Ice Cream 26/27: Sector Outlook
Published 03 December 2025
More than ever, ice cream is an outlet for radical flavour experimentation, with brands creating savoury gelatos, lust-worthy options stuffed with indulgent add-ins and even wine and ice cream pairing menus. Alongside this, brands are catering for today’s health-conscious consumers looking for a frozen sweet treat while hitting their wellness goals.
Expanding Frozen Flavours
The New Functional Ice Cream
Scoop Service & Spaces
The flavour remit for ice cream is evolving, with brands playing with unusual savoury and piquant ingredients. Others are upping the indulgence quotient via decadent pastry, cake and cookie chunks and alcoholic additions.
The flavour remit for ice cream is evolving, with brands playing with unusual savoury and piquant ingredients. Others are upping the indulgence quotient via decadent pastry, cake and cookie chunks and alcoholic additions.
Following the boom in low-calorie better-for-you ice cream pints, personified by brands like Halo Top (US), ice cream brands are evolving to meet today’s wellness priorities. This includes providing treats for the protein-obsessed consumer and helping people lower their sugar intake and boost their vitamin consumption.
A new wave of immersive, design-forward ice cream shops are pushing the boundaries of the traditional gelateria. Elsewhere, forward-thinking hospitality operators are pairing ice cream with alcohol, providing a new elevated consumption occasion for the frozen treat.
Ice Cream 26/27: Sector Outlook
Topics
Want to see the full report?
Offering access to over 350 consumer and cross-industry reports annually, Stylus Membership is your window to tomorrow’s most exciting opportunities.
We already arm more than 500 of the world’s most forward-thinking brands and agencies with the creative insights they need to make transformative business decisions.
We’d love to do the same for you.
Book a demo with us today to discover more.
More Reports From Stylus
More Reports From Stylus
Sector Outlook 26/27: Grocery Staples
The modern pantry has evolved into a vibrant repository of ingredients, driven by nourishing staples, compelling new flavours, health‑aligned upgrades, convenience‑led formats and more sustainable everyday choices. It’s also become a place where home cooks can shape their own food identity – expressing their values and...