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Unique Ice Cream Packaging Ideas for Your Business

Posted: Jul 22, 2025

In: Catering disposables , Food packaging , Eco-Friendly

By:

Joe Sizeland

Residents and visitors to the UK buy over 320 million kilograms of ice cream every year , and many cafés and takeaways look to frozen desserts as a way to increase sales during the warmer months. In a market crowded with bright tubs and tempting displays, packaging is one of the quickest ways to show what makes your ice cream worth choosing.

From the shape and colour of your containers to the small details that communicate your brand, thoughtful design can turn a casual purchase into a lasting impression - and catch the eye of others. This guide shares practical ideas to help your packaging stand out and give your business a bigger scoop of the market.

Understanding your target audience

Before you make a decision on colours, containers or design elements, it helps to be clear about who you want to reach. Your target audience will influence everything from the size of your tubs to the way you describe flavours.

Consider:

Age groups: are you appealing to families with children, young professionals or older customers looking for a nostalgic treat?
Buying habits: do customers mainly take ice cream home, eat it on the go or buy it as part of a larger order?
Preferences: are they drawn to bright colours and bold flavours or a more natural, artisan look and feel?
Values: some customers will look for local ingredients or sustainable choices, while others prioritise convenience and price.

By understanding what your audience values, you can choose packaging that feels relevant and creates a stronger connection. For example, clear containers showcasing fresh toppings may reassure customers who care about quality, while minimalist design and calm colours can appeal to those who prefer a more premium experience.

Ice cream packaging design that tells your brand story

Great packaging offers a chance to express your brand identity and share the story behind your delicious product.

Think about:

Highlighting local ingredients or homemade recipes on a simple label or tag.
Choosing colours and design elements that reflect your brand personality - for example, bright colours for playful brands, or a minimalist design for a premium feel.
Using consistent typography and your logo across your entire range to build recognition.

Even small details, like a short sentence about your business’s values, can build a connection with customers.

Creative design elements to make your packaging stand out

If you want customers to notice your ice cream in a crowded market, consider how small design touches can set you apart.

Ideas to explore:

Eye-catching shapes or containers, like clear dome lids that showcase toppings or layered desserts.
Tubs with vibrant colours that signal flavour, such as strawberry pink or chocolate brown accents.
Simple stickers or wraparound bands that feature seasonal designs or limited-edition flavours.
Textures like matte finishes or subtle embossing, which feel more premium in the hand.

These details don’t require full custom packaging, but they can transform standard tubs into something memorable. This can also help your brand gain traction on social media hashtags as customers head to Instagram and TikTok to share their frozen treats with their followers.

Choosing the best ice cream packaging for quality and freshness

While design matters, the best ice cream packaging also keeps products in excellent condition from your freezer to the customer's hand.

Look for high-quality packaging that:

Resists freezer burn and protects texture.
Seals tightly to prevent leaks, to allow the customer to eat their ice cream tub on a warm day without it running down their arm.
Suits the different serving styles you offer, such as ice cream rolls, scoops and gelato.

Plastic containers and lined paper tubs remain a versatile choice for most shops, while clamshell containers can work well for sundaes and layered desserts.

If you’re planning to serve larger sharing tubs or take-home pints, ask your supplier to send you some samples so you can test a few options first to see how they perform in storage.

Practical touches that create a memorable experience

Customers notice the little things, especially when they’re eating ice cream on the go.

Consider:

Adding a small information card or label describing the flavour to your ice cream containers.
Using different container sizes so people can choose a portion that suits them.
Making sure the packaging is easy to hold, open and even reseal where necessary.
Including a recyclable spoon tucked neatly under the lid.

These types of details improve convenience and reinforce the sense that your product is special.

In a busy summer season, standing out means doing more than providing delicious ice cream. Whether you use minimalist design, vibrant colours or clever design elements, investing in thoughtful packaging will play an important role in capturing attention, securing sales and creating a lasting impression.

Browse iKrafts' full range of ice cream packaging options for your business.