Protein Ice Cream Market

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Protein Ice Cream Market is accounted for $113.57 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $232.83 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 10.8% during the forecast period. Protein ice cream is a rich and nourishing frozen treat designed to satiate sweet teeth while packing a powerful protein punch. Made with ingredients like Greek yogurt, protein powder, and almond milk, it provides a more healthful option than regular ice cream. Protein ice cream appeals to a wide range of palates with its abundance of flavors, which include rich chocolate, classic vanilla, and creative combos like salted caramel and berry blast. 

According to the American Dietetic Association, incorporating protein-rich foods into your diet, such as protein ice cream made with ingredients like Greek yogurt and protein powder, can support muscle repair and growth while also helping to manage appetite and promote satiety throughout the day.

Market Dynamics: 

Driver: 

Developments in health and wellbeing

The demand for protein ice cream has increased as people adopt healthier eating and lifestyle choices. Protein ice cream presents a compelling option as consumers prioritize nutritional value in their food choices more and more. It provides a tasty treat that is more in line with health-conscious tastes because it has less sugar and more protein. Furthermore, it's a popular option for people who want to strike a balance between indulgence and wellness objectives because of its capacity to satisfy cravings while providing useful advantages like muscle support and satiety.

Restraint:

Market competition and saturation

The growing industry saturation and heightened competition are two major obstacles that the protein ice cream market must contend with. The market is becoming more and more crowded as more brands and manufacturers enter it in response to the growing demand for protein-enriched products. Price wars, aggressive marketing tactics, and the battle for shelf space in retail establishments are some of the difficulties brought on by this increased competition. Additionally, brand loyalty may decline due to the abundance of options available to consumers, which makes it challenging for individual businesses to differentiate themselves and gain market share. 

Opportunity:

New product development and innovation

The market for protein ice cream has a lot of opportunity to differentiate products, draw in customers, and outperform rivals through innovation and product development. Flavor, formulation, and packaging innovators can adapt to changing consumer tastes and new developments in the food sector with ongoing innovation. This involves creating new protein sources, like algae or cricket protein, to appeal to consumers who are concerned about the environment and are looking for sustainable substitutes. Furthermore, adding functional components to protein ice cream recipes, such as vitamins, probiotics, or adaptogens, can improve nutritional value and address particular health issues.

Threat:

Supply chain interruptions

The market for protein ice cream is seriously threatened by supply chain disruptions, especially in light of world events like pandemics, trade disputes, natural disasters, and geopolitical tensions. The availability of essential ingredients and manufacturing operations can be affected by supply chain disruptions, such as shortages of raw materials, traffic jams, or production hold-ups. This can result in supply shortages and difficult inventory management situations. Moreover, supply chain vulnerabilities are further exacerbated by reliance on foreign suppliers or complex supply chains, which make an organization more susceptible to trade barriers, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical risks.

Covid-19 Impact: 

The market for protein ice cream has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has created both opportunities and challenges. A greater demand for wholesome and useful food options, such as protein ice cream, has been created by the pandemic's increased consumer awareness of health and wellness. Initially, supply chain, production, and distribution channel disruptions caused brief shortages and delays. Additionally, as customers look for easy and secure ways to get their favourite treats, the shift to online shopping and home consumption habits has accelerated the e-commerce sales of protein ice cream. 

The Single-Serve Cups segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The market for protein ice cream usually has the largest share held by the single-serve cup segment. Single-serve cups are popular among customers looking for a quick and portable snack option because they provide convenience and portion control. These cups frequently come in a variety of flavors and formulations to accommodate a range of dietary needs and wellness objectives. Single-serve cups are also popular with consumers who are always on the go, fitness enthusiasts, and people who want a quick treat after working out. Moreover, single-serve cups in small packages also make them easy to stock in vending machines, retail establishments, and online marketplaces, contributing to their market dominance.

The Fruit Flavors segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

In the protein ice cream market, the Fruit Flavors segment usually has the highest CAGR. This section features a range of fruit-infused flavors, including mixed fruit, mango, pineapple, and berry blast. Fruit flavors are becoming more and more popular because they provide a wholesome and refreshing substitute for traditional ice cream flavors, which is driven by the growing desire for healthier and more natural dessert options. Additionally, fruit flavors also appeal to a wide range of customers, including families, health-conscious people, and those looking for indulgence without sacrificing flavour.

Region with largest share:

In terms of market share for protein ice cream, North America usually holds the largest share. This dominance can be attributed to a number of things, such as a robust consumer demand for healthier and more functional food options, a well-established fitness culture, and a high degree of product innovation and marketing campaigns by major industry players. Protein ice cream products are also widely available in the area through a variety of retail channels, such as specialty health food stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores, in addition to a strong e-commerce infrastructure. Furthermore, driving the market's expansion in North America is consumer awareness of the benefits of eating protein for both general health and muscle recovery, as well as a growing inclination for quick and portable snack options.

Region with highest CAGR:

The market for protein ice cream usually grows at the highest CAGR in the Asia-Pacific region. Numerous factors, such as growing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, shifting dietary preferences, and rising health consciousness among consumers in nations like China, India, Japan, and South Korea, are responsible for this growth. Growing demand for healthier food options, such as protein-enriched ice cream, is a result of these economies ongoing rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes. Moreover, growing consumer awareness of the advantages of protein consumption, growing adoption of Western dietary trends, and developing retail infrastructure all contribute to the Asia-Pacific market's growth.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Protein Ice Cream market include Halo Top, Breyers, Keto Foods, Arctic Zero, Unilever Magnum Ice Cream, Enlightened, Wheyhey, Yasso Greek Yogurt, Beyond Better Foods, So Delicious Dairy Free, Skinny Cow and Cado Ice Cream.

Key Developments:

In January 2024, Halo Top announced a new program and endorsement deal for anyone with a goal-based resolution this year.  The low-calorie, high-protein ice cream brand announced it's accepting applications to become a Halo Top Athlete. Ten lucky athletes will be paid $5,000, receive exclusive swag and get a series of one-on-one coaching sessions to help them achieve their goals plus a talent manager and plenty of Halo Top ice cream, according to the brand.

In June 2023, Unilever has renewed its long-term chocolate and cocoa supply agreement with Barry Callebaut, extending a partnership that originally was initiated in 2012. Under the renewed agreement, Barry Callebaut will continue to supply Unilever with chocolate innovations for ice cream and support the company in achieving its sustainability goals.
 
In April 2018, Arctic Zero, the San Diego-based company that offers better-for-you frozen desserts under its namesake brand name, said it is expanding distribution to Canada, making its original lactose-free frozen desserts available internationally for the first time. Starting in April, select supermarkets and independent grocers in Canada will sell Arctic Zero pints in seven flavors. Arctic Zero offerings are whey protein-based, lactose-free, low-fat, low-sugar and low in calories. Fat-free and gluten-free options also are available, the company noted.

Packaging Types Covered:
• Tub
• Single-Serve Cups
• Bars
• Cones
• Sticks
• Other Packaging Types 
 
Flavors Covered:
• Vanilla
• Chocolate
• Strawberry
• Cookies and Cream
• Mint Chocolate Chip
• Fruit Flavors
• Nut Flavors 
• Other Flavors 

Source of Proteins Covered:
• Whey Protein
• Casein Protein
• Plant-Based Proteins
• Milk Protein
• Mixed Protein Sources
• Other Sources of Protein 

Price Ranges Covered:
• Premium
• Mid-Range
• Budget 
 
Pack Sizes Covered:
• Less than 125 ml
• 125 ml - 250 ml
• More than 250 ml 

Distribution Channels Covered:
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Grocery Stores
• Health Food Stores
• Convenience Stores
• Ice Cream Shops
• Online

End Users Covered:
• Household Consumers
• HoReCa
• Institutional Sales
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:
• North America
o US
o Canada
o Mexico
• Europe
o Germany
o UK
o Italy
o France
o Spain
o Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
o Japan        
o China        
o India        
o Australia  
o New Zealand
o South Korea
o Rest of Asia Pacific    
• South America
o Argentina
o Brazil
o Chile
o Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa 
o Saudi Arabia
o UAE
o Qatar
o South Africa
o Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings: 
All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:
• Company Profiling
o Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
o SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
o Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances