India’s summer consumption patterns are becoming increasingly predictable, with ice cream orders peaking sharply at 9 PM across cities, according to Swiggy Instamart’s Summer Trends 2026 report released on April 29.
The data reveals a consistent nationwide trend where post-dinner hours dominate demand. Orders for ice cream more than double between 6 PM and 9 PM, with weekends witnessing an even sharper spike. Family-sized tubs lead purchases, followed by cones, sticks, cups, and kulfi, indicating planned, shared consumption. Chocolate remains the most preferred flavour, accounting for 28% of total orders.
Rising temperatures in March and April have significantly influenced buying behaviour, with overall orders across summer categories—including mangoes, cold beverages, and frozen desserts—surging up to 300% week-on-week.
Despite the evening dominance of ice cream, curd continues to be the most ordered item across the day, ranking ahead of both soft drinks and frozen desserts. Six of the top ten products in summer baskets are curd-based, highlighting a strong consumer preference for traditional cooling foods. Fresh fruits such as watermelon and muskmelon are also seeing increased traction.
Bengaluru leads national ice cream consumption, contributing 14% of total demand, followed by major urban centres like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata. However, smaller cities, including Central Goa, Thrissur, Thiruvalla, Nagercoil, and Manipal, report higher per-user ordering rates, pointing to deeper engagement beyond metros.
Mango consumption has also expanded beyond metro markets. Sindhu mango is currently the most ordered variety, followed by Banganapalli and raw mangoes. Tier-2 cities are driving growth, with Kozhikode recording a 358% surge and Madurai 231%, alongside strong momentum in Trichy, Visakhapatnam, and Nellore.
The report notes a shift in beverage choices, with jeera masala soda registering a 900% month-on-month jump in March and cold coffee growing nearly 700%. Traditional drinks such as coconut water, buttermilk, lassi, and milkshakes also saw increased demand, with consumption patterns again peaking in the evening hours.
Consumers are also spending more per order. High-value carts—exceeding ₹10,000—were recorded in cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, featuring a mix of beverages, fruits, frozen desserts and cooling appliances. Categories like fans and air coolers grew over 280%, while sunglasses recorded a 650% year-on-year increase.
While broad trends remain consistent, regional tastes continue to shape consumption. Buttermilk leads in Delhi and Lucknow, lassi dominates in Chandigarh, while fruit baskets are more popular in Bengaluru and Mumbai. Cities like Chennai and Kochi show a stronger preference for muskmelon and watermelon, while Hyderabad and Pune exhibit a balanced mix of fruits, curd, and beverages.
The findings highlight a routinised consumption pattern, with the 9 PM ice cream spike emerging as the most consistent behavioral trend across India’s summer shopping landscape.