UK Ice Cream Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast, Insight, 2025-2033

Market Overview

The UK ice cream market was valued at USD 1.8 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3.0 Billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period 2025-2033. Growth is driven by rising demand for artisanal and health-conscious options like low-sugar and dairy-free products, alongside innovations in packaging and a surge in online sales. Visit the UK Ice Cream Market report for comprehensive insights.

Study Assumption Years

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

UK Ice Cream Market Key Takeaways

• The UK ice cream market size was valued at USD 1.8 Billion in 2024.
• The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2025 to 2033.
• The market revenue is forecast to reach USD 3.0 Billion by 2033.
• Growing consumer interest in innovative and diverse flavors fuels the market.
• Premium and artisanal ice creams appeal to consumers seeking quality and uniqueness.
• Health and sustainability trends promote low-calorie, dairy-free, and vegan options.
• Expansion of online sales and effective marketing boost market growth.

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Market Growth Factors

Increased consumer demand for new and varied flavors fuels the growth of the UK ice cream market. For instance, Ferrero UK launched Nutella Ice Cream Tubs in August 2024, containing hazelnut-flavored ice cream combined with Nutella swirls to target the growing market. Brands are trying out unusual ingredients or limited editions to woo more adventurous consumers, and this is helping in boosting the market size further.

This growth has been significantly contributed to by the premium and artisan ice cream available in the market, focused on high-quality and natural ingredients while offering sophisticated taste profiles. More consumers are willing to pay a premium for an excellent product. In March 2024, Simply Ice Cream brought back its Mini Egg Ice Cream, which combined creamy ice cream with crushed Mini Egg pieces, appealing to consumer demand for authenticity and indulgence.

The growth of plant-based and dairy-free options is reasoned and driven by health and sustainability concerns. Magnum, in February 2024, expanded its vegan line with Chill Blueberry Cookie sticks, featuring ice cream with a flavor of vegan vanilla biscuit and a core of blueberry sorbet. Moreover, sustainable packaging combined with ethical sourcing appeals to eco-conscious buyers, leading to brand loyalty and further market penetration.

Market Segmentation

Analysis by Flavor

• Vanilla: Vanilla is a staple due to its universal appeal and versatility, with growing demand for premium, organic, and dairy-free variants catering to health-conscious and vegan consumers.
• Chocolate: This segment remains popular with diverse offerings from milk chocolate to vegan and low-sugar options, supported by premiumization and seasonal launches.
• Fruit: Fruit-flavored ice creams, including strawberry, mango, and raspberry, are gaining traction as refreshing and healthier options, with innovations in non-dairy and low-calorie formulations.

Analysis by Category

• Impulse Ice Cream: Includes cones, bars, and sandwiches, dominating on-the-go consumption with convenience and seasonal sales peaks, with low-calorie and vegan options emerging.
• Take-Home Ice Cream: Larger tubs and multipacks for family consumption growing due to convenience and at-home dining trends, with exotic flavors and eco-friendly packaging driving interest.
• Artisanal Ice Cream: Characterized by premium quality, natural locally sourced ingredients, and unique flavors, appealing to consumers seeking authenticity and sustainability.

Analysis by Product

• Cup: Popular for portion control and convenience, available in various flavors including low-calorie and dairy-free, favored for mess-free eating.
• Stick: Classic easy-to-eat format with nostalgic appeal, popular for impulse purchases, with premium coatings and vegan varieties gaining popularity.
• Cone: Iconic in the UK, combining crunchy texture with creamy flavors, widely available, with seasonal demand spikes and innovations like gluten-free cones.
• Brick: Blocks cater to take-home consumption, versatile and cost-effective, with traditional and premium flavors used for slicing and sharing.
• Tub: Dominates the take-home segment, offering multiple servings and variety, with strong supermarket presence and frequent promotions.

Analysis by Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: Dominate distribution due to wide accessibility and product range, including budget to premium brands with bulk discounts and promotions.
• Convenience Stores: Cater to impulse buying with single-serve products near entrances and checkouts, offering budget-friendly and health-conscious options.
• Ice Cream Parlors: Provide fresh, premium artisanal flavors and customizable options, popular in tourist and urban areas, fueling innovation and consumer engagement.
• Online Stores: Rapidly growing through home delivery convenience, offering premium and artisanal brands, subscription services, and personalized offerings.

Regional Insights

London is the dominant region in the UK ice cream market, featuring a vibrant scene of traditional parlors and innovative artisanal brands. High consumer demand for premium, exotic, and bespoke flavors drives continual innovation, with a cosmopolitan population embracing plant-based and health-conscious options. Seasonal and limited-edition releases attract trend-savvy consumers, supported by strong food festivals and events to showcase products and engage audiences.

Recent Developments & News

• In July 2025, Wall's launched a limited-edition Minecraft-themed ice cream exclusively in UK supermarket Morrisons, featuring colorful ice cream blocks inspired by the game and targeting gamers with a TikTok influencer campaign.
• In March 2025, Lotus Bakeries partnered with Froneri to produce and distribute Lotus Biscoff-branded ice cream across Europe starting in 2026.
• In January 2025, Brymor relocated production of Cream o' Galloway to North Yorkshire, consolidating manufacturing while maintaining local distribution and their ice cream parlour.

Key Players

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

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