Wherever you go on this planet, there is bound to be some version of ice cream. Whether you grab a lemon gelato in Italy, a stick of butterscotch kulfi in Nepal, or a cinnamon paleta bar in Mexico, ice cream is a ubiquitous treat enjoyed across cultures. However, it seems that North Americans tend to stick to their loyal flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and cookies ‘n’ cream, according to the International Dairy Foods Association. We seem to like our waffle cones and half gallons filled with the familiar flavors that we love.
Nevertheless, the world of ice cream is not immune to change. Like any other culinary domain, it is evolving. In recent years, food editors have noted an explosion of innovative flavor combinations, unusual ingredients, and novel presentations from ice cream makers, both big and small. The ice cream industry is undergoing a transformation, pushing boundaries, and challenging the traditional notions of what ice cream can be.
With unique flavors like kimchi grilled cheese and lahmacun pizza popping up, it is evident that the ice cream industry is spicing things up, offering new, intriguing flavor combinations to tickle our taste buds. From unusual ingredients such as lavender and bacon to beer, ice cream makers are experimenting, pushing the boundaries of traditional ice cream flavors, and bringing excitement to our palates.
It’s refreshing to see the creative ways in which the ice cream makers are elevating a classic treat, bringing new life to it with each unique flavor twist. Whether you’re a fan of traditional ice cream, or you’re venturing out to explore new tastes, one thing is for sure: the ice cream industry is booming, and there is something for everyone to enjoy during the upcoming warm summer months.
Ice cream makers have been experimenting with unique and unconventional flavors to excite the taste buds of their customers. In an era where we have seen a lot of new trends in the food industry, ice cream makers have been quick to hop on board. They are using ingredients that were once considered unconventional in traditional ice cream-making techniques, such as floral ingredients like rose, orange blossom, lavender, and jasmine, and herbal notes like saffron and tarragon. The demand for unusual combos of savory and sweet is also on the rise.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream has been leading the way by introducing an “Everything Bagel” flavor, featuring cream cheese ice cream with everything bagel gravel. This unusual and savory flavor is just one example of the innovative and exciting ice cream flavors making their way into mainstream dessert menus.
Even major brands such as Hidden Valley and Van Leeuwen came together this spring to collaborate on a ranch-dressing-flavored ice cream. The result? A unique and mind-blowing flavor that certainly pushes the boundaries of traditional ice cream flavors.
New citrus flavors such as calamansi, kumquat, and mandarin have also been making their way onto dessert menus. Artisan ice cream companies like Big Spoon Creamery in Birmingham, Alabama, have been incorporating citrus flavors into their ice cream offerings that go beyond the traditional lemon, orange, and lime. The Key Lime Yuzu Pie flavor is just one example of such experimental ice cream flavors that have been gaining popularity in recent years.
In conclusion, the ice cream industry is becoming more exploratory. Many ice cream makers are thinking outside of the box and using a variety of ingredients never thought possible for ice cream flavors. This culinary innovation is sure to bring a fresh wave of excitement and anticipation to the traditional summer dessert menu.
One ice creamery that Taylor Ann Spencer, the Assistant Food Editor at Delish.com, highlights is Salt & Straw based in Oregon. They are known for their unique and mouth-watering ice cream combos like Pistachio with Saffron and Hibiscus and Coconut. They take traditional flavors and add an unexpected twist, making them the perfect treat for those who want to explore new taste sensations.
Salt & Straw also offers ice cream flavors that are comforting and awe-inspiring at the same time. The Jasmine Milk Tea with chocolate-coated almond slivers is a fan favorite and offers a cozy and relaxing sensation with every bite. The Rhubarb Crumble with Toasted Anise is another exciting flavor that brings a unique taste experience to the dessert table.
With so many new and inventive flavors being introduced by creative ice cream makers, dessert enthusiasts have a vast array of exciting flavors and combinations to explore. The possibilities are endless, and the ice cream industry continues to push new boundaries, making it a creative and dynamic field that’s exciting for the dessert lover in everyone.
Tyler Malek, the co-founder of Salt & Straw, explained that they are passionate about partnering with chefs and makers to create and communicate cultural stories through ice cream. They believe that these collaborations can bring a unique and different perspective to the ice cream industry.
In one regional collaboration, Salt & Straw partnered with Panther Coffee based in Florida to create Coffee Chocolate Tres Leches ice cream, a flavor that was unveiled at Panther’s Miami store before becoming available nationwide through Salt & Straw’s website.
Tyler Malek’s Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper ice cream is one of his favorites, as it offers a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and tangy. To make this flavor, Malek collaborated with a local beekeeper who developed the honey balsamic vinegar, which, when combined with Oregon strawberries, allowed the flavor of the fruit to shine through.
These creative collaborations aren’t just about trying new flavors but also about supporting local businesses and showcasing the unique ingredients and skills found in different regions. The ice cream industry continues to grow and evolve, with many exciting new flavors and collaborations on the horizon.
Salt & Straw is a company that never ceases to amaze with its inventive ice cream flavors. Their Thanksgiving lineup is no exception, with the inclusion of flavors like turkey bacon, buttery brittle, and jammy cranberry sauce. These unique flavors are combined to create a five-course feast of ice creams, making it the perfect treat for the holiday season.
The turkey bacon flavor is an adventurous combination of salty, savory bacon and creamy, sweet ice cream. The buttery brittle flavor adds a crunchy texture to the smooth ice cream, with its caramelized, buttery goodness. The jammy cranberry sauce flavor creates a tart and sweet balance, making it the perfect complement to a Thanksgiving meal.
Salt & Straw’s Thanksgiving lineup is a testament to their commitment to culinary innovation. The flavors are not only unique but also reminiscent of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. They are a great way to celebrate the holiday season and add an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.
Fortune’s Ice Cream shop, located in Tivoli, New York, is another example of an ice cream shop that is pushing the boundaries of traditional ice cream. Co-founders Brian Ackley and his wife Lisa offer unique flavors like Halva Honeycomb and Olive Oil Satsuma, both of which are non-dairy. Brian wanted to create creamy textures without using traditional ingredients like coconut cream or neutral oils. The result? Unconventional but delicious flavors born from a passion for experimentation.
Halva Honeycomb is a Middle Eastern sesame candy-based flavor that uses tahini and oat milk for the halva taste. Olive Oil Satsuma combines almond milk with extra virgin olive oil for a citrusy, refreshing taste. Lisa’s Persian heritage inspired the couple to create a Labne Sour Cherry ice cream, using black cherries sourced from local Hudson Valley orchards. The labne adds a tangy element, similar to Greek yogurt.
Texture in ice cream is also an essential aspect of the modern ice cream experience. Modern ice cream makers, like Brian and Lisa at Fortune’s Ice Cream shop, continuously experiment with ingredients and techniques to perfect the texture of their ice cream flavors. This experimentation results in unique flavors with modern and innovative textures that keep customers coming back for more.
Ice cream makers are continuously coming up with new ways to innovate, experiment, and surprise their customers. Brian Ackley, the co-founder of Fortune’s Ice Cream shop in Tivoli, New York, offers unique flavors like Cider Donut, which features whole donuts blended into the base, and green apple sorbet made from whole fresh apples. His focus on flavor and texture combinations allows him to create flavors that capture the essence of their ingredients and elevate the ice cream experience.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams has also gotten on the trend of unique flavors with their Ted Lasso-inspired ice cream called Biscuits with the Boss, featuring shortbread cookies inside. Social media platform TikTok has also seen some fun ice cream “hacks” like sweetened frozen blended cottage cheese for an alternative take on ice cream. Another fun trend is ice cream wrapped in a fruit roll-up, which despite being gimmicky and messy, has garnered millions of views and shows there’s no limit to ice cream experimentation.
Non-dairy ice creams are also evolving to meet the growing demand for plant-based options. These vegan and plant-based options are getting better and creamier, offering a broader range of flavors that cater to diverse dietary preferences and lifestyles. The ice cream industry continues to evolve and expand, and there’s no end in sight for the innovative and exciting flavors that will emerge in the future.
Soft serve ice cream is also undergoing changes. Morgenstern’s in New York City has recently opened Morgenstern’s Bananas, a dairy-free soft serve outlet, and Seattle-based Frankie & Jo’s is also offering a plant-based version of the treat. According to Spencer, coconut milk ice cream has been popular for the last five years, but oat milk ice cream is now trending due to the rise of oat milk as an alternative to dairy. Brands are also experimenting with new alt-milks like macadamia nut milk in their ice cream flavors.
Familiar brands in grocery stores have also been expanding their ice cream offerings, introducing new flavors and formats. Baskin Robbins’ Triple Mango Ice Cream features real mango, mango sorbet, and mango ribbons swirled together in a pint. Ben and Jerry’s has introduced pint slices – chocolate-coated ice cream bars. Entenmann’s has also launched an ice cream sandwich line that is inspired by some of their baked goods like chocolate chip cookies and glazed donuts. The ice cream industry continues to innovate and offer something new and exciting for every palate.