The ice cream and frozen dessert franchise industry is growing offering diverse investment opportunities under $250,000, from mobile models to established storefront brands.
2:12 PM • 05/13/25
Table of Contents
- Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream
- Kona Ice
- Cold Stone Creamery
- Ben & Jerry’s
- Baskin-Robbins
- Häagen-Dazs
- Frios Gourmet Pops
- Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
- Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
- sweetFrog
Investing in an ice cream or frozen dessert franchise in 2025 presents a compelling opportunity, driven by strong industry growth and evolving consumer preferences. The global ice cream market was valued at approximately $113.40 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $147.74 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.9%. In the United States alone, the ice cream market is expected to expand from $19.51 billion in 2025 to $22.41 billion by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 2.81%.
This growth is fueled by increasing demand for premium products, innovative flavors, and healthier dessert options. The frozen yogurt segment, for example, was valued at $1.82 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.10%, reaching nearly $2.41 billion by 2030. Consumers are looking for indulgent yet mindful treats, and brands are responding with dairy-free, high-protein and low-sugar alternatives, as well as creative new flavors and textures.
Major industry players such as Unilever PLC, Nestlé SA and Inspire Brands, Inc. (Baskin-Robbins) continue to dominate the market, underscoring the industry’s stability and strong potential for new franchisees. With consistent consumer demand and evolving product innovation, now is an ideal time to invest in an ice cream or frozen dessert franchise.
Here are 10 low-cost (starting under $250,000) ice cream and frozen dessert franchises to consider investing in for 2025.
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream
- Franchise Website
- 1851 Growth Club
- Initial Investment: $115,950 – $284,000
- Unit Count: 25
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream stands out with its innovative use of liquid nitrogen to create customizable, made-to-order treats. This unique approach not only appeals to customers seeking personalized experiences but also allows franchisees to offer a diverse menu catering to various dietary needs, including plant-based and low-sugar options.
Kona Ice
- Franchise Website
- Initial Investment: $173,356 – $222,141
- Unit Count: 1,800+
Kona Ice offers a mobile business model centered around its signature shaved ice trucks, known as Kona Entertainment Vehicles (KEVs). This mobility enables franchisees to serve a wide range of events and locations, reducing overhead costs associated with traditional storefronts. The KEVs feature the patented Flavorwave®, allowing customers to customize their treats on the spot, enhancing the interactive experience.
Cold Stone Creamery
- Franchise Website
- Initial Investment: $57,200 – $627,775
- Unit Count: 1,044
Cold Stone Creamery provides franchisees with a well-established brand recognized for its premium, freshly made ice cream and the engaging “Ultimate Ice Cream Experience.” With a presence in multiple markets, Cold Stone offers a supportive network and a proven business model, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs seeking a traditional storefront franchise.
Ben & Jerry’s
- Franchise Website
- Initial Investment: $155,900 – $549,300
- Unit Count: 558 (221 in the U.S.)
Ben & Jerry’s combines a strong brand identity with a commitment to social responsibility. Franchisees benefit from the company’s dedication to high-quality, non-GMO and Fairtrade-certified ingredients, appealing to ethically conscious consumers. The brand’s playful image and community involvement initiatives provide a unique platform for franchise owners to engage with their local markets.
Baskin-Robbins
- Franchise Website
- Initial Investment: $90,000 – $625,000
- Unit Count: 2,293
Baskin-Robbins, as part of Inspire Brands, offers franchisees access to extensive resources and support. Known for its “31 flavors” concept, Baskin-Robbins continually evolves its menu to meet market demands, backed by a multi-million-dollar advertising fund to boost brand visibility.
Häagen-Dazs
- Franchise Website
- Initial Investment: $214,518 – $567,768
- Unit Count: 900+
Häagen-Dazs positions itself as a luxury brand, offering franchisees the chance to cater to a clientele seeking premium ice cream experiences. The company emphasizes the use of high-quality ingredients and provides comprehensive support in site selection, marketing and operations, ensuring franchisees are well-equipped to succeed.
Frios Gourmet Pops
- Franchise Website
- Initial Investment: $62,925 – $93,775
- Unit Count: 113
Frios Gourmet Pops presents a flexible, mobile franchise model with its “Sweet Ride,” a modern twist on the traditional ice cream truck. This low-investment opportunity allows franchisees to operate with minimal overhead while offering a diverse range of gourmet popsicles made from fresh ingredients, appealing to a broad customer base.
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
- Franchise Website
- Initial Investment: $142,683 – $471,087
- Unit Count: 318 (289 in the U.S.)
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt focuses on creating a family-friendly environment with its self-serve frozen yogurt shops. Franchisees benefit from the brand’s strong global presence and commitment to delivering smiles, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest in a community-oriented business.
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
- Franchise Website
- Initial Investment: $175,500 – $435,000
- Unit Count: 589
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard offers a unique product lineup featuring Italian ice and frozen custard, filling a niche in the frozen dessert market. With over 40 years of experience, Rita’s provides franchisees with a simple operational model, low food costs and comprehensive support, making it a compelling choice for entrepreneurs seeking a distinctive franchise opportunity.
sweetFrog
- Franchise Website
- Initial Investment: $248,500 – $632,500
- Unit Count: 300+
sweetFrog invites franchisees to join a vibrant community focused on delivering memorable experiences through customizable frozen yogurt offerings. The brand emphasizes a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, providing a solid foundation for franchisees to build a loyal customer base.
Investing in an ice cream or frozen dessert franchise in 2025 offers a promising opportunity with a variety of business models to fit different goals and budgets. Whether you’re drawn to the mobility of a food truck, the interactive appeal of self-serve frozen yogurt or the stability of a well-established brand, there are plenty of options to explore. These ten franchises stand out for their affordability, strong brand recognition and proven success in the frozen dessert space. With the right choice and commitment, franchisees can capitalize on consumer demand and build a thriving business in this ever-popular industry.
