{"id":3386,"date":"2026-03-24T12:48:10","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T12:48:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.takeawaysupplies.co.uk\/blog\/?p=3386"},"modified":"2026-03-25T12:49:29","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T12:49:29","slug":"top-ice-cream-trends-for-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.takeawaysupplies.co.uk\/blog\/top-ice-cream-trends-for-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Ice Cream Trends for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">The ice cream and gelato market continues to evolve, with 2026 bringing exciting opportunities for producers, retailers and food service businesses alike.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>From bold flavours to new formats and changing consumer expectations, staying ahead of the trends can help you stand out and maximise sales.<\/p>\n<p>At\u00a0<b>Takeaway Supplies Ltd (TAS Group)<\/b>, we\u2019re seeing some clear directions shaping the industry this year \u2014 here are the top trends to watch.<\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Nostalgia with a Modern Twist<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Classic flavours are making a strong comeback, but with a creative upgrade.<\/p>\n<p>Think:<\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n<li>Cherry Bakewell<\/li>\n<li>Banoffee<\/li>\n<li>Victoria Sponge<\/li>\n<li>Custard-based desserts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These familiar favourites are being reimagined with premium ingredients, layers, and new textures, creating what\u2019s often called \u201cnewstalgia.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&#x1f449;\u00a0The opportunity: Tap into customer memories while offering something new and exciting.<\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Bold &amp; Global Flavours<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Consumers are becoming more adventurous, and global inspiration is driving innovation.<\/p>\n<p>Trending flavours include:<\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n<li>Pistachio (especially premium pairings)<\/li>\n<li>Matcha and botanical flavours<\/li>\n<li>Middle Eastern influences like baklava<\/li>\n<li>Exotic fruits and bold berry combinations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&#x1f449;\u00a0The opportunity: Introduce limited-edition flavours to test demand and keep your range fresh.<\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Texture is Everything<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>In 2026, it\u2019s not just about flavour, it\u2019s about\u00a0<b>experience<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re seeing:<\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n<li>Layered ice creams<\/li>\n<li>Swirls and ripples<\/li>\n<li>Crunchy inclusions<\/li>\n<li>Multi-texture combinations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Consumers want a\u00a0<b>multi-sensory product<\/b>, not just a scoop.<\/p>\n<p>&#x1f449;\u00a0The opportunity: Add inclusions, sauces, and toppings to create standout products.<\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Premium Soft Serve is on the Rise<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3392 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takeawaysupplies.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Soft-Vannila-ice.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"699\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takeawaysupplies.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Soft-Vannila-ice.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.takeawaysupplies.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Soft-Vannila-ice-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.takeawaysupplies.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Soft-Vannila-ice-1024x596.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takeawaysupplies.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Soft-Vannila-ice-768x447.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Soft serve is evolving from a simple offering into a\u00a0<b>premium, high-margin product<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p>With:<\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n<li>Gourmet toppings<\/li>\n<li>Visually striking presentation<\/li>\n<li>Faster service times<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It\u2019s becoming increasingly attractive for operators looking to improve efficiency and profitability.<\/p>\n<p>&#x1f449;\u00a0The opportunity: Position soft serve as a premium treat, not just a basic option.<\/p>\n<h3><b>5. \u201cConscious Indulgence\u201d &amp; Plant-Based Options<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Customers still want indulgence, but with a more mindful approach.<\/p>\n<p>Key shifts include:<\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n<li>Plant-based and dairy-free options<\/li>\n<li>Reduced sugar or \u201cbetter for you\u201d formulations<\/li>\n<li>Clean label ingredients<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This balance between indulgence and wellbeing continues to grow in importance.<\/p>\n<p>&#x1f449;\u00a0The opportunity: Offer inclusive options without compromising on taste or texture.<\/p>\n<h3><b>6. Eye-Catching Displays &amp; Social Media Appeal<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Presentation has never been more important.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re seeing:<\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n<li>Towering gelato displays<\/li>\n<li>Bright, layered colours<\/li>\n<li>\u201cInstagrammable\u201d creations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Visual impact is driving footfall and online engagement more than ever.<\/p>\n<p>&#x1f449;\u00a0The opportunity: Make your display work as a marketing tool.<\/p>\n<h3><b>7. Portable &amp; On-the-Go Formats<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Convenience is key in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Popular formats include:<\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n<li>Ice cream sandwiches<\/li>\n<li>Mini tubs and bite-sized portions<\/li>\n<li>Grab-and-go desserts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Consumers are looking for treats that fit into busy lifestyles.<\/p>\n<p>&#x1f449;\u00a0The opportunity: Expand beyond traditional scooping formats.<\/p>\n<h3><b>8. Growth in Premium &amp; Artisan Ice Cream<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>The demand for\u00a0<b>high-quality, artisan-style products<\/b>\u00a0continues to grow, with customers willing to pay more for:<\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n<li>Better ingredients<\/li>\n<li>Authentic production methods<\/li>\n<li>Unique flavour experiences<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The UK market is seeing strong value growth, showing that premiumisation is here to stay.<\/p>\n<p>&#x1f449;\u00a0The opportunity: Focus on quality, storytelling and differentiation.<\/p>\n<h2><b>How TAS Group Can Support You<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Keeping up with trends is one thing, executing them successfully is another.<\/p>\n<p>At\u00a0<b>Takeaway Supplies Ltd (TAS Group)<\/b>, we help our customers bring these trends to life with:<\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n<li>High-quality ingredients and inclusions<\/li>\n<li>Professional stabilisers and recipe support<\/li>\n<li>Packaging solutions that enhance presentation<\/li>\n<li>Technical expertise to improve consistency and performance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Stay Ahead of the Curve<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>The ice cream industry is more exciting than ever, with innovation happening across flavours, formats and customer expectations.<\/p>\n<p>By staying ahead of these trends, you can:<\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n<li>Attract new customers<\/li>\n<li>Increase sales<\/li>\n<li>Differentiate your offering<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&#x1f4de;\u00a0<b>Want to explore how these trends could work for your business?<\/b><br \/>\n<a href=\"tel:+4401613393895\">Get in touch<\/a> with our team, we\u2019re always happy to help.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The ice cream and gelato market continues to evolve, with 2026 bringing exciting opportunities for producers, retailers and food service&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3389,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3386","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-catering"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.takeawaysupplies.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3386","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.takeawaysupplies.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.takeawaysupplies.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.takeawaysupplies.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.takeawaysupplies.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3386"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.takeawaysupplies.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3386\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3393,"href":"https:\/\/www.takeawaysupplies.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3386\/revisions\/3393"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.takeawaysupplies.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3389"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.takeawaysupplies.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3386"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.takeawaysupplies.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3386"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.takeawaysupplies.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3386"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}