The ice cream and frozen yogurt industry is undergoing a revolution. According to the latest Innova Market Insights report on Global Consumer Trends 2025, preferences are evolving toward a combination of indulgence and well-being, with an increasingly strong focus on health and authenticity.
At Grupo Saporiti, we analyzed this report and reflected on how these trends may impact the Latin American market and the opportunities they create for innovation.
The balance between pleasure and health
The report reveals that the ice cream and frozen yogurt market grew by 6% in product launches over the past year. This increase is being driven by consumers seeking healthier products without giving up pleasure. Thirty-six percent of global consumers prefer to limit unhealthy ingredients in order to enjoy indulgent foods with less guilt.
This shift has led to an increase in products that use natural sweeteners such as stevia and monk fruit extract, as well as products made with fruit pulps and juice concentrates. The “Healthy Indulgence” trend identified by Innova shows how ice cream is moving beyond being just an occasional treat to become an option compatible with a healthy lifestyle.
Dairy vs. non-dairy: market diversification
Dairy-based ice creams and frozen yogurts continue to dominate the market, accounting for 93% of launches. However, the non-dairy segment is gaining ground, driven by demand for vegan, plant-based, and lactose-free options. This growth reflects greater awareness of food intolerances and the environmental impact of traditional dairy products.
Diversification not only responds to dietary needs but also to the search for new flavor and texture experiences. Brands that manage to combine these aspects with innovative ingredients will be able to reach a broader and more diverse audience.
Authenticity as a differentiating value
Europe leads the global market for ice cream launches, followed by Asia Pacific, North America, and Latin America. In Europe, more than 1 in 4 consumers value locally sourced options, which has driven products that highlight authenticity and local sourcing. Ice creams made with locally sourced milk, single-origin Belgian chocolate, Italian gelato, and artisanal recipes are gaining popularity.
This “Local Goes Global” trend is also reaching Latin America. In our region, where the diversity of native ingredients is a treasure waiting to be explored, there is a major opportunity to develop products that celebrate local identity, from tropical fruits to reinterpreted traditional recipes.
Innovation in flavors and formats
Milk chocolate remains the leading flavor worldwide, followed by vanilla, strawberry, caramel, and almond. However, the combination of traditional flavors with unexpected ingredients is setting the trend. Tropical fruits, surprising fillings, and innovative coatings are transforming the ice cream experience.
Brands are also experimenting with textures, from creamy to crunchy, and formats ranging from individual portions to family packs. This diversity allows ice cream to adapt to different consumption occasions, from a quick snack to a gourmet experience.
Reflections for the Latin American market
At Grupo Saporiti, we see these trends as an invitation to innovate and adapt. The growing demand for healthier, more authentic, and sustainable products opens up a range of opportunities for the local industry.
How can Latin American brands capitalize on these trends?
- Focus on local ingredients: Incorporating native fruits, certified-origin cocoa, or locally produced dairy ingredients can differentiate products in the market.
- Innovate in health and sustainability: Developing ice creams with less sugar, high-protein ice creams, vegan options, and sustainable packaging is not just a trend, but a growing necessity.
- Explore new formats and experiences: From ice creams with unexpected textures and fillings to multisensory experiences at the point of sale, creativity is key to capturing consumers’ attention.
Grupo Saporiti can make a significant contribution to emerging ice cream trends such as “Healthy Indulgence,” offering solutions that make it possible to balance flavor and health without compromising quality. We can provide sugar substitutes that maintain sweetness and creaminess without adding extra calories.
For plant-based options, we offer neutral bases for creamy ice creams without animal-derived ingredients, using plant proteins such as pea or rice protein, along with exquisite flavors that recreate traditional experiences.
We can also collaborate by developing flavors based on native and local ingredients, such as tropical fruits and cocoa, to create ice creams with a strong connection to origin and authenticity. In addition, our emulsifier and stabilizer solutions ensure better texture, stability, and shelf life, which are essential for creating premium products that remain fresh and appealing for longer.
Finally, to innovate in flavors and formats, our soft-serve ice cream bases and air-binding agents can transform textures and consumer experiences, while our bases for semifreddo desserts make it possible to explore new forms of presentation and enjoyment.
The Innova Market Insights report not only provides a snapshot of the present but also points the way toward the future of the industry. At Grupo Saporiti, we are ready to support brands in creating ice creams and frozen yogurts that not only adapt to current trends but lead the way in innovation and flavor.
Are you ready to be part of the ice cream revolution?
