Over the last 50 years, US ice cream consumption has steadily declined. In 1975, the average American consumed 18.2 pounds of ice cream. In 2025, that figure fell to only 12.0 pounds. That’s a -34.1% decline.
So what’s behind this drop in consumption? There are two main drivers.
Health Concerns: Americans of all ages are cutting back on high-glycemic foods, while a growing share of younger consumers are also concerned about lactose intolerance and dairy additives. (See “Dairy Industry Is Courting Young People.”) There is also early evidence that the growing use of GLP-1 medications is reducing demand for sugary treats.
Premium Offerings: Consumers have shifted toward smaller containers of high-end ice cream. Instead of buying a family-size tub of vanilla or chocolate, many are opting for a pint of Ben & Jerry's Phish Food. In other words, when they do eat ice cream, they're eating smaller portions.
Wow, we must be in the fourth turning. Some people have even voluntarily cut down or out one of the pure joys of life: ice cream!