Whilst the ice cream market is one of great popularity, it’s anything but static. Constantly evolving to reflect shifting tastes and expectations, staying ahead means tapping into what excites today’s consumers. Make sure you’re prepared for the summer season ahead with our top 2025 ice cream trends.

Adventurous flavours

Offering a diverse selection of ice cream flavours beyond the traditional choices captures consumers’ interest and keeps them engaged. Fueled by curiosity, social media influence and a desire for one-of-a-kind treats, this trend gives the opportunity to get creative with your range!
Yarde Farm provide a variety of fun flavours – candy floss ice cream (14677) and unicorn (24447), a strawberry base with a blueberry ripple and sweet surprise inside. Or why not try cherry cola sorbet (17499) for a blend of innovation and nostalgia?
Our rhubarb and custard ice cream cups with burnt mallow are the perfect example of an adventurous flavour to showcase on your menu:

Ingredients:

• 120g liquid egg white
• 150g caster sugar
• 50g golden syrup
• 0.1g table salt
• 1 waffle baskets
• 120ml Yarde Farm rhubarb and custard ice cream
• 20g raspberries
• 15g raspberry dessert sauce
• 8g Lotus Biscoff crumbs
• Mint to garnish

1. Place the egg white, sugar, golden syrup and salt into a mixing bowl over a pan of simmering water.
2. Whisk until light and fluffy and the mallow holds itself in peaks, then transfer into a piping bag.
3. Assemble all other ingredients.
4. Scoop ice cream into the brandy snap and top with mallow, sauce, fresh raspberries, mint and Biscoff crumb.
5. Flame the mallow and serve.

Dietary preferences and requirements

Although dietary requirements shouldn’t be seen as a trend, consumer demand for dietary preferences and requirements continues to influence the dessert market, with options catering to individual needs expected to rise in 2025.
Vegan ice creams are a good example of this, such as Northern Bloc’s plant-based caramelised biscuit ice cream (22824) or their soon-to-come vegan whip…
Read more about Northern Bloc’s vegan products in our previous blog: The vegan ice cream flavours you need to scoop up.

Sustainable approaches

Sustainability is not a new concept, but it is one that continues to be a deciding factor for many consumers when choosing what and where to eat. The sustainable ice cream trend for 2025 is driven by consumer demand and environmental responsibility.

Northern Bloc’s commitment to reducing emissions and lowering their carbon footprint, while establishing ethical sourcing, modern slavery and environmental policies are examples of how to not only align with global sustainability goals, but also appeal to the growing market of eco-conscious buyers.
Yarde Farm also demonstrates this trend by sourcing local West Country cream as a prime ingredient to their ice cream.
Top tip: make sure to label sustainable practices on your website and menu to make sure consumers are aware!

Floral and botanical

The ice cream market is exploring more unique ideas and an interest is growing in floral and botanical flavours, such as lavender, elderflower and even basil. Flavours such as these offer a delicate yet aromatic profile to elevate your traditional ice cream flavours. For operators seeking sophistication, this trend can help to refine your menu, targeting a more mature palette.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of botanical flavours, why not try Northern Bloc’s raspberry and sorrel sorbet (22818), the sorrel juice paired with the raspberry gives a delicious additional zing of citrus.

Personalisation and interactivity

In 2025, consumers are seeking more personalised and engaging ways to enjoy their treats. Operators are embracing technology to give buyers the opportunity to create their own unique combinations, from adding their own toppings to creating customised flavours. The way this trend is used can alter depending on facilities.
Some may offer self-service stations, allowing orders to be created in real time, while others may have fewer technological advancements and choose to focus on expanding their range of toppings and sauces for customers to make their ice cream their own.

So that’s the scoop! Whether through innovation, experiences or ethical choices, there are plenty of ways to enhance your menu and meet the changing needs of customers.
Head over to our Food and Drink Trends 2025 page for more information about the top trends for this year, or to find out more about our ice cream offering, check out our brand new ice cream guide.

References:
* Source: CGA by NIQ Bidfood 2025 Trends Survey; Sample size: 2000
*** Source: Kantar Profiles/Mintel, February 2024; Base: 1,693 internet users aged 18+ who have eaten in at a restaurant or pub or ordered takeaway in the last month
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