Exploring the Evolving World of Ice Cream: New Flavors, Ingredients, and Presentations
Key Highlights :
The world of ice cream is constantly evolving, with new flavor combinations, unexpected ingredients, and creative presentations from small and large ice cream makers alike. From floral flavors like rose and lavender, to savory-sweet combinations like Van Leeuwen and Hidden Valley’s ranch-dressing-flavored ice cream, the possibilities are seemingly endless.
In Italy, you can find lemon gelato, in Nepal butterscotch kulfi, and in Mexico, cinnamon paleta bars. In Seoul, a popular treat is a “J”-shaped puffed corn cone filled with soft ice cream. North Americans tend to be loyal to chocolate, vanilla, and cookies ‘n’ cream, but ice cream makers are embracing an international pantry.
For instance, Big Spoon Creamery in Birmingham, Alabama has a Key Lime Yuzu Pie flavor, and Oregon-based ice creamery Salt & Straw has flavors like Pistachio with Saffron and Hibiscus and Coconut. Tyler Malek, who co-founded Salt & Straw with his cousin Kim Malek, says they enjoy partnering with chefs and makers to tell cultural stories through ice cream.
In addition to unusual flavor combinations, ice cream makers are also experimenting with texture. For instance, Salt & Straw’s Cider Donut flavor has whole donuts blended into the base, and in Tivoli, New York, Fortune’s Ice Cream shop offers Halva Honeycomb, based on Middle Eastern sesame candy.
Non-dairy ice cream is also becoming more popular, with plant-based options that are creamy and flavorful. For instance, Morgenstern’s Bananas in New York City offers dairy-free soft serve, and Seattle-based plant-based ice cream shop Frankie & Jo’s also offers soft serve. Coconut milk ice cream has been popular for the last five years, but with the rise of oat milk as an alternative, oat milk ice cream is now trending.
Grocery store shoppers are also encountering new ice cream flavors and formats from familiar brands. For instance, Baskin Robbins has pints of Triple Mango Ice Cream, Ben and Jerry’s has introduced chocolate-coated ice cream bars called pint slices, and Entenmann’s has launched an ice cream sandwich line.
The world of ice cream is ever-changing, and with so many possibilities, it’s no wonder that ice cream makers are always looking for new and creative ways to present their delicious treats. From floral flavors to savory-sweet combinations to unusual texture hacks, the world of ice cream is sure to keep evolving for years to come.
