Ice cream has long been a beloved treat for people of all ages, with a wide variety of flavors to suit every palate. From classic favorites like vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous options like blue moon and ube, the world of ice cream is constantly changing and evolving.
According to a recent survey conducted by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and Morning Consult, 97% of Americans either like or love ice cream. Vanilla emerged as the clear favorite, with 38% of respondents selecting it as their top flavor, followed closely by chocolate at 32%. Other popular choices included strawberry, butter pecan, and cookie dough. Despite the rise of niche flavor trends like plant-based and functional options, traditional flavors still dominate the market.
While classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate remain popular, Americans are also embracing more adventurous ice cream options. Flavors like blue moon, ube, and moose tracks have made their way into the top twenty list of most searched ice cream flavors in the US. Neapolitan ice cream, with its three distinct flavors in one container, leads the pack in terms of online search popularity.
Social media platforms like TikTok have also played a role in shaping ice cream trends. A surprising combination of vanilla ice cream drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt gained popularity after Grammy-winning singer Dua Lipa revealed it was her favorite way to enjoy ice cream. This unique flavor pairing quickly caught on, with brands like Halo Top Creamery even creating videos featuring the trend.
When looking at sales data from online grocery platform Instacart, vanilla emerges as the top-selling ice cream flavor. On Instacart, vanilla makes up 30% of all ice cream purchases, with 21 states favoring this classic flavor. Chocolate comes in as the second most popular flavor, preferred by 15 states on the East Coast. Mint chocolate chip leads in four states, while coffee ice cream is a favorite in four other states from Hawaii to Rhode Island.
Despite the rise of new and unique ice cream flavors, vanilla continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Americans. Whether enjoyed in a classic sundae, paired with a warm slice of pie, or simply savored on its own, vanilla ice cream is considered by many to be the most versatile and beloved flavor of all. Instacart’s Trends Expert, Laurentia Romaniuk, notes that the luscious vanilla flavor enhances a variety of desserts and holds the title of America’s favorite ice cream.
As National Ice Cream Month approaches, there’s no better time to indulge in your favorite flavor of ice cream. Whether you prefer classic vanilla, adventurous ube, or a trendy TikTok-inspired creation, there’s a flavor out there for everyone to enjoy. So, scoop up a cone, relax, and savor the sweet taste of this timeless treat.