Frozen Custard Market Size, Share and Trends 2026 to 2035

Revenue, 2025

USD 1.44 Bn

Forecast Year, 2035

USD 2.56 Bn

CAGR, 2026 - 2035

5.92%

Report Coverage

Global

What is the Frozen Custard Market Size?

The global frozen custard market size was calculated at USD 1.44 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 1.53 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 2.56 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 5.92% from 2026 to 2035.The global frozen custard market has been experiencing rapid growth among consumers across different age groups lately. The demand is observed to be growing daily due to a higher preference for creamy, artisanal, and high-quality frozen custards. Variation in frozen custard and higher demand for new options apart from ice cream are other major factors fueling the growth of the market.

Market Highlights

• North America led the global market with approximately 45% share in 2025.
• Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing in the foreseeable period.
• By product type, the dairy-based frozen custard segment registered its dominance with approximately 88% share in 2025.
• By product type, the plant-based/vegan frozen custard segment is observed to be the fastest-growing segment in the foreseeable period.
• By category, the conventional segment ruled the market with approximately 76% of the market share in 2025.
• By category, the organic and clean-label segment is expected to be the fastest-growing in the foreseeable period.
• By flavour, the classic (vanilla/chocolate) segment led the market with approximately 58% share in 2025.
• By flavour, the innovative/artisanal (exotic fruits/fusion) segment is observed to be the fastest growing in the foreseen period.
• By distribution channel, the quick service restaurants and specialty shops segment led the global market with approximately 52% share in 2025.
• By distribution channel, the online retail/D2C segment is observed to be the fastest growing in the foreseen period.

Frozen Custard Market Overview

Higher demand for health-conscious, artisanal, innovative, and premium frozen custard is one of the major factors fueling the growth of the frozen custard market. Frozen custards are enjoyed by consumers of all age groups. The global frozen custard market consists of a premium segment of the frozen dessert industry, distinguished by a higher egg yolk content (at least 1.4% by weight) and a denser, creamier texture achieved through a low-overrun (less air) production process. In 2026, the market is defined by a shift toward "elevated indulgence," where consumers choose frozen custard over traditional ice cream for its artisanal quality and superior mouthfeel.

Role of Technology in the Growth of Frozen Custard Market

Technology has a major role in the growth of the market. Specialized technology to manage the temperature of the frozen custard and low overrun churning process for dense, creamy, and silky texture of the product is further helpful for the growth of the market. The segment also aims to enhance the technology of the equipment involved in the manufacturing of frozen custard for higher automation and an elevated quality product, fueling the growth of the market. Use of digital tools for customer engagement and inventory management also helps to fuel the growth of the market. Technology also helps to maintain the machine's quality and smoothness, along with maintaining sanitation.

Frozen Custard Market Trends

• Quality Desserts- higher demand for artisanal, premium, and quality frozen custard made from quality and locally sourced ingredients is one of the major factors for the growth of the market.
• Health-Conscious Options- higher demand for healthier frozen custard, such as sugar-free, low-sugar, and plant-based options by consumers with a health-conscious attitude, is another major factor for the growth of the market.
• Innovative Flavors- higher demand for innovative and exotic flavour options made from quality ingredients also helps to fuel the market's growth.
• Rise in E-commerce Options- higher demand for frozen custard on online platforms in different flavorful options apart from traditional flavors also helps in the elevation of the market.
• New Marketing Options- social media and influencer marketing are also helping the brands to elevate their sales further, propelling the growth of the market.

Market Scope

Segmental Insight

Product Type Insight

The dairy-based frozen custard segment led the global market in 2025 with approximately 88% share. The segment observes growth due to higher demand for traditional dairy frozen desserts that are creamier, richer, and more flavorful. Availability of such desserts in healthier alternatives, such as organic, low sugar, and no sugar options, also helps in the growth of the market. Availability of premium and high-quality frozen desserts in innovative flavour options also helps to fuel the growth of the market. Availability of such desserts on online platforms also helps in the industry's growth.

The plant-based/vegan frozen custard is expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the foreseen period with the highest CAGR. The growing population of health-conscious consumers of different age groups is one of the major factors pushing the growth of the market. Hence, the manufacturers are providing healthier options such as low-sugar, no-sugar, and plant-based/vegan variants for consumers who are intolerant to lactose, which is helpful for the growth of the market. The segment also involves frozen custard made from soy, almond, oats, and coconut to replace the traditional eggs used for making custards, which is helpful for the growth of the frozen custard market in the foreseeable period.

Category Insight

The conventional segment led the global market in 2025 with approximately 76% share due to higher demand for traditional, creamy, and egg-enriched custards. Easy availability and familiarity of such products also help to fuel the growth of the market. Rising disposable income and urbanization are also some of the contributing factors in the growth of the market. The conventional segment consists of frozen custards made from full-fat dairy, sugar, and eggs, for a smooth and creamy texture preferred by consumers who like the original taste of custards. Hence, such consumers also help to fuel the growth of the market.

The organic and clean-label segment is observed to be the fastest-growing region in the foreseen period, with the highest CAGR. Higher demand for healthier, tastier, and options made from transparently sourced ingredients is one of the major factors helpful in the growth of the market. The segment has a huge consumer base of health-conscious consumers preferring organic, clean-label, and vegan options, which is helpful for the market's growth. Frozen custards made from non-GMO formulation and fewer additives also help to fuel the growth of the frozen custard market in the foreseeable period.

Flavor Insight

Which Component of the Flavor Segment Led the Market in 2025?

The classic (vanilla/chocolate) segment led the global market with approximately 58% share in 2025. Vanilla and chocolate are observed to be the highest ordered custard flavors, helpful for the growth of the market, as they are ideal nostalgic flavor options. These flavors are preferred by consumers of each age group, further fueling the growth of the market. Availability of these flavors in traditional as well as health-conscious alternatives also helps in the growth of the market. Hence, such factors altogether help to fuel the growth of the frozen custard industry.

The innovative/artisanal (exotic fruits/fusion) segment is observed to be the fastest-growing segment in the foreseen period with the highest CAGR. Higher demand for unique, innovative, and attractive flavour profiles by consumers of different age groups is one of the major factors propelling the growth of the market. Such options have rich taste, texture, and are also creamy, and are made in small batch flavors. Rising disposable incomes, allowing consumers to spend extra for premium, artisanal, and quality products, further fuel the growth of the frozen custard market in the foreseeable period.

Distribution Channel Insight

Which Component of the Distribution Channel Segment Led the Market in 2025?

The quick service restaurants (QSRs) and specialty shops segment led the global market in 2025. Higher demand for creamy, premium, and artisanal frozen custard options in QSRs and specialty shops is one of the major segments fueling the growth of the market. Availability of customization and fusion flavour options in soft serves and other frozen desserts also helps in the growth of the market. Higher availability of customized, high-quality, premium, and affordable options in specialized stores also helps to fuel the market's growth

The online retail/D2C segment is observed to be the fastest-growing segment in the foreseen period with the highest CAGR. Higher demand for creamy, premium, and indulgent desserts by consumers of all age groups is one of the major factors fueling the growth of the market. Easy availability of such products on e-commerce and online platforms for consumers to order them easily is another major factor fueling the growth of the market in the foreseeable period. Such platforms also help to fuel the market's growth due to the higher convenience provided by the platforms, allowing one to get the required products easily without visiting the physical stores. Higher demand for premium, high-quality, and innovative flavour options is another major factor fueling the growth of the frozen custard market in the foreseeable period.

Regional Insights

How Big is the North America Frozen Custard Market Size?

The North America frozen custard market size is estimated at USD 648.00 million in 2025 and is projected to reach approximately USD 1,164.80 million by 2035, with a 6.04% CAGR from 2026 to 2035.

How did North America Lead the Frozen Custard Market in 2025?

North America led the global market in 2025 with approximately 45% share. The market is observed to grow in the region due to higher demand for artisanal, frozen, and premium quality custards by consumers of different age groups. Availability of different types of options, such as low-sugar, no-sugar, vegan, and plant-based options for health conscious consumers in the region is another major factor propelling the growth of the market. Easy availability of customizable, premium, and artisanal options in the region on various retail and online platforms also helps to fuel the growth of the market.

What is the Size of the U.S. Frozen Custard Market?

The U.S. frozen custard market size is calculated at USD 486.00 million in 2025 and is expected to reach nearly USD 879.52 million in 2035, accelerating at a strong CAGR of 6.11% between 2026 and 2035.

U.S. Frozen Custard Market Trends

The U.S. has a major contribution to the growth of the market due to a broader frozen dessert industry in the region. Higher demand for premium, indulgent, and artisanal frozen custard options by consumers of the region also helps to fuel the growth of the market. The market also observes growth due to the availability of renowned and popular frozen custard chains in the region.

Asia Pacific Frozen Custard Market Trends

Asia Pacific is observed to be the fastest-growing region in the foreseen period with the highest CAGR. Growing disposable income, rapid urbanization, and higher demand for premium quality, artisanal, and froze

China Frozen Custard Market Trends

China has a major contribution to the growth of the market due to higher demand for western-style desserts, frozen, premium, and healthier options by consumers in the region. Easy availability of unique and frozen desserts in cafes, bakeries, and specialty shops of the region also helps to fuel the growth of the market in the foreseeable period.

Frozen Custard Market Value Chain Analysis

• Raw Material Procurement

The market involves sourcing raw materials for the dairy-based and plant-based options, such as egg yolks, sugar, emulsifiers, and stabilizers, for quality products.

Companies involved:Chobani, Danone S.A., FrieslandCampina, Nestlé, and SODIAAL

• Processing and Preservation

The market involves high-temperature pasteurization, homogenization, and rapid freezing in continuous freezers.

Companies involved: Green Life Agro Foodtech Pvt Ltd., Chame Agro Industries Pvt. Ltd., The Frozen Company, Jas Enterprise, Megafarm Agro Producer Co. Ltd.

• Quality Testing and Certification

FSSAI (India), FDA (U.S.), HACCP/ISO 22000, and NABL Accreditation are some of the mandatory certifications required for ensuring the product quality.

Companies involved: SGS, Bureau Veritas, Eurofins Scientific, Intertek, and TÜV SÜD

• Packaging and Branding

The packaging and branding provided by manufacturers ensure the maintenance of the quality, shelf-life, and flavors of the product for a longer time.

Companies involved: Sugar Creek Foods International, Cedar Crest Ice Cream, Original Foods Ltd, Palazzolo's Artisan Dairy, and YoCream International, Inc.

• Cold Chain Logistics and Storage

The market requires robust and uninterrupted cold chain logistics and storage facilities to maintain the product's quality and flavors, along with ensuring the avoidance of ice crystals in the dessert.

Companies Involved: Lineage Logistics, Americold Logistics, Burris Logistics, Snowman Logistics (India), and Nichirei Logistics Group
Distribution to Retail, HoReCa- supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate the market's retail distribution segment, further propelling the growth of the market.

• Retail Sales and Marketing

Extensive distribution networks and ease of product access in retail stores further help in the growth of the market.

Companies involved:Blue Bell Creameries, Culver's, Petit Pot & Jessie Lord, General Mills & Nestle, and 16 Handles & Ben & Jerry's

• Waste Management and Recycling

Anaerobic digestion, waste reduction, by-product repurposing, and packaging management are some of the techniques to lower the market waste and recycling.

Companies involved:Greenflow Environmental Solutions, Foodcycle (Thane) & Noble Exchange Environment Solutions (Pune), Vermigold Ecotech, Waste Management Inc. (WM), Veolia Environment, and SUEZ Group / Republic Services / GFL Environmental

Who are the Major Players in the Global Frozen Custard Market?

The major players in the frozen custard market include Culver's (Blue Chip Casino), Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, Shake Shack Inc., Andy's Frozen Custard, Abbott's Frozen Custard, Whit's Frozen Custard, Kohler Co. (Kohler Original Recipe), Meadowvale Inc., The Frozen Custard Company Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream (Nestlé Joint Venture), Hancock's Frozen Custard, Leon's Frozen Custard, Kopp's Frozen Custard, Sheridan's Frozen Custard

Recent Developments in the Frozen Custard Market

• In April 2025, Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers announced the opening of its fifth New Jersey restaurant. The quick service restaurant will be retro-theme based and will serve cooked-to-order steakburgers, all-beef hot dogs, shoestring fries, and freshly churned frozen custard. (Source- https://njbiz.com)
• In July 2025, Andy's Frozen Custard launched their drink category named ‘Andy's Soda Shoppe'. The menu is inspired by nostalgic and retro flavors and custard-infused dips. (Source- https://www.qsrweb.com)

Segments Covered in the Report

By Product Type

• Dairy-based Frozen Custard
• Plant-based/Vegan Frozen Custard

By Category

• Conventional
• Organic & Clean-label

By Flavor

• Classic (Vanilla/Chocolate)
• Innovative/Artisanal (Exotic fruits, Fusion)

By Distribution Channel

• Quick-Service Restaurants (QSRs) & Specialty Shops
• Online Retail/D2C

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa