Frozen Novelty Market Grows on Innovation and Indulgent Consumer Trends

Frozen Novelty Market Size, Share and Insights 2034

The global frozen novelty market size was stood at USD 32.04 billion in 2024 with projections indicating a rise from USD 33.23 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 46.08 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 3.70% throughout the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. From frozen desserts, vegetables, and treats to full meals, frozen food has become a staple in the kitchens and pantries of families.

Key Highlights

• By region, North America dominated the frozen novelties market in 2024, due to the success of plant-based and dairy products in the U.S. retail market and across the region. 
• By region, Europe is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR, due to the presence of major importing countries of frozen food that drive the European markets. 
• By region, Asia Pacific is a notably growing area, driven by the remarkable success of Asia Pacific in food processing. 
• By product type, the ice cream bars segment dominated the market share in 2024, due to the great adoption of more appealing ice cream bars by potential consumers. 
• By product type, the frozen yogurt segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the improved health benefits of frozen yogurt and its extensive use in toppings and dessert preparations. 
• By distribution channel, the supermarket segment dominated the market share in 2024, due to the enhanced efficiency of supermarket businesses in several countries. 
• By distribution channel, the online retail segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the attractive product offerings with blockbuster offers through online retail channels. 
• By formulation, the dairy-based segment dominated the market share in 2024, due to the increased preference for various dairy-based products. 
• By formulation, the non-dairy segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the inventions in plant-based dairy alternatives and other non-dairy food solutions. 
• By packaging type, the pints segment dominated the market share in 2024, due to the improved benefits of pint packaging. 
• By packaging type, the bars segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the enhanced packaging of ice cream bars and bars packaging.

Industry Coverage

Market Overview

What is the Great Demand for Frozen Foods? 

The frozen novelties market revolves around frozen food, vegetables, frozen fruits, frozen meat, seafood, frozen prepared meals, frozen dairy products, frozen snacks, and frozen processed food. The rising frozen food sales increases the demand of consumers and creates new opportunities for retailers. The sales growth allows retailers to serve their communities and consumers best. The right consumers are becoming attracted to frozen food selections based on their potential. People prefer these foods due to the convenience of adding ingredients as cooked meals, snacks, and other food preparations. 

Frozen Novelty Market Trends

Which Principal Factors Keep Novelty in Frozen Novelties?

• Increased Trend of Healthy and Organic Food: Consumers are greatly moving towards organic products, clean labels, and plant-based food. The increased demand for certified organic frozen food ensures the fulfilment of organic standards. These products include organic frozen berries, ready-to-eat meals, and vegetables without the use of pesticides and fertilizers. Consumers also prefer clean label products that avoid the use of flavors, colors, and artificial preservatives. They prefer plant-based foods like meatless crumbles, veggie burgers, and plant-based dairy alternatives. 
• Adoption of Functional Foods: The growing trend of nutrient-rich options and diet-specific products includes the adoption of fortified products that are enriched with vitamins, beneficial nutrients, and minerals. These foods include veggie blends enriched with fiber and vitamins and antioxidant-rich fruit mixes. The diet-specific options include gluten-free pizzas, low-carb frozen entrées, etc.

Market Opportunity

Which are the Major Rationales Providing Opportunities to Frozen Food Retailers?

The expanded product variety, innovative packaging solutions, private label products, online strategies, omnichannel strategies, and many other opportunities are introduced for retailers. They can experience great success through partnerships, promotions, marketing, collaborations, and technological integration. The educated consumers and increased focus on convenience open favorable doors for the opportunistic rise of the frozen novelties market. 

Market Challenges

What are the Frozen Food Challenges for Food Retailers?

These barriers are associated with storage, display costs, supply chain issues, consumer perceptions, and regulatory compliance. Moreover, some other factors include outdated equipment, outdated technology, marketing, promotion, and environmental impact. The consumption of a significant amount of energy by freezers leads to higher operating costs for retailers. It is challenging to maintain the integrity of the cold chain from production to the retail shelf.

Regional Insights

How North America Dominated the Frozen Novelties Market in 2024?

North America dominated the frozen novelties market in 2024. The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) takes initiatives and conducts activities on behalf of the frozen food industry. In 2024, the AFFI will provide new sustainability resources and focus on food safety. In October 2024, the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA), located in Pennsylvania, the United States, conducted its 2024 Convention to set new standards for industry engagement and present new business opportunities. The NFRA is a non-profit trade organization which covers all aspects of the frozen and refrigerated food industry. The NFRA also provides information related to food safety guidelines, recipes, meal preparation tips, and new opportunities for consumers. It presents its Easy Home Meals Consumer website and social media assets. 

Survey Report:

• In May 2024, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) conducted a survey to understand the role of ice cream and frozen dessert in the lives of Americans. The IDFA surveyed over 2,200 Americans to ask them for their preferences for flavors, toppings, and ice cream. The IDFA conducted a survey of the general American population as well as the staff on Capitol Hill. The top five flavors adopted by the general American public are vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, cookie dough, and butter pecan, while the top 5 flavors adopted by the staff on Capitol Hill are cookie dough, cookies, cream, mint chocolate chips, birthday cake, and coffee. According to the U.S. Congress and this survey, the top three ice cream flavors for 30% of Americans are Rocky Road, banana split for 20% of them, and butter pecan for 10% of American people. (Source: IDFA-International Dairy Foods Association)
• In April 2025, the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) Government Action Summit connected with frozen food business leaders to set practical policies that support industries and exchange high-quality and nutritious frozen food. It was held in Washington DC for advocacy and Congressional outreach. (Source: AFFI-American Frozen Food Institute)
• In May 2025, the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) responded to the MAHA Commission report by stating that frozen food offers nutrition solutions. (Source: AFFI-American Frozen Food Institute)

What is the U.S. Landscape for the Frozen Novelties Industry? 

The U.S. Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration stated that establishments in the U.S. focused on the manufacturing of frozen bakery products such as pies and cakes. The various products classified in industry 2053 are frozen custard, frozen desserts except bakery, frozen fruit pops, ice cream and ice milk in bulk, packaged, molded, and in stick forms, frozen juice pops, frozen yogurt, and many other products.

The U.S. Retail Market Data of 2024 for the Plant-based Industry and Dairy Products by the Good Food Institute (GFI): 

• Th14% of households bought plant-based creamers in 2024, while 66% of them were repeat buyers. 
• About e plant-based creamer category increased 9% in dollar sales and 1% in unit sales from 2022 to 2024. 
• The dollar sales of plant-based creamer products were 27% of all creamer sales. 
• The conventional creamer increased 6% in dollar sales and 3% in unit sales. 
• About 67% of creamer buyers also purchased plant-based milk in 2024. (Source: GFI-Good Food Institute)

How Big is the European Market Potential for Frozen Food?

Europe is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the frozen novelties market during the forecast period. According to the 2024 report regarding the state of the frozen food industry in 2024 in Europe, there is a growing consumer interest in frozen appetizers and snacks due to their convenience over the past few years. This report stated the estimated value of USD 107.87 billion for the frozen snacks industry in 2024, while the estimated value of the frozen snacks market is USD 132.68 billion by 2029. 

However, European consumers highly prefer frozen berries due to their versatility, healthy profile, and nutritional benefits. They also like to consume berry-flavored smoothies and frozen berries. The European industries develop innovative products by using frozen berries as the main ingredient. The leading importing European countries importers of frozen berries are Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy. 

How does Germany Lead as the Major Importing Country of Frozen Berries, Driving Opportunities for Frozen Berries? 

According to the Frozen Food Institute of Germany, this country’s population consumed more frozen food in the year 2022 than ever before. There is a wide manufacture of products with frozen berries by German food ingredient companies. These German companies lead in the supply of products related to dairy, beverages, ice cream, bakery, and other food industries. The topmost imported frozen berry product in Germany is frozen strawberry. 

What Made Asia Pacific Achieve a Remarkable Success in Food Processing?

Asia Pacific is seen to grow at a notable rate in the frozen novelties market in 2024. The Asian Pacific consumers have changed their purchasing habits to adapt to climate change, where 40% of them are becoming mindful of their overall consumption. The Asian Pacific people are adopting a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and have increased intake of additional dietary supplements like fish and plant-based foods. According to one of the surveys in 2024, there is a 30% increase in frozen or canned fruit and vegetables, 31% in meat alternatives or plant-based meat, 32% in milk alternatives, 38% in dairy products, and 59% in fresh fruits and vegetables. (Source: PWC)

What is Fueling the Indian Food Processing Industries?

India holds the 5th largest economy in the world and is projected to become the rapidly growing economy among the top G20 countries. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries introduced a new scheme named “Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure” that aims to provide integrated cold chain and infrastructure facilities for preservation. This project can be set up by companies, corporations, firms, partnerships, and many other entities. This project provides facilities across the entire supply chain for pre-cooling, waxing, grading, etc. at farm level and multi-product cold storage. These facilities allow the distribution across horticulture, dairy, meat, poultry, and many other sectors. 

• In February 2025, Amul, India’s iconic dairy brand, announced the establishment of its new and the largest curd manufacturing facility in the world in Kolkata, for which Amul reported an investment of Rs. 600 crore (US$ 69.1 million) that will expand the company’s footprint in West Bengal. (Source: IBEF)

Segmental Insights

Product Type Insights

How Ice Cream Bars Segment Dominated the Frozen Novelties Market in 2024? 

The ice cream bars segment dominated the frozen novelties market in 2024. The ice cream bars are in high demand because they are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and energy. They are made by the most simple processes and contain the most common forms of ingredients, such as milk, sugar, flavoring agents, milk fat, etc. They contain important vitamins such as vitamins B6, B12, A, C, D, and E that strengthen immune health.

The Frozen Yogurt Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest CAGR in the Frozen Novelties Market During the Forecast Period. 

The ice creams made with frozen yogurt contain probiotic bacteria, which are good bacteria for gut health, and they contribute to lowering blood pressure and improving the immune system. The moderate consumption of frozen yogurt is a healthy choice because it contains fewer fat grams and calories than ice-cream. The sprinkles, sugary additions, and candy pieces can be topped with frozen yogurt, which also increases calorie intake. 

Distribution Channel Insights 

What Made Supermarkets the Dominant Segment in the Frozen Novelties Market in 2024? 

The supermarkets segment dominated the frozen novelties market in 2024. There are various benefits to starting supermarket businesses in countries like India which offer self-service, a no-bargain policy, properly displayed goods, a no-credit policy, and diverse products. The choice of a major supermarket franchise delivers an established brand, proven business model, branding, marketing, and regular discounts and offers. They provide 24/7 call support, backend support, and help with all government registrations. 

The Online Retail Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest CAGR in the Frozen Novelties Market During the Predicted Timeframe. 

The continuously growing investments in the e-commerce sector, government initiatives, policy support, high demand for products, and attractive offers drive the growth of e-commerce and online retailing. The online retail shops allow an easy comparison of prices with blockbuster deals. They avoid physical visits to shops and crowded places and offer a variety of buying options to consumers. 

Formulation Insights 

How did the Dairy-based Segment Dominate the Frozen Novelties Market in 2024? 

The dairy-based segment dominated the frozen novelties market in 2024. There is a growing trend of plant-based dairy alternative foods, which are healthy choices where specialty enzymes improve high-protein plant-based cheese. The fortified dairy products are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D. The intake of nutrients from fortified dairy products creates healthy bones, teeth, and muscles.

The Non-Dairy Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest CAGR in the Frozen Novelties Market During the Forecast Period. 

The non-dairy plant-based milk products are alternatives to conventional dairy products that also deliver probiotics. The non-dairy plant-based milk produced from fruits and seeds such as soy, almond, rice, coconut, cashew, hemp, and some others are healthy alternatives to traditional milk products. 

Packaging Type Insights 

How Pints Segment Dominated the Frozen Novelties Market in 2024? 

The pints segment dominated the frozen novelties market in 2024. The various types of pint-sized containers include metal, plastic pint-size containers, and glass pint containers and are used for food storage, industrial applications, and home organization. The pint-sized containers are a versatile and convenient choice for transporting a wide variety of items. 

The Bars Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest CAGR in the Frozen Novelties Market During the Predicted Timeframe. Bar packaging is a versatile solution to storing and packaging bar products in durable and attractive forms. The bar packaging bags offer benefits of protecting and promoting brands. 

Recent Developments in the Frozen Novelty Market

• In October 2024, Unilever announced the launch of its first new bite-sized ice creams, addressing growing consumer preferences for smaller and more frequent meals, which expands the trend of the snacking category. (Source: Unilever)
• In June 2025, Tyson Foods introduced the launch of Hillshire Snacking Dips and Spreads, which offer creative combinations of flavors in the snacking category of products. (Source: TysonFoods)

Frozen Novelty Market Leading Companies

• Nestlé
• Unilever
• General Mills
• The Kraft Heinz Company
• Tyson Foods
• McCain Foods
• Grupo Bimbo
• Amul
• Hindustan Unilever (Kwality Walls)
• Hatsun Agro
• Havmor
• The Hain Celestial Company

Segments Covered in the Report

By Product Type

• Ice Cream Bars 
• Frozen Fruit Bars
• Frozen Yogurt
• Sorbet
• Frozen Custard

By Distribution Channel 

• Supermarkets 
• Online Retail
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores

By Formulation 

• Dairy-Based
• Non-Dairy 
• Sugar-Free
• Low-Calorie

By Packaging Type 

• Pints
• Bars 
• Cups
• Multi-Packs

By Region 

• North America
• Asia Pacific
• Europe
• Middle East and Africa
• Latin America