Posted in Desserts on March 19, 2025
Frozen desserts are hot sellers, and they’re projected to blaze a trail from an estimated market size of $97.80 billion in 2024 to $119.85 billion in 2029, according to the international market research and analysis company Mordor Intelligence.1
“Ice cream is the most widely consumed dairy dessert globally, with strong penetration across different countries,” they report.1 “The market’s growth is attributed to the rising consumer preference for premium ice creams, the growing popularity of intercontinental flavors and manufacturers' latest product innovations.”1
Consumers are sweet on dessert in general, with 63% surveyed by the food and beverage market intelligence firm Datassential reporting that they’ve had a dessert within the past day.2 But internationally inspired flavors open up a world of possibilities for the domestic dessert market.
Sweet Success: A Bowlful of Global Frozen Dessert Trends
Fifty-six percent of U.S. consumers are interested in global frozen desserts.2 What’s more, 65% report having had a frozen novelty dessert in the past year.2 And with ice cream consumption jumping 45% during the summer months,3 the heat is on foodservice operators to freshen their dessert menus with trending frozen treat concepts.
Paletas, a Mexican frozen treat on a stick, is an example of an international novelty item that has broken the ice with American consumers. Forty-eight percent are interested in trying them, and among those who have already tried them, 53% like or love them.2 U.S. consumer interest is so high, paletas score 92 out of 100 for market appeal compared with hundreds of other global foods tracked by Datassential.2
Made with fresh natural fruits, paletas also appeal to wellness-conscious consumers who are driving the rising demand for more diversified and nutritious options.1 These Avocado Paletas made with NILLA Wafers hit the sweet spot for consumers who want to enjoy a gratifying treat made with a popular natural fruit that ties into the green eating trend.
Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches made with OREO Cookie Pieces give a frozen dessert and snack staple a Latin twist with OREO-infused vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two scrumptious sugar-sprinkled churros.
Up 169% on U.S. menus over the past 4 years, the Filipino treat halo-halo is scooping up market appeal.2 A colorful medley of flavors and ingredients, including ube ice cream, fruit jellies, flan, sweetened beans and fresh fruit pieces, halo-halo appeals to the adventurous tastes of young foodies, with share-worthy visual appeal for social media. Thirty-two percent of Gen Zers and 43% of millennials surveyed find it appealing.
An equally eclectic summery treat with wow-factor flavor and visual presentation, Spiced Mango Whip Sundaes made with SOUR PATCH KIDS Bitz tantalize taste buds with the perfect balance of sweet, smooth, sour and spicy flavors for consumers seeking multifaceted flavor experiences.
A fish-shaped waffle-like pastry that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, from sweetened red beans to custard to swirly soft serve, the classic Japanese dessert and TikTok sensation Taiyaki scores 61 in market appeal, with 34% of U.S. consumers interested in trying it.2
Inspired by another Asian trend, Bubble Waffle Ice Cream Cone made with OREO Cookie Pieces is also a rich, refreshing and eye-catching frozen treat that’s perfect for the summer months. Or try Thai Tea Mochi made with OREO Cookie Pieces, a luscious combination of Japanese rice cake, Thai tea leaves, cocoa and ice cream with OREO Cookie Pieces mixed in.
Hot Demand: Trusted Ingredients for Frozen Treats
While international inspirations and bold mashups can bring new and exciting flavor profiles to the table, infusing them with trusted brand ingredients can give them a nostalgic familiarity.
“I love working with brands like CHIPS AHOY! Cookies and OREO Cookies because they’re the epitome and definition of nostalgia,” explained Chef Jackie Joseph, a Mondelēz International Brand Ambassador and the winner of Food Network’s “Best Baker in America,” season 4. “These brands grew up with us. When I think of both... I think of my childhood and the comfort of home. They have both perfected the cookie. So, when adding CHIPS AHOY! Cookies or OREO Cookies to any dessert, you know you’re going to have something that everyone can enjoy and love.”
As a number of operators have learned, the growing interest in frozen desserts offers restaurants an opportunity to make new limited-time or more permanent frozen menu introductions.
Tying the items into some of consumers’ favorite brands, eating occasions, and other dining and dessert-related trends can potentially result in frozen treats’ sales performance being even more successful—particularly in the summer months when business may get an additional boost from the increased demand for refreshing beverage and dessert menu options as outdoor temperatures rise.
For menu inspiration, be sure to browse the innovative recipes available in our Culinary Center. To dig into more dessert ideas and insights, be sure to request our free infographic 2025 is the Year of Delicious Diversification.
1 Mordor Intelligence, Frozen Desserts Market Size, 2024
2 Datassential, Global Frozen Desserts, May 2024
3 Harmon, Marina, “Ice Cream Consumers and Their Current Trends According to Location Intelligence,” unacast, June 29, 2024
