14 Frozen Desserts That Beat the Ice Cream Aisle

Ice cream may dominate the freezer aisle, but it’s far from the only dessert worth grabbing. From fruit-filled bars to decadent dairy-free treats, frozen desserts have come a long way in flavor, variety, and creativity.

Many of these options rival — and sometimes even outshine — traditional ice cream, offering something new for every kind of sweet tooth. Here are 14 frozen desserts that give the ice cream aisle some serious competition.

Frozen Yogurt

Frozen yogurt, also referred to as “froyo,” is a popular frozen dessert that has given traditional ice cream a run for its money. It’s a healthier alternative that offers a tangy twist to the creamy, sweet treat we all know and love. Frozen yogurt has been on the scene for a few decades, but it’s often overlooked by ice cream lovers due to its slightly different texture and taste. However, its popularity has surged in recent years, with numerous frozen yogurt shops popping up all over the nation.

Now is the time to give frozen yogurt a try if you haven’t already, as it’s gaining traction as a healthier dessert option. The trend of prioritizing health and wellness has resulted in an increased demand for frozen yogurt, which is typically lower in fat and calories than traditional ice cream. Not only does it cater to the health-conscious, but it also offers a plethora of flavors and toppings, making it a versatile treat for all. Find out more about the rising trend of frozen yogurt here.

Gelato

Originating from Italy, gelato is a frozen dessert that is denser and smoother than conventional ice cream. It’s made with a higher proportion of whole milk to cream, resulting in a creamier texture and more intense flavor. Despite offering a unique and decadent treat, gelato is often sidelined in favor of ice cream due to its relative unavailability and higher cost.

However, gelato is experiencing a renaissance these days, with more and more consumers seeking out artisanal and authentic experiences. The premium nature of gelato, coupled with unique flavor offerings, has piqued interest among adventurous foodies. The global gelato market is projected to grow substantially over the next few years, making this the perfect time to explore this luxurious dessert. Discover more about the growing gelato trend here.

Sorbet

Sorbet is a delightful frozen treat that is often overlooked in the ice cream aisle. Made from fruit and sugar, sorbet is dairy-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. Its crisp, refreshing taste provides a lighter alternative to traditional ice cream, yet it’s often bypassed due to misconceptions about its texture and flavor.

With an increasing number of consumers adopting vegan and dairy-free diets, sorbet is gaining popularity as a suitable dessert option. Its refreshing taste and wide array of flavors make it an ideal choice for those seeking a lighter, healthier dessert. Now is a great time to give sorbet a try and discover the many flavors it offers. Learn more about the rising popularity of sorbets here.

Frozen Custard

Frozen custard is a rich, creamy dessert that is similar to ice cream but includes eggs in its ingredient list. This gives it a smoother texture and a richer flavor than traditional ice cream. Despite its delicious taste, frozen custard is often overlooked due to its higher fat content and the perception that it’s less healthy than other frozen desserts.

However, frozen custard is seeing a resurgence in popularity, particularly among consumers looking for a richer, more indulgent treat. The trend of ‘food nostalgia’, where consumers seek out traditional or comfort foods, is driving the renewed interest in frozen custard. Learn more about this delicious and creamy treat and its growing trend here.

Fruit Popsicles

Fruit popsicles, often referred to as paletas in Latin American countries, are a refreshing frozen treat that’s perfect for hot summer days. Made with fruit juice or puree, these popsicles are a healthier alternative to ice cream, yet they are often overlooked due to their simplicity.

With the rising trend of clean eating and natural ingredients, fruit popsicles are gaining in popularity. Consumers are increasingly seeking out wholesome, natural foods, and fruit popsicles fit the bill perfectly. They’re a great way to enjoy a sweet treat without any guilt. Learn more about the growing trend of fruit popsicles here.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ice cream sandwiches are a classic frozen treat that combines ice cream and cookies or wafers. Despite their nostalgic appeal, they’re often overlooked in the frozen dessert aisle in favor of more trendy options or single-serve ice creams.

However, ice cream sandwiches are making a comeback in a big way, offering a twist on the traditional treat with gourmet flavors and premium ingredients. The trend of upgrading classic treats with high-quality, artisanal ingredients is driving the resurgence of ice cream sandwiches. Discover more about this growing trend here.

Mochi Ice Cream

Mochi ice cream is a delightful treat that combines a chewy rice cake exterior with a creamy ice cream interior. It’s been a favorite in Japan for years, but it’s often overlooked in Western supermarkets due to unfamiliarity with the product.

As consumers become more adventurous with their food choices and seek out global flavors, mochi ice cream is gaining popularity. Its unique texture and flavor profile, coupled with its cute, bite-sized form, are appealing to a broad range of consumers. Get more insights on the rise of mochi ice cream here.

Frozen Pie

Frozen pie is a convenient and delicious dessert option that gets overshadowed by the ice cream and novelty treats in the frozen dessert aisle. Despite being a time-saver during holiday seasons or for last-minute dessert needs, frozen pies are often overlooked.

However, with the rise of at-home cooking and baking during the pandemic, frozen pies have seen a surge in popularity. They offer a balance of convenience and homemade taste, which appeals to many consumers. Learn more about the trend of frozen pies here.

Ice Cream Cake

Ice cream cake, a combination of cake layers and ice cream, is a celebratory favorite. While it’s a go-to for many birthday parties and special occasions, it’s often bypassed during regular grocery shopping due to its size and special occasion association.

Recently, the trend of miniaturizing desserts has seen mini ice cream cakes rise in popularity. They offer the same delightful experience but in a smaller, more everyday-friendly size. Discover more about the trend of mini ice cream cakes here.

Italian Ice

Italian ice, also known as water ice, is a smooth, frozen dessert made with fruit (or fruit flavors) and sugar. It’s a refreshing, dairy-free alternative to ice cream, but it’s often overlooked due to its less creamy texture and the dominance of ice cream.

However, as consumers seek lighter, refreshing treats, especially during the hot summer months, Italian ice is gaining popularity. In line with the trend towards healthier, more natural foods, Italian ice offers a delicious, guilt-free choice. Learn more about the rising popularity of Italian ice here.