20 Creative Ice Cream Business Ideas
Interested to start a ice cream business but not quite sure what to start?
The good news is, there are so many opportunities to become an entrepreneur and build an innovative product/service in this line of work.
If you're looking to start your own ice cream business, there are several low-investment options you can choose from.
We put a list together below of the most profitable ice cream business ideas you can start today!
Here they are:
1. Start an amazon business
Looking for a lucrative way to leverage the power of ecommerce? Consider starting an Amazon business. An Amazon business allows you to sell products directly on the world’s largest online marketplace.
You'll need to source or create products to sell, manage inventory, and handle customer service. It's not just a plug-and-play operation—meticulous product research and competitive pricing strategies are essential to stand out.
Amazon offers programs like FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), which handles storage, shipping, and even customer returns, allowing you to scale with less hassle. The upfront work involves choosing products that meet market demand, optimizing listings with compelling content, and preparing for logistics.
Intrigued by the potential? An Amazon business offers a substantial opportunity to generate income with access to a global customer base. If properly managed, it’s a business model that could transform your financial future.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Felony Case, a Toronto-based company designing unique iPhone cases, started as a small shop on Etsy and has grown to become an internationally recognized fashion iPhone case brand sold in top tier retailers like Nordstrom, Holt Renfrew, Indigo, Urban Outfitters, Revolve, Free People, and made over half a million dollars in revenue last year.
2. Start a food blog
Do you love educating people on the importance of keeping healthy food? Starting a food blog can be rewarding and fun.
A healthy food blog can focus on educating website visitors the importance of keeping it healthy food. Besides, you can share recipes for healthy eating and budget-friendly options with the reader. To start, you may hire someone to configure your website and content creator to share insightful information with the audience.
To increase blog interactions, share informative insights with your readers.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
How one food blogger turned his passion into a business that brings in $15k-$20k per month through display advertising, affiliate marketing, and exclusive content, and doubled in revenue every year since going full time in 2018.
3. Start an ice cream cone production business
4. Start a vegan ice cream business
Starting a vegan ice cream business is a great way to tap into the growing demand for plant-based options. To do this, you will need to source ingredients such as coconut, almond, and soy milk as base ingredients and various flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.
You will also need to invest in equipment such as an ice cream maker, freezers, and containers for storing and serving the ice cream. In addition, you will need to consider marketing and branding efforts and finding a suitable location to sell your vegan ice cream.
To run a successful business, it is essential to focus on creating high-quality, delicious products that appeal to a wide range of customers and to have a solid online presence and engage with customers through social media and other marketing efforts.
Overall, starting a vegan ice cream business is a rewarding and exciting venture that allows you to positively impact the environment and contribute to the growing demand for plant-based options.
5. Start an ice cream cookbook business
6. Start a drive-thru ice cream and frozen yogurt business
According to a recent survey, nearly 80% of American consumers prefer frozen yogurt to ice cream and other cold treats.
Experts report that the demand for frozen yogurt has experienced a huge surge because it is considered a healthier alternative.
Therefore, starting a drive-thru frozen yogurt business stands a huge potential for multiplying your profits. If you plan to start a frozen yogurt business, define the target market and choose a strategic location where they can reach you.
7. Start an ice cream producer business
Crafting delightful treats that bring joy to people is a compelling venture. Starting an ice cream producer business involves creating unique and irresistible ice cream flavors to captivate discerning customers.
In simple terms, this business idea revolves around producing and selling artisan ice cream, made from high-quality ingredients, to local stores, restaurants, or directly to consumers. The beauty of this business lies in its versatility—you can develop flavors that range from classic favorites to adventurous new creations.
This is an engaging and rewarding industry where innovation plays a crucial role. Imagine bringing smiles to faces with every scoop and establishing a brand that people associate with top-tier, delicious ice cream.
Although it requires substantial effort, including sourcing quality ingredients, mastering the production process, and complying with food safety standards, the fulfillment that comes from sharing a beloved treat is unparalleled.
How much you can make: $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 730 days (?)
Founder of Ice Cream Factory Shannon Imler started her company with 10 total ice cream containers, and has since expanded to over 400 stores and opened a second location with a goal to hit $863.2 million in revenue, utilizing an effective social media marketing strategy and employee appreciation for success.
8. Start an ice cream spoon manufacturing business
9. Start an ice cream wholesaler
Who doesn't love ice cream? Imagine being the one supplying this beloved treat to various retailers and eateries by becoming an ice cream wholesaler.
In simple terms, you buy ice cream in large quantities and then distribute it to stores, restaurants, and other businesses. It's not just about obtaining the products – you need to build relationships with ice cream manufacturers and establish a reliable delivery network.
The appeal is clear: you get to work with a delightful product that people love. Plus, there's room to innovate by offering different varieties or unique flavors. Yes, it requires logistics and relationship management, but the potential rewards are enticing.
With steady demand for ice cream year-round, becoming a wholesaler in this sweet industry holds promise for consistent business growth and satisfaction.
How much you can make: $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 730 days (?)
Founder of Ice Cream Factory Shannon Imler started her company with 10 total ice cream containers, and has since expanded to over 400 stores and opened a second location with a goal to hit $863.2 million in revenue, utilizing an effective social media marketing strategy and employee appreciation for success.
10. Start a liquid nitrogen distribution business
11. Start an ice cream truck business
Do you have childhood memories of a neighborhood ice cream truck that reminded you anytime is a good time for ice cream?
An ice cream truck is one of the truck business ideas with great potential. So long as you choose high-traffic streets and a business strategy, an ice cream truck business could be profitable.
Starting an ice cream truck makes you your boss and helps you reach your financial goals. To start the ice cream business, research the nearby ice cream businesses and identify some potential gaps, prepare a business plan, customize your ice cream truck and launch your business.
12. Start an ice cream vending cart business
Ice cream businesses are probably the most visited shops by people of all ages. In addition, ice cream is the most popular dessert in the world, with the average American consuming about 22ibs of ice cream annually.
If you are interested in starting a dessert-related business, consider setting up an ice cream vending machine. But first, understand the basics of the ice cream business and map out every decision and cost of starting the business, and budget accordingly.
13. Start a specialty ice cream business
14. Start an ice cream supplier business
Tired of the everyday job grind? Consider launching an ice cream supplier business. In simple terms, you’ll provide ice cream to local restaurants, grocery stores, and event planners, bridging the gap between manufacturers and retail outlets.
Imagine becoming the go-to source for a diverse range of high-quality ice creams. Your role will include sourcing premium products, managing inventory, and building relationships with clients who count on you for timely, reliable service.
Starting an ice cream supplier business presents a delicious opportunity to operate behind the scenes of a fun and beloved industry. You'll need a knack for logistics, a palate for quality, and good business acumen. With the right strategy, you can establish a steady revenue stream and grow your clientele base.
If you're ready to dive into a refreshing venture that combines business savvy with a universally enjoyed product, this could be your perfect opportunity.
How much you can make: $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 730 days (?)
Founder of Ice Cream Factory Shannon Imler started her company with 10 total ice cream containers, and has since expanded to over 400 stores and opened a second location with a goal to hit $863.2 million in revenue, utilizing an effective social media marketing strategy and employee appreciation for success.
15. Sell ice cream cakes
Looking for a sweet and profitable business idea? Consider selling ice cream cakes.
This venture involves creating and selling customized cakes made from everyone's favorite summer treat—ice cream. Whether for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion, ice cream cakes are a unique and appealing product that stands out.
The process is pretty straightforward: craft custom ice cream cakes, market them to your target audience, and handle orders either through a physical shop or an online presence. With the right recipes and a bit of creativity, you can attract a loyal customer base.
Given the universal love for ice cream and the growing popularity of personalized treats, starting an ice cream cake business could be both fun and financially rewarding. Perfect for someone who enjoys baking and wishes to create memorable experiences for their customers.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 730 days (?)
Founder of Ice Cream Factory Shannon Imler started her company with 10 total ice cream containers, and has since expanded to over 400 stores and opened a second location with a goal to hit $863.2 million in revenue, utilizing an effective social media marketing strategy and employee appreciation for success.
16. Start an ice cream distribution business
17. Start an ice cream party business
18. Start an ice cream shop
Starting an ice cream shop can be a fun and rewarding business idea. Whether you're looking to open a small shop in your local neighborhood or a larger franchise, there are a few key things you'll need to consider when starting your ice cream shop.
First and foremost, you’ll need to decide on the type of ice cream you want to serve. There are many different flavors and styles, ranging from traditional vanilla and chocolate to more exotic flavors like mango and green tea. You’ll also need to consider whether you want to offer both soft, hard, or a combination.
Next, you’ll need to find a location for your shop. Look for a location with high foot traffic and good visibility, such as a busy street corner or a shopping mall. You’ll also want to consider factors such as parking availability and competition from other ice cream shops.
Once you’ve found a location, you’ll need to purchase or lease the necessary equipment, such as ice cream makers, freezers, and cash registers. You’ll also need to stock up on supplies such as cups, cones, spoons, and napkins.
To run your ice cream shop successfully, you'll need a strong marketing strategy. This can include advertising through social media, local newspapers, and flyers and offering special promotions and discounts to attract customers. You’ll also need to hire and train employees to serve customers and handle transactions.
Starting an ice cream shop can be a fun and rewarding business venture as long as you have a clear business plan and are prepared to put in the hard work and dedication required to make it a success.
How much you can make: $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 730 days (?)
Founder of Ice Cream Factory Shannon Imler started her company with 10 total ice cream containers, and has since expanded to over 400 stores and opened a second location with a goal to hit $863.2 million in revenue, utilizing an effective social media marketing strategy and employee appreciation for success.
19. Start an ice cream equipment business
Imagine supplying the heart and soul of every ice cream shop. An ice cream equipment business focuses on providing essential machinery such as freezers, mixers, and dispensers to both new and established ice cream parlors.
The concept is straightforward: identify, source, and sell high-quality ice cream equipment. By building strong relationships with reliable manufacturers, you ensure that your products meet the needs of your customers. From small start-ups seeking compact machines to large chains in need of robust systems, your business can cater to a wide spectrum of clients.
This idea caters to the evergreen market of ice cream, a treat beloved by all ages. Starting this venture involves some initial capital to purchase inventory, along with a good eye for durable and efficient equipment. Successful entrepreneurs in this space can expect consistent demand and the satisfaction of supporting sweet dreams one machine at a time.
How much you can make: $65,000/month
How long does it take to build: 730 days (?)
Midnight Kitchen Tools founder Michael Chou shares how he identified a need in the market for ergonomic kitchen tools, and built a successful business through Kickstarter campaigns, e-commerce capabilities, and partnerships with other companies.
20. Start a prepackaged ice cream business
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
