Warmer weather is around the corner, which means it’s officially ice cream season. Whether it’s memories of chasing the neighborhood ice cream truck or movie dates with ice cream to follow, there’s no doubt that it’s a much loved dessert. Americans love ice cream so much that we consume 1.6 billion gallons of it each year (about 23 pounds per person). If you’ve ever wondered which hot new blends and ice cream flavors are trending, you’re in luck because we’ve got the scoop.
Top 5 ice cream flavors
According to recent studies, America has spoken, and it’s clear that classic flavors reign supreme.
1. Chocolate ice cream
It’s not much of a surprise that chocolate ranks as America’s number one ice cream flavor. Whether you prefer your chocolate hard or soft, it’s a tried and true classic that can obviously withstand the test of time. Plus, as we all know, chocolate comes from cocoa, which is a tree. That makes it a plant, which basically makes chocolate ice cream a salad. Right?
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2. Vanilla ice cream
The fact that vanilla is ranked as the second favorite flavor may come as a surprise to some (since it’s such a basic flavor). If you think about it, while vanilla may seem basic, it’s very versatile. Not only does it complement a ton of different dishes, but it goes well with almost any topping.
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3. Strawberry ice cream
Strawberry ice cream is a classic flavor that is far from bland. Compared to some of the topping-loaded ice cream flavors, strawberry may seem a little boring, but strawberry fans know that it’s just simplicity shining in its most beautiful form. Also, it’s pink.
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4. Mint chocolate chip ice cream
Mint chocolate chip is one of those flavors that you either love or hate. Whether you call it mint chocolate chip, mint chip or peppermint bon bon, this ice cream flavor has some dedicated fans. Why? It truly has everything you could want in a frozen treat: sweet, chocolatey indulgence paired with the refreshing flavor of mint.
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5. Butter pecan ice cream
Now, butter pecan may come as a surprise, but it’s one of the favorites for a reason. Between the nutty notes of pecan with rich butter and that hint of sweet vanilla, you cannot go wrong.
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Trends in the ice cream world
Step aside, chocolate and vanilla. We’ve moved on (JK, we’ll always love you). While the top five ice cream flavors will always hold a special place in our hearts, we must admit that it’s fun to mix things up once in a while. So, what’s the scoop on ice cream innovation?
Global ice cream flavors
Since the pandemic has limited where we can travel, people have opted to travel with their taste buds instead. Studies show that 64% of U.S. consumers want to explore ice cream flavors from other cultures. 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. Other trending ice cream flavors have been inspired by South Asian beverages like chai, mango lassi, green tea and matcha.
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Healthier ice cream
Healthy ice cream sort of seems like an oxymoron, right? Well, believe it or not, the world of healthy (yes, you read that right) ice cream is flourishing. Ice cream brands are adding more organic, wholesome ingredients to develop healthier flavors. Brands, such as Halo Top and Ben & Jerry’s, are adding dairy- and lactose-free ice cream to their rosters to make their tasty flavors available to everyone. Other ice cream brands are starting to experiment with unique ice cream flavors like floral (think lavender or lilac) or exotic (think passion fruit and agave).
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Nostalgic ice cream flavors
Nostalgic food and drinks are making a comeback, especially since we’re all looking for an extra bit of comfort during these crazy times. Ice cream is already at the top of the comfort food charts, but when brands add in nostalgic flavors, they can deliver a bit more TLC.
Some of these new inventions include breakfast-inspired flavors, such as French toast, pancake and everything bagel. Other ice cream brands have started to offer oatmeal cookie-based ice cream as well as flavors that incorporate marshmallow, cereal, pretzels and chips.
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Savory ice cream flavor options
Salty and sweet is the ultimate combination. Ice cream brands are now adding savory flavors to their menus. From wine-infused frozen treats to chocolate ice cream with a cayenne kick, there are endless options when it comes to savory ice cream flavors. Some of the popular savory ice cream trends include olive oil, smoke (like burnt marshmallow or charred banana), and even salt and pepper.
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Best ice cream toppings
Ice cream is already delicious, but adding some toppings can make vanilla, well, not so vanilla-y. Even though studies show that the top three ice cream toppings in the U.S. are hot fudge, caramel and sprinkles, there really is no right or wrong answer when it comes to which toppings are best. The possibilities are both delicious and endless. You can go with some classic ice cream toppings like whipped cream and a cherry. Or you can go crazy with some more decadent options like syrup, cookie dough, cookies, cereal or your favorite candy.
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If you’re ever feeling adventurous, you can make your own homemade ice cream. If that doesn’t work out, you can always order your favorite ice cream flavors and toppings from Gopuff.
Do you have the Gopuff app yet? Download it from the Apple Store or Google Play to make ordering even easier.
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As an avid ice cream enthusiast with a deep understanding of the industry, I can confidently share insights into the fascinating world of frozen delights. My passion for ice cream extends beyond casual consumption, delving into trends, flavors, and innovations that shape this beloved dessert landscape. Let's dive into the concepts presented in the article:
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Top 5 Ice Cream Flavors:
- Chocolate Ice Cream: The article rightly highlights chocolate as America's favorite ice cream flavor, emphasizing its timeless appeal and the playful notion that it could be considered a salad due to cocoa's plant origin.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Despite its basic reputation, vanilla secures the second spot, celebrated for its versatility and compatibility with various toppings and dishes.
- Strawberry Ice Cream: Described as a classic flavor with simplicity as its charm, strawberry ice cream stands out for its delightful pink hue and genuine appeal.
- Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: This flavor is acknowledged for its divisive nature—loved by some and disliked by others. The article attributes its popularity to the harmonious combination of sweet chocolate and refreshing mint.
- Butter Pecan Ice Cream: Surprising to some, butter pecan is praised for its rich, nutty notes, sweet vanilla undertones, and overall irresistible flavor.
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Trends in the Ice Cream World:
- Global Ice Cream Flavors: The article notes a shift towards exploring international flavors, reflecting a desire to travel through taste. Examples include dulce de leche, mango salsa, mango chili, churro, and South Asian-inspired flavors like chai, mango lassi, green tea, and matcha.
- Healthier Ice Cream: Contrary to the traditional perception of ice cream, healthier options are gaining popularity. Brands incorporate organic, wholesome ingredients, and some introduce dairy- and lactose-free variants. Unique flavors like lavender or passion fruit are emerging.
- Nostalgic Ice Cream Flavors: Nostalgia plays a role in the resurgence of comfort foods, with ice cream brands introducing breakfast-inspired flavors (French toast, pancake, everything bagel) and incorporating nostalgic elements like oatmeal cookie, marshmallow, cereal, pretzels, and chips.
- Savory Ice Cream Flavor Options: A trend towards combining salty and sweet results in the introduction of savory ice cream flavors. Examples include wine-infused treats, chocolate with a cayenne kick, and unconventional options like olive oil, burnt marshmallow, charred banana, and salt and pepper.
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Best Ice Cream Toppings:
- The article mentions popular U.S. ice cream toppings such as hot fudge, caramel, and sprinkles. However, it emphasizes the subjective nature of toppings, encouraging creativity with options like whipped cream, cherries, syrup, cookie dough, cookies, cereal, and various candies.
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Homemade Ice Cream and Ordering:
- For those feeling adventurous, making homemade ice cream is suggested as a fun endeavor. Alternatively, readers are encouraged to explore a convenient option by ordering their favorite ice cream flavors and toppings through the Gopuff app.
With this comprehensive overview, I aim to provide a deeper appreciation for the diverse and ever-evolving world of ice cream, showcasing the richness of flavors, trends, and creative possibilities within the realm of this cherished dessert.
