inventive ice cream creations to a global audience. As a result, ice cream is becoming a focal point in restaurants, whether as a standalone menu item or part of a larger dessert offering. Let's dive into some of the most significant ice cream trends transforming the restaurant scene today.
Top 15 Ice Cream Trends
1. Plant-Based Ice Cream
What is the trend?
Plant-based ice cream, made from alternatives like almond, coconut, oat, or soy milk, is gaining traction as restaurants respond to the increasing demand for vegan, dairy-free, and lactose-intolerant-friendly options.
What is contributing to the trend, and who is adopting it?
The rise in plant-based diets, health consciousness, and environmental awareness has contributed to the popularity of non-dairy ice creams. Restaurants across various categories, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments, are adopting these options to cater to a broader audience. Customers seeking ethical, healthier, or environmentally sustainable choices are drawn to plant-based alternatives.
Staying power or flash in the pan?
The staying power of plant-based ice cream seems strong. With the increasing number of consumers adopting vegan and flexitarian diets, plant-based options will likely continue to grow. Restaurants that offer these options signal inclusivity and forward-thinking, making this a long-term trend.
2. Artisanal and Small-Batch Production
What is the trend?
Artisanal and small-batch ice creams emphasize locally sourced, high-quality ingredients and unique, handcrafted flavors. These ice creams are often produced in limited quantities to highlight freshness and exclusivity.
What is contributing to the trend, and who is adopting it?
The farm-to-table movement and consumer desire for authenticity have fueled the demand for artisanal ice creams. Restaurants that focus on sustainability and local sourcing often create signature ice cream flavors featuring seasonal ingredients, which elevate the dining experience. Fine dining establishments and gourmet cafes are leading adopters, with many even collaborating with local farms and producers to source ingredients directly.
Staying power or flash in the pan?
Artisanal ice cream aligns with broader food trends emphasizing quality, sustainability, and local partnerships, suggesting it will remain popular. The growing interest in small-batch production, where each flavor tells a story, points to enduring appeal.
3. Alcohol-Infused Ice Cream
What is the trend?
Alcohol-infused ice cream incorporates spirits, wines, and liqueurs into classic dessert offerings, creating an elevated experience tailored to adult diners.
What is contributing to the trend, and who is adopting it?
As consumers look for unique and indulgent dining experiences, alcohol-infused desserts have become popular in restaurants, bars, and lounges. These ice creams are appealing for their novelty and as a way to combine dessert with after-dinner drinks. Many high-end restaurants and dessert bars are adopting this trend to offer a fun, sophisticated twist on traditional ice cream.
Staying power or flash in the pan?
While alcohol-infused ice cream is niche, its growing presence in upscale settings indicates staying power, especially as part of tasting menus or paired with alcoholic beverages.
4. Savory Flavors
What is the trend?
Savory ice creams challenge the traditional sweetness of the dessert, incorporating herbs, spices, and unexpected ingredients like vegetables, cheeses, or cured meats.
What is contributing to the trend, and who is adopting it?
Chefs are pushing boundaries in flavor experimentation, inspired by the fusion of culinary techniques and the desire to surprise diners. Savory ice creams often appear in upscale restaurants or as part of a tasting menu, offering a memorable and palate-cleansing experience between courses.
Staying power or flash in the pan?
While this trend appeals to adventurous eaters, it may remain limited to more experimental settings. However, the novelty and creative exploration of savory flavors suggest it could persist in high-end gastronomy.
5. Cultural Fusion Flavors
What is the trend?
Cultural fusion in ice cream blends traditional flavors from various global cuisines, resulting in unique combinations that reflect diverse culinary heritages.
What is contributing to the trend, and who is adopting it?
As the food world becomes more globally interconnected, chefs are drawing inspiration from international ingredients and techniques. Ice cream flavors that incorporate elements from Latin American, Asian, or Middle Eastern cuisine, for instance, offer diners a taste of the world through a familiar medium. Fusion flavors are popular in trendy urban restaurants that cater to foodies seeking new and exciting experiences.
Staying power or flash in the pan?
The fusion trend speaks to broader movements toward multiculturalism and diversity in food, so it has the potential for longevity. As long as diners seek new flavors, cultural fusion ice creams will have a place in restaurants.
6. Nitro Ice Cream
What is the trend?
Nitro ice cream, made using liquid nitrogen, offers a smooth texture and dramatic presentation as the ice cream is frozen right in front of customers, often accompanied by a cloud of fog from the nitrogen.
What is contributing to the trend, and who is adopting it?
The entertainment factor is a huge draw for nitro ice cream. Restaurants that focus on creating interactive, experiential dining moments—such as dessert bars or pop-up shops—are incorporating nitro ice cream as a crowd-pleaser. The process creates an ultra-creamy texture, setting it apart from traditional ice cream.
Staying power or flash in the pan?
The appeal of nitro ice cream lies in its visual theatrics and sensory experience, but this trend may remain niche, primarily found in high-traffic or entertainment-focused settings.
7. Sustainable Sourcing
What is the trend?
Sustainable sourcing in ice cream focuses on using organic dairy, fair-trade ingredients, and environmentally conscious packaging, aligning with the growing consumer focus on ethical consumption.
What is contributing to the trend, and who is adopting it?
As environmental concerns continue to grow, diners are increasingly prioritizing where their food comes from and how it's produced. Restaurants that emphasize sustainability attract eco-conscious customers by showcasing transparency in their ingredient sourcing and practices.
Staying power or flash in the pan?
Sustainability is a significant concern across the food industry, and ice cream is no exception. This trend is likely here to stay as consumers demand more environmentally friendly options.
8. Personalization and Customization
What is the trend?
Offering customers the ability to personalize their ice cream with a wide variety of mix-ins and toppings allows for a more tailored dining experience.
What is contributing to the trend, and who is adopting it?
Personalization taps into consumers' desire for control over their dining experience. Restaurants, especially those with a casual dining or quick-service model, have embraced this trend to give customers more options and enhance the overall dining satisfaction.
Staying power or flash in the pan?
Customization continues to be a popular demand across many food categories, suggesting that this trend will maintain its place in ice cream parlors and restaurants for years to come.
9. Gourmet Sundaes
What is the trend?
The classic sundae is being reinvented with gourmet ingredients, artisanal toppings, and premium ice creams to create an elevated dessert experience.
What is contributing to the trend, and who is adopting it?
Gourmet sundaes are appearing in high-end and casual restaurants alike, driven by the resurgence of comfort foods with a twist. Chefs are using artisanal chocolates, house-made sauces, and exotic fruits to create sundaes that appeal to both the nostalgia of traditional desserts and the sophistication of modern palates.
Staying power or flash in the pan?
Given the balance between comfort and innovation, gourmet sundaes have broad appeal and are likely to remain a staple, especially in establishments looking to offer an upscale take on familiar desserts.
10. Ice Cream Flights
What is the trend?
Ice cream flights allow diners to sample several small portions of different flavors, offering a fun and interactive way to explore the menu.
What is contributing to the trend, and who is adopting it?
Ice cream flights cater to diners who want to try multiple flavors without committing to a full scoop. This trend has been adopted by artisanal ice cream shops and upscale dessert bars that want to offer customers a diverse tasting experience.
Staying power or flash in the pan?
Ice cream flights tap into the growing demand for tasting menus and variety, suggesting that they will continue to be a popular option for diners seeking a more engaging dessert experience.
11. Frozen Yogurt and Sorbet Alternatives
What is the trend?
While ice cream remains a favorite, frozen yogurt and sorbet are increasingly popular alternatives for diners seeking lighter or dairy-free options.
What is contributing to the trend, and who is adopting it?
The health-conscious movement has driven the demand for lower-calorie, dairy-free desserts. Restaurants and dessert bars that want to cater to a broad audience, particularly those looking for a lighter option, are incorporating frozen yogurt and sorbet into their menus. Many establishments also highlight the probiotic benefits of frozen yogurt, making it an appealing choice for health-focused diners.
Staying power or flash in the pan?
Frozen yogurt and sorbet are likely to remain popular as consumers continue seeking healthier dessert options. As long as there’s a demand for lighter alternatives, these frozen treats will hold their ground. Additionally, with the trend of wellness and self-care taking center stage in dining choices, these options are likely to flourish.
12. Ice Cream Sandwiches
What is the trend?
Ice cream sandwiches are experiencing a renaissance, with restaurants reimagining this classic treat using gourmet cookies, brownies, or waffles as the exterior.
What is contributing to the trend, and who is adopting it?
The nostalgic appeal of ice cream sandwiches, combined with innovative flavor combinations and high-quality ingredients, has led to their resurgence. Many restaurants, bakeries, and food trucks are creatively experimenting with textures and flavors, offering an exciting twist on this beloved dessert. Ice cream sandwiches are particularly popular among younger demographics, especially on social media platforms, where visually appealing food items thrive.
Staying power or flash in the pan?
Given their versatility and the ongoing trend of nostalgia in food, ice cream sandwiches are poised for longevity. As chefs continue to innovate with ingredients and presentations, they will likely remain a favorite among diners.
13. Regional and International Flavors
What is the trend?
Restaurants are incorporating regional and international flavors into their ice cream offerings, celebrating diverse culinary traditions and introducing diners to unique tastes.
What is contributing to the trend, and who is adopting it?
The global interconnectedness of culinary practices and the rise of food tourism have sparked interest in unique, culturally inspired ice cream flavors. Chefs and restaurateurs are exploring flavors like matcha, ube, and chai, or regional specialties like cajeta or dulce de leche, allowing diners to experience the world through ice cream. Restaurants focusing on authenticity and cultural experiences, including fusion eateries and dessert shops, are key adopters of this trend.
Staying power or flash in the pan?
The trend of incorporating diverse flavors reflects the increasing interest in cultural exploration through food. As long as there’s a curiosity for international cuisine, these regional flavors will continue to thrive.
14. Innovative Presentation Styles
What is the trend?
The presentation of ice cream is becoming just as important as the flavors themselves, with restaurants using creative plating techniques to enhance the visual appeal.
What is contributing to the trend, and who is adopting it?
In an era dominated by social media, the way food looks can significantly impact its success. Restaurants are experimenting with unconventional serving methods, such as edible containers, vibrant garnishes, or extravagant toppings, to create stunning visuals that encourage sharing online. Dessert bars and upscale restaurants are leading this trend, often emphasizing the artistic side of dessert-making.
Staying power or flash in the pan?
Innovative presentation styles are likely to have staying power as they cater to the social media culture that values aesthetically pleasing food. As diners seek shareable experiences, this trend will continue to evolve.
15. Collaborations with Local Producers
What is the trend?
Collaborations between restaurants and local producers, such as dairy farms, bakeries, and artisanal food makers, are becoming more common in ice cream production.
What is contributing to the trend, and who is adopting it?
As consumers increasingly prioritize supporting local businesses, restaurants are forming partnerships with local producers to create unique ice cream flavors that showcase regional ingredients. This trend not only strengthens community ties but also allows restaurants to promote sustainability and transparency in their sourcing practices. Local ice cream shops and farm-to-table restaurants are leading the charge in these collaborations, often featuring seasonal flavors that change with the harvest.
The focus on local sourcing and community collaboration is likely to remain strong, especially as consumers become more aware of the importance of supporting local economies. As long as there is demand for authentic, locally-inspired flavors, this trend will persist.
Is this article helpful?
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only, and publication does not constitute an endorsement. Toast does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, graphics, links, or other items contained within this content. Toast does not guarantee you will achieve any specific results if you follow any advice herein. It may be advisable for you to consult with a professional such as a lawyer, accountant, or business advisor for advice specific to your situation.
Subscribe to On the Line
Sign up to get industry intel, advice, tools, and honest takes from real people tackling their restaurants’ greatest challenges.