Snacking on a scoop of ice cream is akin to winning the jackpot. India deeply loves this frozen delight, and several brands cater to the country’s insatiable ice cream appetite. No one is a match for summer weather like a good, icy scoop of delicious ice cream or any other sweet craving. But with so many varieties available, how do you pick the perfect scoop of ice cream? It all comes down to knowing what constitutes your preferences, as well as your senses of taste! Here we are to help you pluck the right one.
In 2023, the Indian ice cream market size was Rs 228.6 billion. The market would grow at a CAGR of 17.4 percent between 2024 and 2032 to reach Rs 956.0 billion. Factors such as increased disposable incomes, the increasing trend of indulgence amongst consumers, new products introduced by top ice cream brands in India, and network development for distribution to a diverse clientele based in both urban and rural areas have allowed the market for ice cream in India to keep growing steadily.
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Difference Between Frozen Dessert and Ice Cream
Ice cream – It has a thick, creamy texture because it contains a large amount of cream or milk, sugar, and frequently egg yolks. Usually, it has a minimum of 10 percent milk fat.
Frozen Desserts – Non-dairy ingredients such as coconut milk, almond milk, or soy milk can be used to make frozen desserts.
Ice cream – The fats and sugars contribute to its often rich taste character.
Frozen Dessert – Because they utilize less fat and other components, they could taste lighter.
Ice cream – Must adhere to certain guidelines, such as a minimum fat level, that are established by food regulatory agencies.
Frozen Dessert – They are not subject to the same laws as ice cream, thus their ingredients and formulations can be more freely chosen.
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Top Ice Cream Brands in India
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Amul
An ice cream brand in India that uses fresh milk, fruits and nuts. Its ice cream contains 10 percent milk fat and cream without vegetable oil. Amul has always innovated with its goods, and its ice cream is no exception. In addition to expanding at an astounding rate, it has expanded its already expansive range by adding a wide selection of flavors. It currently has 220 items available to choose from. It debuted Sugar-Free and ProLife Probiotic Wellness Ice Cream in January 2007, the first product of its type for health-conscious consumers in India.
Customers may enjoy a wide selection of 24 of the world’s greatest flavors at Amul Ice Lounge, which has an opulent atmosphere and uses premium ingredients such as high-quality Amul milk. These flavors come from 24 different nations.
Key features: made using real milk, innovative flavors, high nutrition value, sugar free options.
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Kwality
Its frozen desserts are reduced in fat and sugar and are loaded with fruit and calcium, which have been produced using the brand’s creative culinary technology. The brand offers a wide range of frozen dessert products, including Magnum, cornetto, Fruttare, and Paddle Pop. Kwality Wall makes its frozen desserts without trans fat along with less saturated fat by using vegetable oil.
Key features: Wide range of products, variety of frozen dessert formats, Affordability, offers premium frozen dessert.
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Mother Dairy
To set itself apart from other ice cream brands that use vegetable oil, Mother Dairy stresses that its ice creams are created from genuine milk, giving it a rich, creamy feel. Customers who appreciate dairy-based items will find this appealing. Kesar Elaichi, Rajbhog, Meetha Paan, and Shahi Tukda are just a few of the many flavors that Mother Dairy offers to suit Indian palates. These tastes are reminiscent of classic Indian desserts. All age groups love their popular flavors, which include butterscotch, chocolate, and vanilla.
Key features: Real milk base, fruity ice cream options, traditional Indian flavors, variety of ice cream formats.
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Vadilal
Vadilal is one of the oldest and most recognizable ice cream brands in India, operating for over a hundred years in the business. It always tests new flavors and new product forms. To keep customers interested, the company offers ice creams in interesting forms, layered textures, and attractive packaging. The company claims to use high-quality, genuine ingredients like fresh fruits, natural nuts, and dairy.
Key features: Legacy and trust, wide ice cream variety, innovative ice cream formats, high quality, natural ingredients.
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Havmor
Using premium milk and dairy ingredients, Havmor is renowned for its smooth and creamy texture. This distinguishes it from other brands that could provide a grainier or more frosty texture. Seasonal and limited-edition tastes, such mango in the summer and festive options during the holidays, are periodically released by Havmor. For recurring clients, this maintains the product line new and novel. In addition to typical ice creams, such as ice cream cakes, ice cream sandwiches, and ice cream rolls are also served by the brand.
Key features: Creamy-smooth textured ice creams, seasonal edition flavors, limited edition ice creams, affordable, quality control.
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Creambell
Creambell is renowned for providing a high-quality ice cream and frozen dessert brand. Serving at reasonable costs, making sure that its goods are available to a wide variety of customers without compromising on quality. Its ice creams and frozen dessert are easily accessible due to their widespread availability in supermarkets, small shops, and ice cream parlors throughout India. The ice cream and frozen dessert brand offers a range of on-the-go goods such cones, bars, kulfi sticks, and cups, making it easier for consumers to enjoy a fast treat.
Key features: premium ingredients, kids-friendly, traditional Indian flavors, wide availability, and quality control.
Upcoming Trends in Ice Cream
As time passes, we can see impressive growth and development in every sector. There are various upcoming trends in the case of ice creams as well.
- Plant-based
With the help of plant-based availability, the taste, texture, and mouthfeel of such ice creams are assumed to outperform those of dairy-based ice creams. Many raw ingredients such as avocado, coconut, white beans, cashews, hazelnuts, soybeans, rice, wheat, peanuts, and almonds are used in the preparation of plant-based ice creams.
- Specific needs
There are lots of vegan, low-calorie, lactose-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free options emerging nowadays. Low-sugar, gluten-free ice cream brands are trying hard these days.
- Ingredients
Among non-dairy ice creams, nutraceuticals, minerals and vitamins, and fiber are the fastest-rising components. The cream, milk, skim milk powder, and concentrated whey powder in dairy ice creams are on an upward trend.
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Last Word
The ice cream market in India is thriving, driven by a growing appetite for innovative flavors, high-quality ingredients, and diverse product offerings. As consumers become more health-conscious, there is a notable shift towards ice creams made with natural components, including plant-based alternatives and those catering to specific dietary needs like vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie options. With an increasing emphasis on premium textures and rich flavors, brands are continuously exploring new avenues to satisfy their customers’ cravings. As the market expands, the evolution of ice cream will likely continue, blending tradition with modern preferences to create delightful experiences for all. Enjoy!