It’s an official Ice Cream Season. Warmer weather is just around the corner. It’s an iconic dessert that many love; it’s clear whether it’s childhood memories of running to the ice cream truck at the corner shop or dates with ice cream in between. Americans love ice cream so much that we consume it. Studies show that America has spoken and that classic flavors still reign supreme.
Chocolate ice cream
It shouldn’t be a surprise that chocolate is America’s top-selling ice cream flavor. It doesn’t matter if you like your chocolate soft or hard; it’s a classic that has stood the test of time. As we all know, chocolate is made from cocoa, a tree. This makes chocolate ice cream a plant.
Vanilla ice cream
Vanilla is the second most popular flavor, which may surprise some because it’s such an easy flavor. Vanilla is a versatile flavor that can be used in many different ways, even though it may seem simple. Vanilla is versatile and can be used with any topping.
Strawberry Ice Cream
Strawberry ice cream is a classic flavor that’s not boring. Strawberry may look a bit boring compared to other topping-loaded ice cream flavors, but strawberry lovers know its simplicity at its best. Also, it’s pink.
Mint chocolate chips ice cream
Mint chocolate chips are one of those flavors you either love or hate. This ice cream flavor is loved by many, regardless of whether you call it mint chocolate chips, mint chip, or peppermint bonbon. Why? This frozen treat has all you can want: sweet, chocolaty indulgence and a refreshing mint flavor.
Butter pecan butter ice cream
It may surprise you that butter pecan is a favorite, but it’s not. You can’t go wrong with the rich buttery notes and sweet vanilla flavors of butter pecan.
Trends within the Ice Cream World
Move on, vanilla and chocolate. We’ve changed (JK, we will always love you). We will always cherish the top five ice cream flavors, but we must admit that sometimes it is fun to try new flavors. What’s the scoop about ice cream innovation?
International ice cream flavors
People have chosen to travel with their taste buds, as the pandemic has restricted where they can travel. Studies have shown that 64% of Americans want to try ice creams from other countries. Over the next few months, you can expect to see ice cream brands and specialty shops start to offer internationally-inspired flavors, such as dulce de leche, mango salsa, mango chili and churro. Some of the most popular ice cream flavors are inspired by South Asian beverages such as green tea, matcha, chai and mango lassi.
Healthier ice cream
Healthy ice cream seems like an absurdity, right? The world of healthy (yes, you read that right!) ice cream is thriving; it’s true. Ice cream companies use more organic and wholesome ingredients to create healthier flavors. To make their delicious flavors more accessible, brands such as Halo Top or Ben & Jerry’s are adding dairy-free and lactose-free ice creams to their product lines. Other ice cream brands also explore exotic flavors such as passion fruit, lilac, or floral (think lavender or lilac).
Nostalgic Ice Cream flavors
We’re all searching for comfort in these turbulent times, so nostalgic food and beverages are back. Although ice cream is comfort food, brands can add nostalgic flavors to make it even more appealing.
These new creations include breakfast-inspired flavors like French toast, pancake, and everything bagel. Other ice cream companies have begun to offer oatmeal cookie-based flavors, including marshmallows, cereal, pretzels, and chips.