Protein Ice Cream Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Protein Ice Cream Market Size

The Global Protein Ice Cream Market reached US$ 102.5 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 201.5 billion by 2030 and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

The protein ice cream market is thriving due to increasing demand from health-conscious consumers. Halo Top and Arctic Zero cater to fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals with their protein-packed ice cream flavors, capitalizing on the trend for guilt-free indulgence.

The protein ice cream market is experiencing significant growth as consumers increasingly seek healthier dessert options without compromising on taste. This market is driven by the rising demand for protein-rich products, coupled with the growing fitness and wellness trends. Major players in the market are introducing innovative flavors, formulations, and packaging to cater to diverse consumer preferences. One driver fueling the growth of the protein ice cream market is the rising popularity of fitness and wellness trends, where individuals prioritize a healthy lifestyle and seek nutritious alternatives to traditional desserts. For instance, Quest Nutrition launched its line of protein bars and then expanded into protein ice cream, leveraging its reputation as a trusted brand in the fitness industry.

For more details on this report - Request for Sample

Market Dynamics

Health and Wellness Drive the Protein Ice Cream Market, Catering to Growing Demand for Nutritious Indulgence

The protein ice cream market trend is driven by a significant shift in consumer preferences toward health and wellness. With an increasing awareness of the importance of protein in a balanced diet, consumers are actively seeking healthier dessert alternatives. Protein ice cream, with its high protein content and nutritious ingredients, fulfills the demand for guilt-free indulgence. 

The market is witnessing a surge in demand from fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and health-conscious individuals looking for a convenient and enjoyable way to meet their protein requirements. This growing trend of prioritizing health and wellness is fueling the expansion of the protein ice cream market, paving the way for innovative product offerings and market growth.

Protein Ice Cream Market Driven by Flavor Innovation and Customized Formulations, Meeting Diverse Consumer Preferences

The protein ice cream market trend is driven by continuous innovation and flavor diversity, catering to evolving consumer preferences. Manufacturers are constantly introducing new and exciting flavors, combining protein-rich ingredients with indulgent taste profiles. This innovation helps to expand the consumer base and attract those seeking a variety of flavor options in their protein ice cream choices. 

Additionally, the market is witnessing the development of customized protein ice cream formulations to cater to specific dietary needs, including vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free options. The emphasis on flavor diversity and innovation not only enhances the consumer experience but also drives the growth of the protein ice cream market by attracting a wider range of consumers looking for delicious and nutritious frozen treats.

Higher Costs Present Challenges to Protein Ice Cream Market Growth, Impacting Market Size and Share

The relatively higher cost compared to traditional ice cream products poses a restraint to the protein ice cream market, it’s impacting protein ice cream market size and market share. Protein ice cream formulations often require additional ingredients, such as protein sources and additives, which can increase production costs. This higher cost translates to higher retail prices, potentially limiting market reach, particularly among price-sensitive consumers. 

Additionally, the cost of marketing and promoting protein ice cream as a premium and health-focused product adds to overall expenses for manufacturers. Overcoming this restraint requires optimizing production processes, sourcing cost-effective ingredients, and implementing effective marketing strategies to justify the higher price point. Balancing affordability while highlighting the value proposition of protein ice cream in terms of nutrition and health benefits is crucial for driving protein ice cream market share.

Market Segmentation Analysis

The global protein ice cream market is segmented based on flavor, source of protein, distribution channel, and region.

Whey Protein Dominates Protein Ice Cream Market, Capturing Substantial Share and Driving Growth

The global protein ice cream market has been segmented by source of protein into whey protein, plant-based protein, milk protein, casein protein, and others.

The whey protein segment has emerged as the dominant force in the protein ice cream market, capturing a substantial share estimated to range from 40% of the market. Whey protein, renowned for its high protein content, excellent amino acid profile, and appealing texture, has gained widespread recognition among health-conscious consumers. It serves as a popular choice for protein ice cream manufacturers, catering to the needs of fitness enthusiasts and individuals seeking a convenient protein source. 

With advancements in food technology, whey protein isolate and concentrate have further enhanced the nutritional value and taste of protein ice cream products. The established reputation and increasing consumer demand for whey protein contribute to its major market share, making it a key driver in the protein ice cream market's growth.

Market Geographical Share

The North America Region Held the Largest Share of the Protein Ice Cream Market

The protein ice cream market share is witnessing significant growth in North America, fueled by the increasing demand for protein-fortified ice cream among health-conscious consumers. Protein content, ice cream formulation, texture modifiers, and sweeteners play crucial roles in driving the protein ice cream market size in the North American region.

Manufacturers are focusing on developing innovative formulations that strike a balance between taste and nutritional benefits, while texture modifiers enhance the creamy and indulgent texture. Furthermore, the use of alternative sweeteners allows for reduced sugar content without compromising flavor. These factors contribute to the rising popularity and expanding market share of protein ice cream in North America, as consumers prioritize healthier options in the frozen dessert segment.

Market Major Players

The major global players in the market include Halo Top, Arctic Zero, Enlightened, Yasso, Rebel Creamery, Killer Creamery, Breyers, MusclePharm, Quest Nutrition, and Wink Frozen Desserts.

COVID-19 Impact

Global Recession/Ukraine-Russia War/COVID-19, and Artificial Intelligence Impact Analysis:

The COVID-19 pandemic had mixed impacts on the protein ice cream market. Initially, there was a surge in demand as consumers sought comfort foods at home. However, supply chain disruptions and closures of fitness establishments posed challenges. Companies adapted by expanding online sales, emphasizing product safety, and introducing new flavors. 

The pandemic highlighted the importance of immunity-boosting foods, leading to increased demand for protein ice cream among health-conscious individuals seeking a nutritious treat. As the situation improved, demand recovered due to increased focus on health and wellness. The rise in e-commerce and home delivery services further boosted accessibility. The market is expected to continue growing as consumers seek healthier frozen dessert options post-pandemic.

Key Developments

• On June 08, 2022, Get-A-Whey an Indian-based company, launched its long-awaited guilt-free ice pops to beat the summer heat. Ice pops are the latest addition to the product line of the company which already boasts high-protein ice creams, low-calorie ice cream sandwiches, and guilt-free waffle bites.
• On June 13, 2023, Myprotein a U.K.-based company is set to launch a new range of high-protein ice cream flavors in the UK, available exclusively at Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores. Myprotein ice cream is available in three flavors: Vanilla, which features 99 calories and 10.9g of protein; chocolate, which includes 103 calories and 10.5g of protein; and salted caramel, which contains 106 calories and 10g of protein per 1/3 tub.
• On May 17, 2023, Ben & Jerry's, a U.S.-based premium ice cream brand that also creates frozen yogurt and sorbet, introduced a new line of ice cream. The new product, named Cherry Crumble, features a butter ice cream base flavored with bing cherries and oat crumbles.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global protein ice cream market segmentation based on flavor, source of protein, distribution channel, and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities in the market by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of protein ice cream market-level with all segments.
• The PDF report consists of a cogently put-together market analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth market study.
• Product mapping is available as Excel consists of key products of all the major market players.

The global protein ice cream market report would provide approximately 61 tables, 61 figures, and 190 Pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies