Comelle launches the Soft Serve Forecast 2026, a trends guide revealing the latest innovations for Spring/Summer

The UK soft serve market is booming, now worth £1.6bn[1], with 70% of consumers enjoying ice cream and soft serve out-of-home at least once a month[2], and sales growing year-on-year. A new trends guide from Comelle, The Soft Serve Forecast 2026, highlights the flavours, formats, and experiences set to reshape soft serve, shakes, and frozen desserts across the UK.

With innovative flavours and toppings increasing potential soft serve selling prices by up to 150% in parlours and casual dining, and up to 280% in restaurants, the two-part seasonal trends guide is an essential for businesses looking to capitalise on the soft serve boom.

SPRING/SUMMER: KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Flavours to explore: Hyper-seasonal fruits, sour citrus and adventurous global-inspired flavours, nostalgic 90s-inspired options
• Formats to trial: Mini portions, soft serve flights and tasting platters
• Experience-led toppings: Oversized marshmallows, chewy textures, signature sauces, overdressed cups and reveal domes
• Daring Drinks: Soft serve in shakes, floats, bubble tea, tea lattes and cocktails
• Healthy indulgence & sustainability: Incorporate nutritious ‘functional’ ingredients like turmeric, protein powder, nuts and fruit, or upcycle ingredients like broken cones into new formats such as soft serve nachos

The report highlights the rise of ‘micromoments’ – experience-led occasions that create emotional connections – and a shift towards evening consumption, as adults seek informal, affordable and indulgent ways to socialise across cafés, pubs and casual venues.

Comelle, which offers a range of soft serve and shake mixes, is part of Lakeland Dairies, its Head of Food, Paul Jennings, said: “Soft serve is no longer just a quick treat - it’s a premium, playful and profitable category for operators willing to think differently.”

To download the forecast visit: https://marketing.lakelanddairies.com/comelle-soft-serve-forecast