UK Ice Cream Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast by Flavor, Category, Product, Distribution Channel, and Region, 2025-2033

UK Ice Cream Market Overview

The UK Ice Cream Market was valued at USD 1.8 Billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 3.0 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2025 to 2033. Rising consumer interest in artisanal, premium, and health-conscious options like low-sugar and dairy-free ice creams drives market expansion. Additionally, online sales, innovative packaging, and effective marketing strategies contribute to steady growth throughout the forecast period.

Study Assumption Years

• Base Year: 2024
• Historical Years: 2019-2024
• Forecast Period: 2025-2033

UK Ice Cream Market Key Takeaways

• The market size was USD 1.8 Billion in 2024.
• The forecast period is from 2025 to 2033.
• The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% during 2025-2033.
• Consumer demand for innovative and diverse flavors is a key growth driver, with products like Ferrero UK's Nutella Ice Cream Tubs launching in August 2024.
• Premium and artisanal ice creams emphasizing high-quality ingredients appeal to consumers paying a premium.
• Rising consumer focus on health and sustainability is driving growth in plant-based, low-calorie, dairy-free, and vegan options.
• Advancements in packaging and surge in online sales channels support market expansion.

Sample Request Link: https://www.imarcgroup.com/uk-ice-cream-market/requestsample

UK Ice Cream Market Growth Factors

Growth in the ice cream market in the UK is driven prominently by the rising demand of consumers for more innovative and diverse flavors. For instance, Ferrero UK launched Nutella Ice Cream Tubs in August 2024, leveraging evolving tastes. Brands regularly experiment with unique ingredients and limited-edition flavors to attract adventurous consumers, boosting product variety and expanding the market. Continuous innovation fuels the overall growth of the sector across the forecast period.

Other factors contributing significantly to market growth include the increased demand for premium and artisanal ice creams. The products emphasize the use of high-quality, natural, and locally sourced ingredients, without artificial additives, to provide flavor and authenticity. For example, Simply Ice Cream launched its limited-edition Mini Egg Ice Cream in March of 2024. The emphasis on innovation and complex taste profiles enables products to demand a premium while building loyalty among consumers.

Increasing consumer attention to health and sustainability further speeds up the pace of market development. Growing demand for plant-based, low-calorie, dairy-free, and vegan ice creams meets health, ethical, and environmental concerns. Magnum expanded its vegan line in February 2024 with Chill Blueberry Cookie sticks, while McDonald's launched The Vegan Scoop in June 2024. Sustainable packaging and ethical sourcing appeal to eco-conscious buyers, driving brand loyalty and further expansion throughout the UK.

UK Ice Cream Market Segmentation

By Flavor:

• Vanilla: Remains a staple due to its universal appeal, versatility, and the rising demand for premium and organic variants.
• Chocolate: Strong position favored for indulgent flavors ranging from classic milk to innovative combinations; also growing demand for vegan and low-sugar variants.
• Fruit: Increasing preference for refreshing, natural tastes with popular flavors like strawberry and mango; growth supported by organic and exotic variants.
• Others: Included but specific details not provided.

By Category:

• Impulse Ice Cream: Includes cones, bars, and sandwiches catering to on-the-go consumption, with rising low-calorie and vegan options.
• Take-Home Ice Cream: Larger tubs and multipacks for family use with classic and premium flavors, including dairy-free options, primarily sold in supermarkets.
• Artisanal Ice Cream: Premium handcrafted products emphasizing natural ingredients, limited editions, and sustainable practices targeting niche consumers.

By Product:

• Cup: Popular for portion control and convenience with a range of flavors and sizes, suitable for on-the-go and retail outlets.
• Stick: Classic handheld format with wide appeal, including premium coatings and new low-sugar, vegan varieties.
• Cone: Iconic indulgence blending crunchy texture and creamy flavors, available widely with premium and budget options including gluten-free cones.
• Brick: Take-home blocks designed for slicing and sharing, suitable for families and featuring traditional and premium flavors.
• Tub: Dominant take-home format offering multiple servings, broad flavor range, including dairy-free and health-oriented options.

By Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: Dominate with a wide product assortment and bulk promotions; key channel for take-home and impulse varieties.
• Convenience Stores: Focus on impulse purchases with strategic freezer placements, budget-friendly packs, and growing health-conscious product availability.
• Ice Cream Parlors: Offer premium artisanal and customizable options; attract customers with fresh, seasonal, and natural ingredient-based flavors.
• Online Stores: Rapid growth due to convenience and delivery services, including subscription and direct-to-consumer models.

Regional Insights

London is identified as the dominant region with a highly diverse and vibrant ice cream market. It attracts premium, exotic, and bespoke flavors driven by a cosmopolitan population embracing health-conscious and plant-based options. The strong presence of food festivals and events provides avenues for brands to innovate and engage consumers, maintaining London’s leadership in the UK ice cream market.

Recent Developments & News

• In July 2025, Wall's launched a limited-edition Minecraft-themed ice cream exclusively at Morrisons supermarkets in the UK, targeting gamers through a TikTok influencer campaign.
• In March 2025, Lotus Bakeries partnered with UK-based Froneri to produce and distribute Lotus Biscoff-branded ice cream across European countries from 2026 onward.
• In January 2025, Brymor announced relocating production of Cream o' Galloway ice cream from Galloway to North Yorkshire to leverage modern and sustainable facilities while maintaining local distribution and brand presence.

Key Players

• Ferrero UK
• Magnum
• McDonald’s
• Brand of Brothers
• Simply Ice Cream
• Unilever
• Wall’s
• Lotus Bakeries
• Froneri
• Brymor
• Cream o' Galloway

If you require any specific information that is not covered currently within the scope of the report, we will provide the same as a part of the customization.

Request Customization:- https://www.imarcgroup.com/request?type=report&id=21907&flag=E

About Us

IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that helps the world’s most ambitious changemakers to create a lasting impact. The company provides a comprehensive suite of market entry and expansion services. IMARC offerings include thorough market assessment, feasibility studies, company incorporation assistance, factory setup support, regulatory approvals and licensing navigation, branding, marketing and sales strategies, competitive landscape and benchmarking analyses, pricing and cost research, and procurement research.

Contact Us

IMARC Group

134 N 4th St. Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA

Email: sales@imarcgroup.com

Tel No: (D) +91 120 433 0800

United States: +1-201971-6302