How veganism is impacting the ice cream and gelato market

In recent years, veganism has transcended the barrier of being just a dietary choice restricted to a small group and has established itself as a global movement that is reshaping the food industry.
In the ice cream and gelato market, this transformation is particularly noteworthy.
For ice cream makers—whether artisans or owners of small ice cream shops—understanding this impact is not just a matter of keeping up with trends, but of strategically positioning themselves to cater to a growing, demanding, and increasingly conscious audience.

Let’s dive deeper into this scenario and explore how veganism is shaping the sector, bringing challenges, opportunities, and a new horizon of possibilities.

A Growing and Diverse Demand

The rise in the number of vegans, coupled with the emergence of flexitarians—those who don’t completely eliminate animal products but seek to significantly reduce them—has created a wave of demand for dairy-free options.
Recent global reports show that the vegan ice cream market is booming.
It’s estimated that this segment, already worth billions of dollars, will continue to grow at double-digit annual rates through the end of this decade.
Increasingly, customers are arriving at ice cream shops with questions like:
“Do you have anything vegan?” or “Is there a dairy-free option?”

This shift in consumer behavior isn’t limited to ethical concerns, such as animal welfare, or environmental ones, like reducing carbon footprints.
There’s also a strong health component involved.
Lactose intolerance, milk protein allergies, and the desire for lighter, more natural desserts are among the reasons even non-vegans are trying these alternatives.
For ice cream makers, this represents a unique opportunity to expand their business’s reach, turning a previously overlooked audience into loyal customers.

Technical Challenges and the Art of Substitution

Producing a vegan ice cream or gelato that rivals traditional versions in creaminess, flavor, and texture is no easy feat, but it’s far from impossible.
The biggest challenge lies in replacing staples like milk, heavy cream, and butter, which are cornerstones of classic recipes.
Fortunately, kitchen innovation and advances in food technology offer creative solutions.
Plant-based milks—such as coconut, almond, cashew, oat, or soy—have become powerful allies.
Coconut milk, for instance, is widely used for its natural fat content, which helps maintain richness, while oat milk provides a neutral smoothness that pairs well with various flavors.

Other ingredients, like aquafaba (the liquid from cooked chickpeas, which can be whipped into peaks like egg whites), pectin-rich fruit purees (such as banana or mango), and even natural oils (like refined coconut oil), also come into play to ensure the perfect consistency.
Natural sweeteners, such as blended dates or agave syrup, can replace refined sugar, appealing to those seeking healthier options.
The trick is to experiment and tweak proportions—something master ice cream makers, accustomed to balancing recipes, can master with a bit of practice.

A Competitive Edge in the Display Case

Incorporating vegan options into the menu goes far beyond following a passing fad—it’s a strategy to stand out in a competitive market.
Ice cream shops that have already invested in this niche report not only an increase in vegan customers but also curiosity from omnivorous consumers eager to try something different.
A simple sign in the display case reading “Vegan” or “Lactose-Free” can be enough to catch eyes and spark interest.
Best of all, there’s no need to overhaul the entire menu.
Starting with two or three well-executed vegan flavors can already make a difference.

Communication is another key factor.
Use social media to showcase the production process—a quick video of the mixer blending a vegan chocolate cream or a photo of fresh ingredients can engage your audience.
Highlight the benefits, like the absence of dairy or the use of natural products, and encourage customers to share their feedback.
A positive review saying, “You can’t even tell it’s vegan!” might be just the nudge needed to convince the skeptics.

Sustainability as Added Value

Veganism often comes hand-in-hand with environmental concerns, and this is something ice cream makers can—and should—capitalize on.
Producing ice cream without animal-derived ingredients reduces the business’s environmental impact, as livestock farming is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
But sustainability goes beyond the recipe.
Adopting biodegradable packaging, reducing production waste, and prioritizing local suppliers are steps that reinforce a commitment to the planet and create a compelling narrative for your brand.

Imagine offering a vegan ice cream in a compostable cup with the phrase “Made with love and respect for the planet.”
Such details not only attract conscious consumers but also strengthen your business’s identity in a market where values are increasingly in focus.

The Future of the Industry and How to Prepare

Veganism isn’t a temporary wave—it’s a cultural and consumer shift here to stay.
Experts predict that, in the coming years, vegan options will cease to be an “extra” and become a standard in many ice cream shops.
Those who jump in now will have the advantage of building a solid customer base and reputation before competition intensifies.

To get started, you don’t need to revolutionize your operation overnight.
Pick a classic flavor, like chocolate or vanilla, and develop a vegan version.
Test it with friends, family, and regular customers, tweaking until it’s just right.
Start with small batches and gauge the public’s response.
Modern tools, like ice cream machines that handle plant-based bases well, can also streamline the process.

Get to Work!

The ice cream and gelato market is in full evolution, and veganism is one of the driving forces behind this change.
For ice cream makers, it’s time to see this trend as an opportunity to innovate, grow, and connect with an audience that values flavor, health, and purpose.
Why not start today?
Try a recipe, put a vegan flavor in the display case, and see what happens.
Your shop’s next big hit might be just a scoop away—and your customers’ taste buds are waiting to be surprised!