Ice Cream Flavour Trends 2026

Top 5 ice cream flavours launched in Europe

Flavours of new ice cream products launched in Europe between January 2024 and December 2025, ranked.

1. 1Vanilla
2. 2Chocolate chunks
3. 3Strawberry
4. 4Caramel
5. 5Hazelnut

Up-and-coming flavours in 2025: Mango, Raspberry, Pistachio.

What is happening in the ice cream market

The French ice cream market is shifting from a mainly summer product to one enjoyed throughout the year. Around 52% of French consumers say they eat ice cream outside summer, with sales growing in the coldest months. This reflects a desire for pleasure and well-being, with attention to products that are more natural, vegan or lower in sugar.

The sector is dominated by large companies but also includes 1,200 artisan ice cream makers across France.

Ice cream comes in formats for every occasion: cones and bars to go, single-serve or family tubs, sorbets and more elaborate dairy ice creams, meeting needs from a quick treat on the go to sharing at home.

Plant-based ice creams attract consumers seeking naturalness

Plant-based ice creams are growing fast, driven by demand for dairy-free alternatives. Consumers want products that are healthier, more natural and environmentally friendly, with the same indulgence as traditional ice cream. Made with almond, coconut or oats, they appeal to lactose-intolerant consumers and to those pursuing a healthier diet.

Gourmet fusion: cookies and ice cream unite

The cross-over between ice cream and biscuits is growing rapidly. Combining creamy ice cream with crunchy cookies delivers a richer, more indulgent experience that meets demand for pleasure, novelty and convenience across snacking and dessert.

Mindful indulgence: the rise of mini ice creams

Bite-size ice creams are gaining strong momentum, driven by convenience and portion control that lets consumers indulge in moderation and enjoy a variety of flavours. Ice cream bites, mini cones and mini tubs cater to snacking habits while supporting more moderate consumption.

Dubai chocolate: the flagship flavour of the year

In 2025 Dubai chocolate made a strong impact across sweet products, and ice cream was no exception. While pistachio remains a classic, many launches were inspired by Dubai chocolate, with rich textures, indulgent pairings and luxurious recipes.

Launches in France: new textures, flavours and formats

Ice cream trends on social media

A rich, textured ice cream experience

Ice creams with generous indulgence are winning consumers over. Multiple toppings, cake inclusions, chocolate pieces, fruit, coulis and crunchy elements turn ice cream into a rich, textured and visually spectacular product, especially on social media.

Recommended toppings: nut pieces (hazelnut, pistachio, peanut, plain or caramelised) for crunch and a premium feel; textured chocolate (shavings, chunks, crunchy or gooey) for contrast; biscuit pieces (cookie, brownie, shortbread) for indulgence and nostalgia; and visible sauces (caramel, chocolate, red berries, exotic fruit) for marbling or topping.

When original flavours create the event

Young adults on Instagram look for originality, fun and distinctive tastes to share. The Joyca x Picard limited-edition ice creams, with unusual flavours such as mango curry and vanilla pickle, sold out shortly after launch and generated over 700 user posts. 44% of buyers were aged 18 to 30, a connected generation that values collaborations, limited editions and Instagrammable products.

Chocolate-covered frozen fruit: a viral phenomenon that is here to stay

Franui's frozen fruit coated in chocolate made a lasting impression, and the excitement continues. Its success has led to more fruit versions and many competing brands in the chocolate-covered fruit segment. The small size fits the snacking trend: easy to eat and share, and seen as a quick pleasure.

Optical-illusion ice creams

Shop N Food's ultra-realistic fruit-shaped ice creams became a viral trend. Illusion designs, popularised in pastry by chefs such as Cédric Grolet, were largely untapped in ice cream; Shop N Food adapted the idea with striking visuals, fresh textures, intense flavours and a 100% plant-based recipe.