Frozen yogurt market seen doubling to $12.17B by 2035

The global frozen yogurt market is projected to rise from $6.55 billion in 2025 to $12.17 billion by 2035, driven by healthier formulations, plant-based options and franchise expansion, according to Market Research Future. Regulatory changes to the FDA’s “healthy” claim and growth in non-traditional retail locations could further accelerate the category’s next phase.

Why it matters: - The frozen yogurt category is moving from a niche dessert segment to a broader better-for-you snack and frozen dessert market. - Market Research Future projects the global market will nearly double over the next decade, creating opportunities for manufacturers, franchisors, retailers and ingredient suppliers. - Health-focused reformulation and new store formats could reshape how consumers buy frozen desserts.

What happened: - Market Research Future projected the global frozen yogurt market will grow from $6.55 billion in 2025 to $6.94 billion in 2026 and reach $12.17 billion by 2035. - The forecast implies a 6.44% compound annual growth rate from 2026 to 2035. - The market was expected to reach about $9.48 billion by 2031. - The report said demand is being lifted by reduced-sugar recipes, plant-based alternatives, protein-forward products, new flavors and flexible store formats. - The market includes dairy-based frozen yogurt, Greek-style versions, reduced-sugar products, functional varieties, non-dairy alternatives and customized foodservice offerings.

The details: - The FDA finalized an updated definition of the voluntary “healthy” nutrient content claim in December 2024. - The updated criteria became available for use on April 28, 2025. - The revised claim framework places greater emphasis on food groups and limits on added sugars, saturated fat and sodium. - The change creates reformulation pressure for frozen yogurt makers that want to qualify for the claim. - Plain low-fat or fat-free yogurt can qualify under the updated FDA definition when applicable requirements are met. - Sugar reduction is technically difficult because sugar affects sweetness, texture and freezing behavior. - Brands are investing in formulation systems that preserve creaminess and flavor while cutting added sugar. - Non-dairy and plant-based frozen yogurt products are becoming one of the fastest-growing segments in the category. - Oat, coconut and almond bases are being used to appeal to lactose-avoidance and plant-based consumers. - Product development is also shifting toward fruit inclusions, premium toppings, functional ingredients, high-protein positioning and new flavor combinations. - Market Research Future identified Danone, General Mills, Froneri, Yasso, Chobani, Menchie's, TCBY, Pinkberry, Yogurtland, sweetFrog and Red Mango among participants in the competitive landscape. - Private-label manufacturing is another possible growth path as retailers look for differentiated frozen dessert products.

Between the lines: - The category’s growth is tied to a broader consumer shift toward foods that feel indulgent but still fit wellness goals. - Frozen yogurt is benefiting from a mix of nutrition messaging, customization and experiential retail that packaged desserts cannot always match. - Franchise expansion signals that operators see room to grow in high-traffic and lower-footprint locations even as traditional mall traffic remains uneven. - The FDA claim update could reward brands that already have cleaner formulations, but it will not automatically make frozen yogurt a “healthy” product. - Analysis: The strongest brands are likely to be the ones that pair better nutrition with taste and texture that still feels like dessert.

What's next: - Franchise operators are expected to keep testing smaller formats, self-service models and non-traditional venues such as airports, universities, hospitals, stadiums and travel plazas. - Yogurtland is emphasizing flexible real estate and non-traditional locations, while TCBY is promoting multiple formats and dietary-inclusive options. - In January 2026, 16 Handles said it opened eight stores across four U.S. states in 2025, signed 25 new franchise agreements and grew its system to more than 67 units. - Asia-Pacific is expected to be a major growth engine, supported by rising incomes, urbanization and growing wellness interest. - In 2025, Yogurt Factory said it planned to enter India through a partnership with FranGlobal, with a focus on major metro areas and premium malls. - Brands will need to adapt to local tastes, climate, dairy supply, price sensitivity and dietary requirements as they expand internationally.

The bottom line: - Frozen yogurt is no longer just competing with ice cream. - The category is increasingly positioned at the intersection of wellness, customization and experiential retail, with growth through 2035 likely to favor brands that can scale both nutrition and flavor.