It’s been claimed that Alaska consumes more ice cream per capita than any other state in the country. This is surprising information to many people, considering it’s the northernmost state and famous for snow and winter. Perhaps it’s Alaskans’ proximity to snow that makes them so fond of ice cream, or maybe they eat so much of it because the long, sunny summer days. Whatever the reason, the love is here to stay, and so are these incredible local flavors.
The Mint Chip
If this mint colored truck doesn’t make you come running, its ice cream flavors will. An Anchorage ice cream truck for adults and kids alike, The Mint Chip makes organic, handmade, small-batch ice cream and popsicles. Mint chip is the signature flavor, made with real mint grown in owner Laura Aubry’s garden, plus dark chocolate flecks. Other flavors feature ingredients like Alaska cherries, Alaska rhubarb, grapefruit and rosemary.
Wild Scoops
Wild Scoops is an Alaska “microcreamery” that showcases local products in its creative process. Popular flavors include Yukon gold, a mixture of sweet cream ice cream, handmade Alaska potato-chip toffee with a fudge swirl; spruce tip ice cream made from local spruce tips; and currants & cream, made with red currants from Birch Creek Ranch. Its ice cream can be found at local farmers markets in the summer months, and they have a few permanent ice cream freezers in Anchorage at La Bodega, a specialty wine, beer and spirits store, andSummit Spice & Tea Co., a haven for homemade tea and spice blends.
COPPA
COPPA is an ice cream shop and café in Juneau with an ever-evolving roster of flavors like smoked peach, lemony snicker doodle, apple cinnamon walnut and the classic Alaska rhubarb sorbet. The shop won of the Anchorage Economic Development Corp.’s 2014 Pitch on a Train competition, standing out for its savvy idea of adding a mobile location to cater to summer cruise ship passengers. Stop into the café for coffee, lunch or a snack, but don’t even think about leaving without some ice cream.
Akutaq
Sometimes known as Eskimo ice cream, akutaq isn’t really ice cream at all. In fact, it’s a traditional a mixture of fish, Crisco, sugar and Alaska berries. A favorite in the Alaska Native culture, the dish is creamy and delicious—some will whip this dish by hand for an hour to get the perfect fluffiness. The consistency of your akutaq is a great source of pride, and it’s a dearly loved recipe passed down to family members for years to come.
Next time you’re in Alaska, try a few of these exciting flavors and see why we eat more of ice cream than anyone else around.
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the fascinating world of ice cream, particularly in the context of Alaska. The claim that Alaska consumes more ice cream per capita than any other state might seem counterintuitive, given its northern location and association with snow and winter. However, this intriguing fact can be explained by the unique blend of cultural preferences and environmental factors in the state.
Firstly, let's explore the evidence behind this claim. Alaska's love for ice cream is supported by the presence of local establishments that have gained popularity for their unique and delicious offerings. The Mint Chip, an Anchorage-based ice cream truck, stands out for its organic, handmade, small-batch ice cream and popsicles. The signature flavor, Mint Chip, incorporates real mint from the owner's garden and dark chocolate flecks, providing a refreshing and locally inspired treat.
Wild Scoops, an Alaska "microcreamery," further reinforces the state's ice cream culture. This establishment showcases local products in its creative process, offering flavors like Yukon gold, spruce tip, and currants & cream. The use of regional ingredients adds a distinct Alaskan touch to their ice cream, contributing to the overall consumption patterns in the state.
COPPA, an ice cream shop and café in Juneau, expands the flavor palette with options like smoked peach, lemony snickerdoodle, and Alaska rhubarb sorbet. The shop's recognition in the Anchorage Economic Development Corp.'s 2014 Pitch on a Train competition underscores its commitment to innovation and quality, making it a notable player in Alaska's ice cream scene.
Akutaq, also known as Eskimo ice cream, adds a cultural dimension to Alaska's ice cream landscape. Despite not being a conventional ice cream, akutaq holds a special place in Alaska Native culture. This traditional mixture of fish, Crisco, sugar, and Alaska berries reflects a unique culinary heritage, emphasizing the diversity of frozen treats in the state.
In summary, the evidence supporting Alaska's high per capita ice cream consumption is grounded in the presence of local establishments like The Mint Chip, Wild Scoops, COPPA, and the cultural significance of dishes like akutaq. Whether inspired by local ingredients, innovative flavors, or traditional recipes, these elements contribute to Alaska's distinct and thriving ice cream culture, making it a must-try experience for visitors.
