Summer is here, and with global warming bringing scorching heat and dry winds, the demand for ice creams in India has skyrocketed. In fact, the Indian ice cream market was valued at USD 3–3.46 billion in 2023. By 2030, it’s expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.49%, reaching around USD 6.4 billion.
Indian consumers are increasingly drawn to avant-garde flavors and healthier alternatives. Let’s explore some innovative brands that are taking indulgence to the next level, offering everything from protein-packed, low-calorie options to handcrafted flavors.
Papacream
Papacream is a gourmet ice cream brand in India, known for its innovative flavors and high-quality products. It was founded in 2015 by Tanvi Chowdhri, who transitioned from a career in investment banking to pursue her passion for food. Tanvi’s vision for Papacream is rooted in her desire to educate the Indian palate with unique ice cream experiences.
- Product Range: Papacream offers a diverse selection of ice creams, including:
- Premium Milk-Based Ice Creams: Rich and creamy options made from high-quality dairy.
- Vegan Ice Creams: Dairy-free and plant-based varieties catering to vegan consumers.
- Sugar-Free Options: Ice creams designed for health-conscious individuals.
Minus Thirty
Minus Thirty is a premium gelato brand in India, founded by sisters Gayatri Rattha and Shivanie Mirchandani in 2016. The brand is celebrated for its artisanal approach to gelato flavors that cater to health-conscious consumers, including vegan and sugar-free options.
Their products are free from preservatives and artificial flavors, with a focus on creating healthier dessert options. They are particularly known for its vegan gelato, which is rich and flavorful without compromising on taste. They also provide sugar-free alternatives. The brand offers a diverse range of flavors such as Dark Chocolate, Hazelnut, Green Tea Matcha, Belgian Chocolate Cointreau, Coconut, Mango, and Pistachio.
Hocco
Since its launch, Hocco has quickly gained traction in the market. Hocco’s tagline, “Ice Cream with the Superpower to Freeze Time and distinctive packaging designs that feature playful mascots called “Scooperheroes” create a memorable identity that resonates with consumers.
The brand emphasizes a fun and engaging identity, appealing to a broad demographic. Hocco offers products at competitive prices to attract a wide customer base.
Product Range: Hocco offers a variety of ice creams including :
- Classic Flavors: Such as Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry.
- Innovative Options: Unique flavors like Nutty Belgian Dark Chocolate, Hazelnut Mudslide, and Kesar Kali Kulfi.
- Health-Conscious Choices: The “Healthies” range features ice creams with zero added sugar.
Noto
NOTO is a healthy ice cream brand in India, founded in 2019 by Varun Sheth and Ashni Shah. The brand focuses on providing low-calorie, guilt-free ice cream options that cater to health-conscious consumers while still delivering immaculate taste.
NOTO specializes in low-calorie ice creams and desserts, with no added sugar and minimal calories. Each 125 ml tub contains approximately 75-95 calories and 3 grams of fat, making it a healthier alternative to traditional ice creams.
Alongside ice creams, The brand also offers a range of Indian mithais, crafted using traditional techniques but with a focus on being low-calorie and sugar-free.
NOTO has rapidly expanded its presence across major Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune. The brand recently raised ₹15 crore in funding to support its expansion into Tier I and II cities and to enhance its infrastructure.
Fruitoholic
Fruitoholic is an innovative ice cream brand based in Hyderabad, India, that focuses on creating delicious fruit-based ice creams and other healthy fruit products. Founded by Praveen Nagamalla and Rahat Achanta in 2020, the brand aims to promote the consumption of fresh fruits through its diverse offerings.
Product Range:
- Fruit Ice Creams: Made with over 35% fresh fruit, these ice creams come in flavors like Fresh Mango, Blueberry, and Chocolate with Fresh Berries.
- Cold-Pressed Juices and Smoothies: The brand emphasizes fresh and nutritious beverages.
- Dried Fruits, Nuts, and Seeds: These are part of their healthy snacking options.
- Fruit Combos: Unique combinations of oats and fruits for a nutritious meal.
The brand focuses on using fresh ingredients including fruits sourced directly from partner farmers.
Cold Love
Founded by Aditya Tripathi in 2019, Cold Love is an artisanal ice cream brand based in India, known for its all-natural, handcrafted ice creams and desserts. Cold Love focuses on creating ice creams using fresh, high-quality ingredients without artificial flavors or preservatives. Their products are 100% vegetarian and made in small batches.
- Unique Flavors: The brand offers a diverse range of flavors, including:
- Salted Butter Caramel
- Boozy Baileys
- Chocolate Fudge-a-licious
- Fresh Mango
- Sugar-free and dairy-free options
Cold Love has partnered with Michelin-starred Chef Suvir Saran to develop a line of desserts that incorporate their ice creams. In October 2021, Cold Love raised ₹2.5 crore in angel funding to expand its operations. The funds were used to establish a commissary, set up company-owned cafés, and enhance digital marketing efforts. The brand operates multiple cafés in Delhi-NCR and has plans to open additional outlets across India. They also offer home delivery services in cities like Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Jaipur, and Lucknow.
GetAWay
GetAWay Ice Cream & Desserts is a health-focused ice cream brand in India that offers a range of delicious, guilt-free desserts. It was founded in 2018 by Pashmi Shah with the mission to provide indulgent yet high-protein ice creams, low-calorie desserts, and ice pops.
GetAWay recently opened its first kiosk in Hyderabad in collaboration with Broadway, marking its entry into the retail space. It was also featured on Shark Tank India, which has helped increase its visibility and credibility among consumers. They use of premium ingredients to offer a variety of flavors, including popular options like Salted Caramel, Belgian Chocolate, Choco Brownie, Mango, and Sicilian Pistachio.
Go Zero
Go zero was founded by Kiran Shah in July 2022. The brand specializes in zero-sugar, low-calorie, and high-protein ice creams, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking indulgent yet nutritious dessert options.
- Health Benefits:
- All products are free from artificial flavors or preservatives.
- They contain 50% fewer calories compared to traditional ice creams, making them suitable for diabetic or pre-diabetic consumers.
- Rapid Growth:
- Go Zero has achieved remarkable growth since its launch:
- By March 2025, Go Zero reported its highest-ever monthly sales of over INR 5 crore.
Go Zero raised INR 30 crore (USD 3.6 million) in a Series A funding round in March 2025, led by DSG Consumer Partners, Saama Capital, V3 Ventures, Aman Gupta (Shark Tank India), and Namita Thapar.
Jaatre
Jaatre Ice Cream is a unique artisanal ice cream brand based in New Delhi, India. Founded by Shilpi Bhargava and Pavan Jambagi in 2012, Jaatre emphasizes sustainability and creativity in its offerings, making it a standout in the competitive ice cream market.
- Unique Flavors: The brand offers an array of innovative flavors that blend traditional Indian ingredients with modern tastes. Some notable flavors include:
- Palm Jaggery & Roasted Sesame
- Black Pepper & Cardamom
- Chocolate Orange
- Vanilla Blueberry
- Fresh Ratnagiri Alphonso Mango
- Jamun (Black Plum) and Chikoo (Sapodilla)
The name “Jaatre” means “carnival” in several Indian languages, reflecting the founders’ vision of creating joyful experiences through their ice creams. The brand has received positive reviews for its innovative flavors. Customers appreciate the use of fresh ingredients and the nostalgic presentation of ice creams in coconut shells.
White Cub
Founded by Sonal in 2013, the brand aims to make vegan desserts accessible and affordable while promoting a healthier lifestyle. It makes 100% dairy-free and plant-based ice creams.
Vegan and Dairy-Free: White Cub specializes in creating ice creams that are completely free from dairy, making them suitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance. The products are made from coconut, soy, and almond milk bases. White Cub’s ice creams are cholesterol-free, trans-fat-free, and include sugar-free varieties. This makes them a healthier alternative to traditional ice creams.
- Flavor Variety: The brand offers over 20 different flavors, including:
- Belgian Chocolate
- Coconut Frenzy
- Hattrick Fruit Punch
- Turmeric Glow (seasonal flavor)
- Almond Coffee Bite
- Berrylicious
Amadora
Amadora Gourmet Ice Cream is a renowned artisanal ice cream which was founded in 2011 by Deepak Suresh. With over 300 flavors available, Amadora specializes in making ice creams from scratch, ensuring that every flavor is crafted with care and attention to detail. Popular flavors include:
- Seasonal specialties
- Belgian Chocolate
- Salted Caramel
- Fresh Mango
- Ghee Cake
Amadora has stores in key cities like Chennai and Bengaluru, with plans for expansion into Hyderabad. Their flagship store in Chennai is known for its cozy ambience and welcoming atmosphere.
Hangyo
Hangyo Ice Creams is a prominent ice cream brand based in Mangaluru, Karnataka, India. Established in 1997, Hangyo has grown significantly over the years, becoming a beloved name in the South Indian ice cream market.
Hangyo was founded by brothers Dinesh Pai and Pradeep Pai, who began their journey with a single outlet in Mangaluru. The company was formally incorporated in 2003 and has since achieved an impressive annual turnover of approximately ₹225 crore.
In March 2025, Hangyo announced a fundraising round of USD 25 million from Faering Capital to enhance production capabilities and accelerate new product development. As of early 2025, Hangyo has served over 3 million customers, solidifying its position as a leading ice cream brand in South India.
Hangyo offers a wide variety of ice cream products, including cups, cones, sorbets, stick ice creams, tubs, and kulfis. The brand boasts over 60 flavors and more than 160 stock keeping units (SKUs).
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