In the ever-evolving world of indulgence, the ice cream industry continues to captivate taste buds and drive innovation. As we move through 2025, what fresh twists are encouraging consumers to scoop more ice cream?
The global Ice Cream Market reached USD 107.23 billion in 2024 and is set to rise to USD 114.52 billion by 2025. Surging demand will push the market to USD 159.12 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.8%.
This blog explores two compelling narratives: the rise of mochi ice cream as a trendy delight and ice cream’s timeless role as emotional comfort. Let’s uncover how these elements are reshaping the sector.
What Makes Mochi Ice Cream the Hottest Trend in Bengaluru’s Dessert Scene?
Picture this: a soft, chewy exterior that gives way to a burst of creamy coldness inside. That is mochi ice cream for you—a Japanese import turning heads in India’s vibrant food landscape.
But why has it suddenly become so popular in Bengaluru?
Originating in Japan, mochi ice cream offers a playful texture that feels like a “tiny adventure” in every bite, with endless surprises for the palate. In Bengaluru, cafes and dessert spots are embracing this novelty, with flavors ranging from classic mango and hazelnut to innovative matcha and even betel leaf—a nod to Thai influences that surprises locals with its herbal twist.
Local businesses are leading the charge. Take YUKI, where co-founder Priyesh Busetty reimagines Japanese desserts with an Indian resonance, focusing on light, joyful indulgences. Similarly, IKOI Tokyo evokes nostalgia through house-made options like vanilla and mixed berries, while Kawaii in Indiranagar imports authentic bites, eyeing expansions into domestic manufacturing and exports.
Consumers are hooked, experimenting with flavors and returning for the memorable experience. This trend highlights a shift toward experiential desserts that allow people to pause their daily grind and spark moments of joy.
How Is Mochi Ice Cream Reshaping Local Preferences and Business Strategies?
Delving deeper, mochi’s appeal lies in its rarity and fun factor. First-time tasters, often ice-cream enthusiasts, return frequently because the chewiness contrasts delightfully with the melt-in-your-mouth core. Businesses note that even subtle local adaptations, like betel leaf, resonate by blending familiarity with novelty.
From a strategic lens, this early-stage buzz in India signals untapped potential. Imports maintain authenticity, but forward-thinking brands anticipate scaling through white-label production and acquisitions. Related treats, such as Cantonese Lai Wong Bao or modern daifuku variations with sour-cherry dark chocolate, further blur boundaries and expand the mochi-inspired category.
- Flavor Innovation: Bets on unexpected pairings like betel leaf drive experimentation.
- Consumer Engagement: Nostalgic elements encourage repeat visits and social sharing.
- Supply Chain Evolution: Shift from imports to local making could lower costs in urban hubs.
Mochi ice cream is not just a passing fad; it is a gateway to broader Asian dessert adoption in Bengaluru. This trend underscores a market pivot toward textural innovation, positioning mochi as a 2025 differentiator for dessert brands.
Why Do Heartbroken Souls Reach for Ice Cream Every Time?
Ever wondered why a pint of ice cream becomes the ultimate companion after a tough breakup? It is more than mere habit—it is a blend of science, sentiment, and savvy marketing at play.
Ice cream tops the list of breakup foods because it provides instant comfort. High in sugar and fat, it lights up the brain’s reward pathways, releasing dopamine for that motivational lift when emotions run low. Nostalgia also plays a major role; childhood scoops shared with loved ones often resurface as emotional comfort during adult heartaches.
Pop culture reinforces this: Bollywood scenes of heartbroken characters eating ice cream or Friends episodes featuring Chandler with tubs of it help cement ice cream as emotional shorthand. Accessibility seals the deal—delivery apps make it a midnight click away.
What Science and Culture Reveal About Ice Cream’s Emotional Pull?
Neuroscience backs the hype. Functional MRI studies show vanilla ice cream sparking activity in the orbitofrontal cortex, the brain’s pleasure hub, delivering a tangible “feel-good” rush. Women, per research, lean into food for stress relief more often, making ice cream a gendered go-to during relational lows.
Marketing wizards reinforce it, pitching tubs as mood menders. Yet, experts like dietitian Jessica Bihuniak caution against over-reliance, advocating balanced coping like walks or chats. Still, the ritual endures, blending biology with cultural cues.
Factor
Impact on Consumption
Example
Biological
Dopamine surge overrides distress
Sugar-fat combo activates reward network
Nostalgic
Evokes joyful memories
Childhood treats as emotional anchors
Cultural
Media portrayals normalize it
Bollywood/Friends scenes drive association
Practical
Easy access via apps
Late-night deliveries spike during lows
These dynamics reveal ice cream as a resilient comfort staple, sustaining demand through life’s ups and downs.
How Are These Stories Impacting the Broader Ice Cream Market in 2025?
At Next Move Strategy Consulting, we view these vignettes as harbingers of market vitality. The mochi surge in Bengaluru signals a premiumization wave, where texture-driven novelties command higher margins—potentially lifting urban dessert sales by drawing younger demographics seeking Instagrammable joys. This could expand the Indian ice cream segment beyond traditional cones, fostering collaborations with Asian importers and spurring R&D in hybrid flavors.
Conversely, ice cream’s emotional anchor role underscores steady volume drivers. Emotional eating, amplified by post-pandemic stress, bolsters off-peak consumption, stabilizing supply chains for brands. Together, they paint a market poised for 5-7% growth in experiential and comfort categories, per observed urban patterns.
In essence, the 2025 ice-cream market thrives on these intersections, blending whimsy with wellness. These trends catalyze diversification, urging stakeholders to innovate for sustained relevance. Premium textures like mochi elevate pricing power; emotional ties ensure baseline demand; hybrid strategies amplify market share.
Next Steps: Actionable Takeaways for Ice Cream Enthusiasts and Brands
Ready to scoop up opportunities? Here are 4 practical moves:
- Experiment Boldly: Test mochi-inspired hybrids in your lineup—start small with pop-up tastings to gauge local buzz.
- Tap Emotional Narratives: Craft campaigns around “comfort rituals,” partnering with wellness influencers for authentic storytelling.
- Scale Smartly: For businesses, prioritize local production to cut import dependencies, eyeing Bengaluru as a trend lab.
- Monitor Consumer Shifts: Track urban flavor trials via simple surveys; adapt quickly to sustain that 2025 edge.
About the Author

Sneha Chakraborty is a passionate SEO Executive and Content Writer with over 4 years of experience in digital marketing and content strategy. She excels in creating optimized, engaging content that enhances online visibility and audience engagement. Skilled in keyword research, analytics, and SEO tools, Sneha blends creativity with data-driven insights to deliver impactful results. Beyond her professional work, she enjoys reading, sketching, and nature photography, drawing inspiration from creativity and storytelling. The author can be reached out at [email protected].