India Vegan Ice Cream Market, By Source (Soy Milk, Coconut Milk, Cashew Milk, Almond Milk, Others), By Product Type (Tub, Sticks, Cones, Others), By Flavor (Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Others), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F

India Vegan Ice Cream Market was valued at USD 72.03 million in 2024 and is anticipated to grow USD 120.47 million by 2030 with a CAGR of 9.01% during forecast period. India's vegan ice cream market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing lactose intolerance, rising health consciousness, and a shift toward plant-based diets. Consumers are seeking dairy-free alternatives, fueling demand for innovative flavors and formulations using almond, coconut, and soy milk. Additionally, increasing disposable income and social media influence are boosting market penetration. As awareness grows, the sector is expected to witness further expansion, with evolving consumer preferences shaping its future. A nationwide survey conducted among 2,033 participants across India revealed that 59% of respondents expressed a strong inclination toward adopting a vegan diet in the near future. This significant majority underscores the growing consumer shift toward plant-based lifestyles in India.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Health Consciousness and Lactose Intolerance Awareness

The increasing prevalence of lactose intolerance among Indian consumers is one of the primary drivers of the vegan ice cream market. A significant portion of the population experiences digestive discomfort due to dairy consumption, pushing them toward lactose-free alternatives. A United Nations report highlights that 60% of human infectious diseases and 75% of emerging diseases originate from animals. The rising adoption of plant-based diets presents a strategic approach to mitigating future pandemic risks.

Moreover, the shift toward healthier eating habits has accelerated the demand for plant-based products. Consumers are increasingly mindful of what they eat, favoring options that support better digestion, weight management, and reduced cholesterol levels. Vegan ice cream brands are capitalizing on this trend by marketing their products as not only dairy-free but also enriched with nutrients and free from artificial additives.

Expansion of Veganism and Ethical Consumerism

The rise of veganism in India is significantly contributing to the growth of the vegan ice cream market. This shift is not only driven by health factors but also by ethical concerns surrounding animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of dairy farming, including greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and excessive water consumption. As a result, plant-based diets are gaining traction, and vegan ice cream is becoming a preferred choice among ethically driven consumers.

Additionally, the influence of global vegan movements and advocacy groups has permeated Indian consumer behavior. Celebrities, athletes, and social media influencers promoting vegan lifestyles are encouraging a broader audience to explore dairy alternatives. As a result, both domestic and international brands are launching new plant-based ice cream flavors tailored to Indian tastes, such as mango, saffron, cardamom, and coconut.

Innovation and Product Diversification

Innovation in plant-based ice cream formulations is another major growth driver. Companies are investing in research and development (R&D) to enhance taste, texture, and nutritional value, addressing initial concerns that dairy-free ice creams lack creaminess or richness. With advancements in food technology, brands are now offering vegan ice creams that mimic the traditional dairy experience using cashew milk, oat milk, and coconut cream.

Additionally, brands are introducing a wide range of flavors to cater to diverse consumer preferences. Traditional Indian flavors like pistachio, rose, and masala chai are being incorporated into plant-based ice cream lines to appeal to local tastes. Moreover, the demand for sugar-free, high-protein, and probiotic-infused vegan ice creams is on the rise, catering to fitness-conscious consumers.

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Key Market Challenges

Limited Consumer Awareness and Acceptance

While veganism is gaining traction in India, the overall awareness and acceptance of plant-based alternatives remain relatively low compared to Western markets. Many Indian consumers are still unfamiliar with the concept of vegan ice cream or perceive it as a niche product for a select group of health-conscious individuals.

A significant portion of the population associates ice cream with dairy, making it difficult for vegan alternatives to replace traditional choices. Consumers often question the taste, texture, and quality of plant-based ice creams, fearing that they may not provide the same indulgent experience as dairy-based counterparts.

Limited Retail Availability and Distribution Challenges

Despite the rise of e-commerce, the retail penetration of vegan ice cream in India remains limited. Unlike traditional ice creams, which are widely available in supermarkets, convenience stores, and local ice cream parlors, vegan ice creams are primarily found in select premium grocery stores, organic food outlets, and online platforms.

This restricted availability makes it difficult for mainstream consumers to access plant-based ice creams, limiting their market reach. Additionally, cold chain logistics and storage present challenges for vegan ice cream brands. Since ice cream requires specific temperature-controlled conditions during transportation and storage, ensuring product quality across different retail locations becomes a logistical challenge, especially in smaller cities and towns.

Key Market Trends

Increasing Demand for Plant-Based and Clean-Label Ingredients

Consumers in India are becoming increasingly conscious of what they eat, driving demand for plant-based and clean-label products. This trend is particularly strong in the vegan ice cream market, where consumers are seeking dairy-free alternatives that are not only delicious but also made from natural and minimally processed ingredients.

Brands are responding by formulating their vegan ice creams with clean-label ingredients such as almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, and oat milk. Additionally, artificial additives, preservatives, and synthetic stabilizers are being replaced with natural thickeners like guar gum and agar-agar. The use of organic sweeteners, such as date syrup and jaggery, is also gaining popularity as health-conscious consumers seek healthier indulgences.

Expansion of Flavors Catering to Indian Tastes

While classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry remain popular, there is a growing trend toward incorporating Indian flavors into vegan ice creams. Consumers in India have a strong preference for traditional tastes, and brands are innovating to cater to local palates.

Flavors inspired by Indian sweets and spices, such as mango, saffron, rose, pistachio, masala chai, cardamom, and coconut jaggery, are gaining traction. These unique flavors appeal to consumers who want to enjoy the essence of traditional Indian desserts in a dairy-free format.

Growing Popularity of Premium and Artisanal Vegan Ice Creams

The premiumization of vegan ice creams is another major trend in the Indian market. Consumers, particularly in urban areas, are willing to pay higher prices for high-quality, gourmet, and artisanal plant-based ice creams that offer a luxurious experience.

Premium brands are focusing on sourcing high-quality ingredients, such as organic nuts, cold-pressed cocoa, and single-origin vanilla, to create a rich and indulgent texture. Many brands are also emphasizing small-batch production and handcrafted techniques to differentiate themselves from mass-market competitors.

Segmental Insights

Source Insights

Soy milk was the dominating segment in the India vegan ice cream market due to its affordability, nutritional benefits, and creamy texture, which closely resembles dairy-based ice cream. Rich in protein and low in saturated fats, soy milk appeals to health-conscious consumers seeking plant-based alternatives. Its widespread availability and cost-effectiveness compared to other plant-based milks, such as almond or cashew milk, further drive its dominance. Additionally, soy milk’s neutral taste allows for easy flavor customization, making it a preferred choice for manufacturers. As demand for vegan products grows, soy milk-based ice creams continue to lead the Indian market.

Distribution Channel Insights

Hypermarkets/Supermarkets dominated the India vegan ice cream market due to their extensive reach, product variety, and convenience. These large retail outlets provide a dedicated space for frozen products, ensuring better visibility and accessibility for consumers. They attract a broad customer base, including health-conscious individuals and those exploring plant-based alternatives. Additionally, hypermarkets and supermarkets offer promotional discounts, in-store sampling, and diverse flavor options, enhancing consumer engagement. Their strong distribution networks allow leading vegan ice cream brands to expand across urban and semi-urban areas. As veganism gains traction, these retail formats continue to drive market growth in India.

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Regional Insights

The North region dominated the India vegan ice cream market due to its strong consumer base, high disposable income, and growing awareness of plant-based diets. Cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Lucknow have a rising demand for vegan alternatives, driven by increasing health consciousness and lifestyle shifts. The region’s well-established retail infrastructure, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, and premium grocery stores, ensures greater availability of vegan ice creams. Additionally, the influence of global food trends and a growing preference for dairy-free desserts contribute to market expansion. As veganism gains popularity, the North region continues to lead in India’s vegan ice cream industry.

Recent Developments

• ​ In February 2023, Keventers, a well-known Indian dairy brand recognized for its milkshakes and ice creams, expanded its product portfolio nationwide with the launch of a new vegan delicacy range. The flavors Vegan Strawberry and Vegan Dark Chocolate come in 100 ml and 450 ml consumer packs.

• ​In March 2023, Craig's Vegan launched its cashew-based ice cream pints in Publix Super Markets across the Southeast, offering five flavors: Melrose Mint Chip, Cold Brew Coffee made with Chamberlain Coffee, Killa' Vanilla, Perfectly Chocolate, and Sunset & Strawberry.

• ​In February 2024, Ben & Jerry's introduced a new, extra-smooth oat base for its non-dairy ice creams, enhancing texture and flavor to provide an indulgent experience comparable to traditional dairy products.

Key Market Players

• Super Milk Products Private Limited (Keventers)
• Compassionate Choices Pvt. Ltd. (White Cub)
• Graviss Foods Pvt Ltd. (Baskin Robbins)
• Minus 30 Private Limited
• AAAS Foods And Nature's Soul Private Limited
• Koozies Ice Cream
• Kavv Foods Pvt Ltd (Noto)
• SKKY Desserts Pvt Ltd. (Go Zero)
• Terra Verde Foods Pvt Ltd (The Brooklyn Creamery)
• Hindustan Unilever Limited (Bem & Jerry’s)

Report Scope:

In this report, the India Vegan Ice Cream Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• India Vegan Ice Cream Market, By Source:

o   Soy Milk

o   Coconut Milk

o   Cashew Milk

o   Almond Milk

o   Others

• India Vegan Ice Cream Market, By Product Type:

o   Tub

o   Sticks

o   Cones

o   Others

• India Vegan Ice Cream Market, By Flavor:

o   Chocolate

o   Vanilla

o   Strawberry

o   Others

• India Vegan Ice Cream Market, By Distribution Channel:

o   Online

o   Offline

• India Vegan Ice Cream Market, By Region:

o   North

o   South

o   West

o   East

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the India Vegan Ice Cream Market.

Available Customizations:

India Vegan Ice Cream Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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