Which Country Eats the Most Ice Cream? Here’s the Scoop

March 15, 2025

There are countries around the globe where ice cream is more than just a treat – it’s a passion. Whether they bask in the sun or embrace the chill, these nations know how to make every scoop count. But who reigns supreme in the world of ice cream indulgence?

Grab a spoon and get ready: it’s time to reveal which country consumes the most ice cream.

Spoiler Alert: It’s New Zealand

The people of Aotearoa love a good scoop! A survey by the World Population Review found that the average Kiwi enjoys just over twenty-eight litres of ice cream per year.

Once refrigeration and freezing technology reached New Zealand, it was over for everyone else. The sunny weather makes most of the year perfect ice cream weather. And as a dairy-producing country, it’s no surprise that the local ice cream is top-tier.

For a long time, it was required to contain at least 10% milk fat, which creates an incredibly creamy finish. Add creative flavours to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a treat that has an entire nation on repeat.

From the US to Italy: The Gelato Top Ten

So, who else is among the gelato-eating elite? The rest of the list has a few obvious contenders, but New Zealand isn’t the only surprise.

The United States comes in at number two, followed by Australia, then Finland. Despite their cold weather, the Finns have a sweet tooth for frozen treats!

Scandinavia follows Sweden and Denmark after Canada, another example of a cold country enjoying cold desserts. Ireland is next, followed by the gelato originators, Italy, with the United Kingdom rounding out the top 10.

Top 10 Ice Cream Loving Countries: A Summary

New Zealand
United States
Australia
Finland
Sweden
Canada
Denmark
Ireland
Italy
United Kingdom

Indulge in Premium Gelato – The New Zealand Way at Anita!

The best way to celebrate New Zealand’s global ice cream win? With premium gelato, of course! Scoop up some of the very best at Anita, where the gelato is churned in-store, and the gelato and ice cream options offer a world of flavours to explore (we’re talking 150 of them on our rotating menu!)

Now that you know which country eats the most ice cream, why not get a scoop for yourself? Visit our Queenstown store or order your favourite gelato and shakes and have them delivered to your door. After all, it’s the Aotearoa New Zealand way!

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Want something sweet? There’s a gelato shop close by – Anita’s is available worldwide!

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