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2025 Ice Cream Trends to Keep Your Business Ahead
The ice cream industry is heating up! With global revenues expected to reach $109.20 billion by 2025, growing at an annual rate of 5.46%, this is the year to innovate and get ahead of the competition. Whether you’re a seasoned shop owner or launching your first frozen dessert venture, staying on top of trends can help you attract more customers and boost sales.
Here are the top five ice cream trends we see for 2025 and the actionable strategies you can use to future-proof your business.
1. Unique Flavor Creations Dominate in 2025
Today’s ice cream world isn’t just about vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry anymore. While this trend of bold, unexpected flavors isn’t exactly new, it’s no longer a niche offering—it’s becoming an expectation. Customers are more adventurous than ever, chasing flavor combinations that make their taste buds do a happy dance.
Trending Flavor Innovations
| Trend | Description | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy & Savory Ice Creams | Unexpected ingredients like jalapeño and miso | Adds contrast and complexity to sweet flavors |
| Global & Cultural Influences | Flavors inspired by international desserts (uube, mochi, tahini) | Expands appeal and taps into food trend crossovers |
| Nostalgic & Comforting Flavors | Bakery-inspired and childhood throwbacks (cereal milk, peanut butter & jelly) | Evokes emotion and familiarity |
Flavors That Turned Heads
Take Conecon’s 2024 Flavor of the Year: Mango Jalapeño Margarita from @AndiasIceCream. A zesty, tropical explosion with just enough kick to keep things interesting—who knew dessert could double as a fiesta? And that’s just the tip of the cone. Wild creations like Squid Ink Ice Cream are making waves (yes, it’s a real thing), proving that customers are willing to embrace the unexpected.
And let’s not forget the viral sensation, Pickle Soft Serve! The unlikely pairing of pickles and ice cream took off when social media users shared their polarizing reactions—some calling it “shockingly delicious,” while others dubbed it “an abomination.” The love-it-or-hate-it debate only fueled its popularity, with curious customers flocking to try it for themselves.
Social media has turned quirky ideas into must-try sensations, proving that a little controversy can drive massive buzz and foot traffic for daring businesses.
How to Stay Ahead:
To keep your business competitive, it’s time to get creative. Offer limited-time or seasonal flavors to keep customers curious and coming back for more. Use trends and customer feedback as your flavor compass—what’s popular now could become your next bestseller. And remember: a little experimentation never hurt anyone. After all, today’s Dill Pickle & Honey Ripple could be tomorrow’s top-seller.
Pro Tip: Make Flavors Viral-Worthy
Whether it’s a love-it-or-hate-it flavor or an unexpected fusion, the best flavors spark conversation, curiosity, and social shares—all of which translate to real business growth.
2. Ice Cream Shops Are Expanding with New Business Models
In 2025, ice cream businesses are redefining their traditional models by exploring new revenue streams and customer experiences to stay competitive and drive growth.
Trending Business Models:
| Trend | Description | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Ghost Kitchens | Delivery-only ice cream brands | Low overhead, high demand for at-home treats |
| Subscription Services | Monthly pint memberships | Recurring revenue, customer loyalty |
| Experiential Marketing | Themed events, DIY sundae bars | Creates buzz and social media engagement |
Ghost Kitchens: Expanding Reach Without Storefronts
Ghost kitchens, also known as virtual kitchens, have been part of the restaurant industry for years but gained momentum with the rise of third-party delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. Their popularity surged even further during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many restaurants pivoted to delivery-only operations to sustain their businesses.
While the concept itself isn’t new, its application in the ice cream industry is still evolving. More ice cream businesses are now leveraging ghost kitchens to expand their reach, allowing brands to operate exclusively through delivery services while reducing the high costs associated with physical storefronts.
Ice Cream Brands Utilizing Ghost Kitchens:
- Milk Bar’s Ghost Bakery
During the pandemic, Milk Bar operated a ghost bakery in Chicago, allowing them to serve the local market through delivery and pickup without a traditional storefront. This strategy enabled Milk Bar to maintain and even expand its customer base during challenging times. chicago.eater.com - Betty Jo’s Ice Cream
Launched in the summer of 2024, Betty Jo’s Ice Cream began by hand-delivering pints through online orders. The business gained rapid popularity, leading the founders to consider expanding operations by acquiring additional freezers and exploring commercial kitchen rentals to meet the high demand. grubstreet.com
By leveraging ghost kitchens, these brands can efficiently reach a wider audience, adapt to market trends, and minimize operational costs.
Subscription Services: Ice Cream Memberships on the Rise
Two words: “Recurring revenue”—the key to long-term profitability and music to every business owner’s ears. Ice cream shops have seen the writing on the walls as non-tech companies like farms and coffee roasters began leaning toward direct-to-consumer models with offerings like CSA boxes and coffee subscription services.
By offering a subscription, you are solving more than one of the biggest risks ice cream businesses face. You’re bringing customers back, committing to the money upfront, and smoothing out seasonal sales fluctuations.
Examples of Subscription-Based Ice Cream Businesses:
- Jeni’s Pint Club – Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams offers a monthly ice cream subscription, shipping curated flavors nationwide. According to Eater, Jeni’s direct-to-consumer approach helps it stand out in the premium ice cream market.
- eCreamery Personalized Ice Cream Club – Customers receive customized ice cream flavors delivered to their door each month, enhancing brand engagement. The service has gained attention for its personalized ice cream gifting experience, as highlighted by Restaurant Hoppen.
- Salt & Straw’s Seasonal Pints Club – Subscribers get early access to limited-time flavors, making membership feel exclusive and exciting. As reported by Eater, their rotating menu of inventive flavors keeps customers engaged and excited for new releases.
Subscription services convert occasional customers into loyal fans, encouraging repeat purchases while creating a sense of community around the brand.
Experiential Marketing: Creating Immersive Ice Cream Experiences
Experiential marketing involves crafting unique, interactive events or spaces that allow customers to connect with a brand on a deeper level. For ice cream businesses, this approach transforms a simple dessert into an engaging and shareable experience, fostering brand loyalty and attracting new patrons.
Examples of Experiential Marketing in the Ice Cream Industry:
- Little Moons’ Little Shop
To celebrate the launch of their new flavor, Golden Blonde Chocolate, Little Moons introduced the world’s tiniest ice cream parlour, the “Little Moons Little Shop.” This miniature pop-up allowed customers to experience their bite-sized treats in a uniquely compact setting, emphasizing that good things come in small packages. chill.com.au - Van Leeuwen’s “Real Housewives” Flavor Launches
Van Leeuwen partnered with “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” to create a limited-edition flavor called the SLC Scoop. The launch event featured themed decorations and appearances by cast members, offering fans an immersive experience that blended pop culture with artisanal ice cream. people.com - OVO Gelato’s Luxurious Additions
OVO Gelato & Dessert Bar in Adelaide introduced extravagant dessert options by offering edible 24-karat gold leaf and beluga caviar as toppings for their Italian-style ice cream. This initiative aimed to challenge traditional tastes and provide customers with a novel, luxurious experience. adelaidenow.com.au
How to Stay Ahead:
Expanding beyond traditional sales models is key to staying competitive. Ghost kitchens, subscriptions, and experiential marketing give ice cream businesses new ways to reach customers and drive recurring revenue. Prioritize delivery-friendly packaging, offer exclusive perks for loyal customers, and create engaging experiences that keep people coming back.
Pro Tip: Sell More Than Just Ice Cream
Customers crave more than just dessert—they want convenience, exclusivity, and experiences. Whether through on-demand delivery, VIP subscriptions, or interactive shop events, innovation keeps your business ahead of the competition.
AI-Developed Flavors: The Future of Ice Cream Innovation
AI has been hailed as a game-changer for businesses, but only now, with accessible tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, is it becoming a reality for everyday ice cream shops and restaurants. In 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing flavor development, giving ice cream brands the ability to create unexpected, data-driven combinations tailored to consumer preferences. AI can analyze ingredient pairings, food trends, and even regional preferences to predict and generate new flavors that capture customer interest before they even realize what they want.
AI-Driven Flavor Development: How It Works
| Trend | Description | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| AI-Powered Flavor Pairing | AI analyzes ingredient data to suggest unique combinations | Reduces guesswork and creates flavors based on proven preferences |
| Custom Flavor Personalization | AI-driven kiosks and apps let customers create their own unique flavors | Enhances customer engagement and makes every order feel one-of-a-kind |
| Predictive Flavor Development | AI predicts emerging trends before they go mainstream | Gives brands a competitive edge in launching the next big flavor |
AI-Generated Flavors Making an Impact
Some of the most exciting AI-created flavors in 2025 prove that technology is transforming the way ice cream is made:
- Baskin-Robbins’ Tropical Summer Play – Developed in collaboration with Google’s AI model, Gemini, this flavor was created entirely through AI analysis of customer trends, marking the brand’s first AI-generated release. (Korea Herald)
- Terra’s White Chocolate with Balsamic Berry Sauce & Black Pepper – Milan’s Terra Gelateria is using AI to develop unusual but balanced flavors, pushing the boundaries of traditional gelato-making. (The Times)
- Mondelez’s AI-Developed Golden Oreo Ice Cream – The parent company of Oreo is using AI to accelerate new product development, bringing flavors like Gluten-Free Golden Oreo ice cream to market five times faster than before. (New York Post)
How to Stay Ahead:
AI-driven flavor development allows ice cream businesses to stay ahead of consumer trends, streamline innovation, and create highly personalized experiences. By leveraging AI to predict emerging flavor preferences and assist in recipe formulation, brands can introduce unique, data-backed flavors faster than ever. Integrating AI-powered customization, whether through self-serve kiosks or interactive ordering apps, enhances customer engagement and builds brand loyalty. The key to success is blending AI-driven insights with human creativity, ensuring that every new flavor feels both cutting-edge and deliciously marketable.
Pro Tip: Use AI to Inspire, Not Replace Creativity
AI can suggest unexpected and data-backed flavors, but the best results come from combining its predictive power with expert craftsmanship and consumer-driven testing.
The ice cream industry is evolving faster than ever, blending bold flavors, innovative business models, and cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of consumer trends. From spicy and savory scoops to AI-developed creations, businesses that embrace innovation will be the ones driving growth in 2025. Whether it’s launching a viral-worthy flavor, leveraging ghost kitchens, or offering personalized experiences, the key to success lies in adapting to changing customer expectations. By staying ahead of these trends, ice cream brands can not only capture attention but also build lasting customer loyalty in an increasingly competitive market.
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