Evolving Flavours in India’s Ice Cream Landscape
Ice cream holds a special place in the hearts of Indian consumers—not just as a dessert, but as a celebratory treat, a way to beat the heat, or simply to satisfy sweet cravings. While its appeal cuts across age groups, consumption is highest among the young and affluent, particularly Gen Z and millennials who lead the way in driving trends.
Though ice cream is a timeless indulgence, flavour preferences are evolving rapidly. Today’s consumers are increasingly seeking exciting and diverse options, leading to a flavour revolution in the Indian ice cream market. From Indian mithai flavours and seasonal fruits to brand-inspired twists, floral notes, and innovative classic-meets-modern blends—flavour innovation is at the heart of this transformation.
In this blog we will be delving deep into the flavours trends that are shaping and redefining the ice cream landscape in India.
Seasonal Fruit Flavours
Fruit-based flavours are among the all-time favourites of Indian consumers, with 35% survey respondents showing a clear preference for fruity indulgence. These flavours offer the perfect balance of nostalgia and health appeal, thanks to their natural, refreshing profiles. Strawberry, Mango, Orange, have been classic consumer favourites. However, there’s a growing appetite for regional and seasonal fruits such as tender Coconut, Banana, Sapota (Chiku), Black Plum, pineapple, and Custard Apple. Watermelon, lychee, passionfruit, grapefruit, guava, cranberry, raspberry, dragon fruit are also gaining momentum. With evolving palates and a thirst for novelty, fruit-based flavours continue to inspire innovation and offer exciting possibilities for the next generation of ice cream creations.
Mithai-Inspired Flavours
A growing trend in the Indian ice cream market is the infusion of traditional mithai flavours into ice cream, creating a unique blend of nostalgia and novelty. These flavours tap into the emotional and cultural connection that consumers have with Indian sweets, offering a familiar yet exciting experience. According to a leading market research agency, a total of 43% of the respondents like and interested to try these mithai inspired flavours. From the rich, creamy notes of rabadi malai and kesar rasmalai to the festive indulgence of gulab jamun, jalebi, rajbhog, peda, and kaju katli, these flavours evoke memories of celebrations and family traditions. Others like mysore pak, gajar halwa, nolen gur, and Sandesh bring regional authenticity to the forefront, attracting not just older generations but also millennials and Gen Zs seeking a connection to their roots and innovative experiences. Mithai-inspired ice creams are more than a trend—they’re a celebration of India’s sweet heritage, reimagined for modern palates.
Classics with Novel Flavours
Classic-with-a-novel flavour twists are capturing attention, with 27% of the respondents showing interest in familiar favourites reimagined with contemporary flair. These pairings blend comfort with curiosity—like vanilla with salted caramel, chocolate with orange zest, coffee with hazelnut, or butterscotch with roasted almonds. Such combinations offer the best of both worlds: the reassurance of timeless classics elevated by creative additions that bring a fresh, indulgent dimension to the ice cream experience.
Floral Flavours
Floral flavours are blooming in popularity, with a keen interest in their delicate profiles and 22% respondents showing interest in them. Flavours like lavender, jasmine, hibiscus, rose, and orange blossom are being embraced for their soothing, sophisticated appeal. Emerging floral notes such as cherry blossom, marigold, and elderflower offer a touch of novelty and luxury, catering to those seeking unique, sensory-rich experiences that feel indulgent yet refined.
Contrasting Flavour Pairs
A considerable 21% of respondents expressed a preference for bold and contrasting flavour pairs that excite the palate. Unique pairings like Guava Ginger, Orange Chili, Coconut Lychee, Apple Cinnamon, and Chili Chocolate are gaining traction. These flavour profiles deliver an unexpected balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and warm notes—offering adventurous consumers a dynamic and memorable ice cream experience.
Savoury Flavours
Savoury flavours in ice cream are gaining attention and this emerging trend reflects a curiosity for bold and unconventional taste experiences. Flavours such as cheese and black pepper, salted caramel, butter popcorn, miso caramel, tomato basil, and even curry-inspired scoops are pushing the boundaries of traditional ice cream.
Nostalgic Flavours
Nostalgic flavours are striking a chord with interest in reliving cherished memories through ice cream. Flavours like kala khatta, birthday cake, bubblegum, cotton candy, and Tutti Frutti evoke childhood joys and familiar comfort. These emotionally resonant options offer more than just taste—they deliver a sentimental journey that connects past moments with present indulgence.
International Dessert Inspired Flavours
International dessert-inspired flavours are captivating the taste buds of Indian millennials and Gen Zs. Flavours like tiramisu, cheesecake, brownie fudge, and Belgian waffle are adding an indulgent cosmopolitan touch to ice creams. These variants offer a rich sensory experience that blends global culinary trends with local preferences, making them a hit among adventurous young consumers.
Cocktail And Mocktail Inspired Flavours
Cocktail and mocktail-inspired ice cream flavours are making waves among adventurous consumers, with a strong liking for these bold, refreshing profiles. Flavours like Cosmopolitan, Mojito, LIIT, Pina Colada, Margarita, Sangria, dulce de liche etc. are being reimagined in frozen form. These alcohol-free creations bring the zing, zest, and layered complexity of classic drinks, offering a playful twist for those seeking fun, experiential indulgence in their dessert choices.
Unique/Unique Fusion Flavours
Ice creams flavours inspired by iconic confectionery and dessert brands taps into the existing consumers and offer a delicious blend of comfort, nostalgia, and premium appeal. Famous brand-inspired flavours like Cadbury, Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, Oreo, Biscoff, KitKat, and Snickers bring familiarity and indulgence to every bite.
Unique fusion flavours are captivating the modern ice cream lover, blending unexpected yet harmonious ingredients for a delightful experience. Flavours like Honey Lavender, Paan Gulkand, coffee walnut, mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, and Turmeric Ginger offer a sophisticated twist. Such creative pairings are redefining indulgence in the evolving Indian ice cream landscape.
Keva As A Partner To Reinvent Ice Cream Portfolio
The ice cream category in India is undergoing a flavourful transformation. With changing consumer preferences, growing curiosity for global experiences, and a love for nostalgic and innovative flavours is shaping the future of this indulgent delight.
At Keva Flavours, we work meticulously and constantly to push to boundaries to craft exciting flavour profiles that cater to evolving tastes and emerging market trends. Whether you’re reimagining classics or introducing bold new scoops, our flavour solutions are designed to help you stand out.
Ready to elevate your ice cream range with flavours that delight and inspire? Write to us at connect.flavours@keva.co.in. To explore more flavour trends and innovations, browse through our latest blogs.
Array
Keva has an extensive flavour shop for various food and beverage applications, besides a team of expert flavourists and food technologists for creating custom flavours and matches. To partner with us, contact Keva today.
You may also like
Blog Archive
-
2025
-
May (2)
- Evolving Flavours in India’s Ice Cream Landscape
April (2)
March (2)
February (2)
January (1)
2024
November (2)
October (2)
September (2)
August (1)
July (3)
June (2)
May (2)
April (1)
March (1)
January (1)
2023
2021
-
September (1)
August (1)
2020
-
October (1)
September (1)
August (1)
March (2)
February (2)
January (3)
2019
-
November (2)
- Process Flavours
October (1)
July (1)
May (1)
March (2)
February (2)
January (1)
2018
September (1)
July (1)
May (1)
April (2)
March (2)
February (2)
January (2)
2017
November (2)
October (2)
Disclaimer
The statements, views, thoughts and opinions expressed on blog or social media are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Keva Flavours or its parent organisation. The company does not take any responsibility for the views of the author.