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With summer 2024 in full swing, it's time to scoop up the latest ice cream trends and innovations in this irresistible category. This year, the industry is serving up a variety of exciting new flavours and formats. Join us as we dive into the coolest trends shaping the ice cream sector and, further down, discover our top new product developments – truly the cherry on top of a sweet year.

A recent analysis by QR Code Generator has unveiled the most popular ice cream flavours across UK cities this summer, providing valuable insights for food and beverage manufacturers.

The study, which examined Google search data for 106 different ice cream flavours and 31 brands, highlights shifting consumer preferences in the frozen dessert market.

The research used a comprehensive approach, combining searches for flavours with variations such as “[flavour] ice cream,” “[flavour] ice cream recipe,” and “[flavour] ice cream near me”.

This methodology allowed for a detailed understanding of consumer interest and engagement with various ice cream offerings.

🍦The top five ice cream flavours nationally🍦 (by average monthly searches)

• Vanilla – 5,150 average monthly searches

• Rum Raisin – 5,081

• Pistachio – 4,992

• Neapolitan – 4,463

• Banana – 4,199

Additionally, the analysis identified the leading ice cream brands in the UK, with Magnum taking the top spot at 6,554 average monthly searches, followed by Mackies of Scotland and Walls.

The study also pointed out regional specialities, with Cornwall and Devon recognised for their high-quality ice creams, and Scotland noted for brands like Mackie's of Scotland, which sources fresh milk and cream locally. These regional insights could inform manufacturers about potential collaboration opportunities and market expansion.

The study's findings offer a roadmap for food and beverage companies aiming to capture market share in the competitive ice cream sector, highlighting the need for strategic marketing and product diversification to meet evolving consumer demands.

Ice cream trends manufacturers need to watch

1. Health-conscious options

With a growing focus on health, products like low-calorie, low-sugar and dairy-free ice creams are gaining popularity. In addition, incorporating superfoods, probiotics and added nutrients also appeals to health-conscious consumers looking for a moment of indulgence.

Example: Halo Top offers a range of low-calorie ice creams with nostalgic flavours like Birthday Cake and Peanut Butter Cup, featuring high protein and low sugar content.

Example: Research from Italy’s University of Verona and the Free University of Bolzano-Bozen has revealed that prebiotic fibres such as inulin, acacia, oat and apple can significantly improve the sensory qualities of low-fat ice cream. Inulin, in particular, mimics the creaminess of full-fat ice cream and helps maintain a clean label. This research opens exciting opportunities for creating healthier frozen desserts while supporting gut health.

2. Plant-Based Alternatives

The demand for vegan and plant-based ice creams continues to rise. Manufacturers are exploring innovative bases such as almond, coconut and oat milk.

Example: Ben & Jerry's has introduced a line of non-dairy ice creams made from almond milk, including flavours like Coconut Caramel and Chocolate Fudge Brownie.

Example: Oatly teamed up with Malibu to create a piña colada-flavored alcoholic soft serve, named 'Piña Oatlada'. With just 1.5% ABV and a creamy oat base, this dairy-free treat caters to Gen Z’s demand for low-alcohol and plant-based options.

3. Unique flavour combinations

Consumers are increasingly adventurous, seeking out unusual flavours and combinations, such as savoury ice creams (eg. bacon, cheese) and global flavours (eg., ube, matcha).

Example: Salt & Straw has created flavours like Pear & Blue Cheese and Honey Lavender, appealing to adventurous eaters looking for unique taste experiences.

Example: Van Leeuwen in the US is also known for its unique flavour combinations. Last November, the brand introduced a limited-edition 'Lizard Lunch' flavour, featuring blue and green swirls with a birthday cake taste and cookies and cream swirled throughout. Recent additions to their line-up include Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin, Buttermilk Berry Cornbread, and Churros & Fudge.

4. Artisanal and small-batch production

There is a growing preference for artisanal brands that emphasise quality, local ingredients and unique production methods, often marketed as premium products.

Example: Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams focuses on small-batch production with flavours like Goat Cheese with Fig and Wildberry Lavender, as well as twists on popular flavours like Banana French Toast.

5. Sustainability and ethical sourcing

Eco-friendly packaging and sustainably sourced ingredients are becoming essential as consumers prioritise environmental responsibility.

Example: Haagen-Dazs has launched a line of ice creams using sustainably sourced ingredients, such as their "Cacao" range, which features ethically sourced chocolate.

Example: Back in Spring, Alec's Ice Cream introduced nine new premium flavours made with regenerative and organic ingredients. The new line-up includes Meyer Lemon Cookie, Triple Chocolate Blackout Cookie and Palm Springs Banana Chocolate Date Shake, among others. Alec’s Ice Cream highlights its commitment to ethical and sustainable sourcing.

6. Indulgent experiences

Despite health trends, indulgence remains key. Ice creams with rich textures and decadent mix-ins (eg., cookie dough, brownie chunks) continue to attract consumers.

Example: Breyers introduced a line of indulgent ice creams called Breyers Delights, featuring flavours like Caramel Brownie Overload, Cookies & Cream and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with rich mix-ins.

7. Personalisation

Customisable ice cream options, where consumers can choose their mix-ins and flavours, are gaining traction, particularly in scoop shops but also in "at-home" creation kits.

Example: Cold Stone Creamery allows customers to create their own ice cream combinations by choosing from a variety of bases, mix-ins and toppings, tailored to individual preferences.

8. Seasonal and limited-edition flavours

Seasonal flavours and limited-time offerings create excitement and urgency, encouraging consumers to try new products.

Example: Dairy Queen often releases limited-time flavours like Pumpkin Pie Blizzard during fall and Candy Cane Chill Blizzard during winter, creating excitement around seasonal offerings.

9. Dessert crossovers

Ice cream products that blend elements from other desserts (eg., ice cream cakes, ice cream sandwiches) are popular, appealing to consumers looking for novel treats.

Example: Little Debbie has partnered with Blue Bell Creameries to create ice cream flavours inspired by their iconic snacks, such as Cosmic Brownies and Zebra Cakes. Last year, Pleese (formerly Pleesecakes) launched frozen cheesecakes in tub format, in flavours such as Lemon & Raspberry, Butterscotch & Carmel and Double Chocolate.

10. Transparency and clean label

Consumers are increasingly interested in ingredient transparency. Brands that offer clean labels with recognisable ingredients are more likely to gain consumer trust.

Example: Oppo Ice Cream markets its products as “clean label,” using only natural ingredients and no artificial sweeteners, with flavours like Chocolate and Mint Choc Chip.

Our top 11 ice cream & frozen desserts of 2024 so far

🍨Juice Generation launches cold-pressed juice gelato

Juice Generation, a juice shop in New York City, is marrying two unlikely foods – juice and gelato – in its latest product development.

The company has launched Juiced Gelato, a new cold-pressed gelato available for nationwide shipping. This product marks the brand's 25th anniversary.

Read more here.

🍨Turkey Hill launches 'late night' ice cream line for after-hours cravings

US ice cream brand Turkey Hill has expanded its portfolio with a new line of premium 'Late Night' ice cream flavours designed to satisfy consumers' after-dinner and late-night cravings.

The new Late Night collection features seven decadent flavours, including Ultimate Cookie Overload, Cherry Chocolate Chunk and Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Espresso. The brand's research found that 94% of personal ice cream consumers indulge in the evening or late at night.

Read more here.

🍨Crosta & Mollica expands retail offering with new gelato flavour

Crosta & Mollica has expanded its range of Italian grocery products within the frozen dessert and pizza categories with two new products. The modern Italian food brand’s products are exclusively made in Italy using specially selected ingredients and traditional recipes.

Crosta & Mollica made its first launch into UK retail with its frozen and chilled and sourdough pizzas, before entering the frozen dessert category in June 2022 with its Italian gelato range.

Read more here.

🍨Gü expands into frozen desserts with exclusive Waitrose launch

Premium UK dessert brand Gü is making its foray into the frozen category, unveiling a new line of indulgent frozen sundaes that will debut exclusively at Waitrose supermarkets from 9 June.

The range – featuring Double Salted Caramel & Mascarpone, Caramel, Chocolate & Hazelnut, and Clotted Cream & Chocolate Crunch – is Gü's first venture beyond its core chilled dessert offerings.

Read more here.

🍨Tesco introduces cohort of Summer Edition ice creams

With summer fast approaching, UK retailer Tesco has unveiled a cohort of new ice creams and ice lollies, crafted specially for the warmer season. In the ice cream sticks arena, Tesco has launched a variety of new products.

Popcorn and White Chocolate sticks blend buttery popcorn and velvety white chocolate ice cream, finished with salted corn pieces in a salted caramel sauce. The retailer also introduced Caramelised Mini Biscuit sticks, combining caramelised biscuit ice cream with crunchy white chocolate and cinnamon biscuit pieces, swirled with a caramel sauce.

Read more here.

🍨Froneri introduces new Nuii ice cream flavours

Froneri has added two new flavours under its chocolate ice cream stick brand Nuii.

Nuii's caramelised salted almond & New Zealand honey features the flavour of honey foraged by bees from flowers of the Kāmahi tree, which is known for its "buttery caramel flavours" with hints of toffee and vanilla.

Read more here.

🍨Jeni's releases breakfast-inspired ice cream flavour

Jeni's is releasing a limited-edition breakfast-inspired ice cream flavour – Banana French Toast – in a pint format. The Banana French Toast ice cream flavour features banana custard, Butternut Mountain maple syrup and cinnamon-brown sugar french toast crumbles.

Read more here.

🍨Wall’s expands handheld ice cream range with NPD trio

In time for warmer months, Unilever’s Wall’s has unveiled a trio of new products under its Twister, Cornetto and Guuud frozen treat brands.

Wall’s is expanding its Twister range with the launch of Twister Berry-licious, which the company says is the ‘first ice cream in the market’ to naturally colour tongues blue.

Read more here.

🍨Proof Hard Ice Cream debuts new flavour at Costco

Alcoholic ice cream brand Proof Hard Ice Cream has launched its latest flavour innovation, Chocolate Espresso Martini, at Costco Wholesale in the US.

The brand combines “smooth and creamy” ice cream with the “satisfying warmth” of alcohol (5% ABV).

Read more here.

🍨Magnum unveils duo of mood-inspired sorbet ice creams

Unilever-owned brand Magnum has launched two new innovations, pink lemonade and blueberry cookie ice cream sticks.

The launch – Magnum’s first that combines sorbet and ice cream in one product – is said to provide a multi-sensory experience.

Read more here.

🍨Angel Delight debuts handheld ice cream sticks in classic flavours

UK-based Premier Foods is set to launch a range of ice cream sticks under its Angel Delight brand. These new handheld treats feature a fluffy, light ice cream infused with the well-known flavours of Angel Delight and coated in a layer of milk chocolate.

The range debuts with two classic Angel Delight flavours – Butterscotch and Banana.

Read more here.

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