Dairy-free Ice Creams Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Source ( Coconut Milk, Almond Milk, Soy Milk, Others (Oat milk, Hemp milk)), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, Online Retail) And Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global dairy-free ice cream market is witnessing significant growth due to the rising popularity of dairy-free products among the consumers. Dairy-free ice creams are also witnessing traction due to the higher protein content in plant-based ice creams which makes them a healthy alternative for the conventional dairy ice creams. The rising trend among the consumers for healthy indulgence food has positively impacted the global dairy-free ice creams market. Further, the availability of dairy-free ice creams in numerous flavors has also attracted the consumers.

The changing consumer preference towards non-dairy and plant-based products due to reasons such as animal welfare, health, or environmental sustainability has driven the dairy-free ice creams market. The rising vegan trend has nudged consumers to shift towards non-dairy ice creams. The ice cream manufacturers for comprehensive product variations are replacing cow milk with coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for manufacturing dairy-free ice creams. The less amount of fat present in the dairy-free products have grown popular among the health-conscious consumers, which in turn has propelled the market growth of dairy-free ice creams.

The increasing incidences of children and adults suffering from lactose intolerance and the rising awareness among the consumers regarding the repercussions of Celiac disease has driven the dairy-free ice creams market. The key manufacturers, considering the rise in demand for dairy-free products from the consumers, are launching plant-based ice creams that have propelled the market growth. For instance, In March 2020, Morrisons supermarket launched a new selection of dairy-free ice creams in two flavors, salted caramel swirl, and chocolate brownie both of which are formulated using coconut milk.

The higher price of the dairy-free ice creams as compared to the dairy-based products has hampered its market growth. The fluctuations in the raw material costs for manufacturing dairy-free products, that increase the overall price of the end product is negatively impacting the market growth. The dairy-based products market is much more established in the maturing economies as compared to the dairy-free which in turn is hindering the market growth.

Key Players Covered:

The key companies operating in the global dairy-free ice creams market are, Unilever Plc., Danone SA, Nestle SA, General Mills, Inc., Tofutti Brands Inc., Booja Booja Company Ltd, Bliss Unlimited LLC., Little Red Rooster Ice Cream Company, JUDE'S, Oatly.

The coconut milk variant is a preferred ingredient for manufacturing dairy-free ice creams owing to the easy availability, its low cost, and ease of processing. Coconut milk is an efficient substitute for conventional milk as it contains a high amount of fat that improves the product’s texture and taste. Almond milk is also witnessing traction among the ice cream manufacturers as it provides a neutral base for preparing flavourful blends but is comparatively expensive to the coconut milk.

The convenience stores and specialty stores are notable contributors in enabling the consumers to purchase dairy-free ice creams. The easier accessibility and wide product offerings in different brands and price range by these stores have aided in the market growth. The supermarkets and hypermarkets are also contributing significantly due to the consumers’ inclination towards take-home products along with the convenience of dedicated product shelves.

Regional Analysis:

North America is one of the leading markets for dairy-free ice creams owing to the consumers rising health consciousness and growing incidences of lactose intolerance in the region. The rising vegan trend and the evolving consumer preferences towards dairy-free products have driven the market growth. Further, the product innovations to improve the taste to comply with dairy-based ice creams are expected to fuel the regional market.

Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness a significant growth in the foreseeing years owing to the rapid urbanization and increase in per capita consumption. The consumption levels of dairy-free ice creams in the region have increased owing to the burgeoning population and the growing popularity of plant-based products. The health-conscious younger cohort is also shifting towards dairy-free products, which in turn is fuelling its regional sales performance.

Europe's dairy-free ice creams market is expected to grow exponentially in the upcoming years. The ice cream manufacturers in the region are replacing dairy milk with plant-based milk which has positively impacted the market growth. The presence of strong players such as Booja Booja and Ben & Jerry’s in the region and frequent product launches are propelling the market growth.

Segmentation

Key Industry Developments

• In March 2020, Unilever launched its vegan Magnum ice cream range with new caramel salted flavour. The product is Non-Dairy sea salt caramel bar which is made using coconut oil, pea protein base and cocoa beans. This product range is an addition to its previous plant-based ice cream product range that includes Non-Dairy Classic and Non-Dairy Almond.


• In March 2020, Jude’s, a British ice cream company launched a new flavour in its dairy-free ice creams range – chocolate brownie. The product is made with oat milk, which is good for the consumers having allergies to nuts or consume nut-free food products.