There’s nothing like a creamy, ice-cold scoop of ice cream on a hot day. As the saying goes, “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!” Everyone has their preferred toppings and taste when indulging in a sweet treat. Some of the best ice cream flavors are loved by many and stand the test of time.
With warm summer weather, ice cream makes its way back into the routines of many Americans. In fact, a recent survey of 2,000 Americans has found that summer is the season that sees the most change to the typical routine, with 36 percent of respondents saying that more ice cream is implemented into their day-to-day life.
Another study found that 45 percent of people eat more ice cream in the summer than any other season. But that’s not to say that the rest of the year is devoid of the sweet frozen treat. A whopping 82 percent of respondents named ice cream as their number one favorite dessert, with 68 percent claiming to have ice cream in their freezer at all times.
Clearly, ice cream is a classic favorite dessert. With countless flavors, just about everyone can find one that suits their tastes. But still, not all flavors are created equal. Some rise above the rest, becoming a staple on the menu of every ice cream parlor and a regular at every birthday party. Here at StudyFinds, we took to the internet to hunt down the top five best ice cream flavors of all time, according to expert rankings. Take a look at our picks and let us know if you have a favorite we missed in the comments below!
The List: Best Ice Cream Flavors, According to Experts
1. Chocolate
It’s probably a safe guess that your favorite ice cream flavor has been chocolate at some point in your life. From the youngest child to the oldest adult, the flavor tops the list of favorites for countless people. As Parade puts it, “chocolate ice cream stands the test of time.”
Chocolate ice cream is not only the most popular flavor on our list, but it’s also the oldest. “If you think that the vanilla ice cream started it all, think again,” mentions Insanely Good Recipes. “Chocolate ice cream … actually came first.”
So, hats off to the first – and the best – ice cream flavor out there. And if you’re one of the few who aren’t convinced of its superiority, keep sampling! “From sumptuous milk chocolate to indulgent dark, there’s a chocolate ice cream for everyone,” reminds Restaurant Clicks.
2. Vanilla
The classics are classic for a reason, and there’s no flavor that proves such a sentiment more than vanilla. No matter how simple it may be, it’s a rare individual that would turn their nose at a creamy, delicious scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Insanely Good Recipes dubs vanilla “the most iconic ice cream flavor known to man.” And it’s hard to argue that any other flavor could deserve such a title. Vanilla ice cream can be paired with most any dessert, or enjoyed of its own merit.
“Vanilla actually has many layers, like the facets of a jewel,” Today states. “Still, it’s more fun to guild the orchid with mix-ins.” And there’s no shortage of mix-ins to choose from. “Whether you prefer your ice cream plain or topped with fudge, brownies, or cookies, vanilla is always a good place to start,” says Restaurant Clicks.
3. Cookies and Cream
Perhaps it should come as no surprise that one of America’s favorite cookies should land a starring role in one of its favorite ice cream flavors. Another example of a chocolate and vanilla pairing, our third pick is more proof that these flavors reign supreme.
“Think about all of the good things in life — they’re just enough, not over the top, and versatile. And that’s exactly how we’d describe cookies and cream flavored ice cream,” says Mashed. “This ice cream is just as fitting for an ice cream cake as it is on a cone. It’s a flavor that’s somehow really exciting yet nice and simple!”
Insanely Good Recipes credits the popularity of cookies and cream to its texture, saying, “aside from the luscious flavor, the lovely contrast of crisp cookies and thick ice cream makes it so phenomenal.” Today adds, “crunchy cookies stand up to the moisture in ice cream without dissolving like cake, but also without freezing into rocky, tooth-busting clods.”
4. Mint Chocolate Chip
This popular flavor is one you either love or hate. Nay-sayers claim it has a toothpaste-like flavor, while fans enjoy the combination of refreshing mint and decadent chocolate. “The taste bud tingling sweet mint compliments dark chocolate chunks, combining to form a frosty sweet most find hard to resist,” describes Restaurant Clicks.
The uniqueness of mint chocolate chip is what makes it so popular for those that love it. “Cool, crisp mint lightens heavy cream in a way that’s totally distinct from any other flavor on this list,” says Today, ranking the flavor second out of 31.
When it comes down to it, a taste for mint chocolate chip is probably something you either crave or detest. And that’s okay! Nothing is right for absolutely everyone. But for those who do love it, mint chocolate chip is an irresistible classic. As Parade says, “it’s heavenly, so long as you like your ice cream minty!”
5. Cookie Dough
Our list wouldn’t be complete without cookie dough. This flavor perfectly marries the guilty pleasure of unbaked cookie dough straight from the bowl with the refreshing creaminess of vanilla ice cream. Insanely Good Recipes says, “chocolate chip cookie dough is a nostalgic flavor that will bring fond childhood memories, minus the risk of getting Salmonella!”
Of course, not all cookie dough ice creams are created equal, and you must ensure the right balance of ice cream and cookie dough. “The best cookie dough ice cream doesn’t skimp on the good stuff. You should get a bit of the titular ingredient in every single bite,” Restaurant Clicks argues.
When the balance is right, this flavor is an undeniable delight. “It’s such a simple combination that’s somehow out of this world,” says Mashed. “Chocolate chip cookie dough is a confirmed hit, and if you aren’t convinced…well, that just leaves more for us.”
You might also be interested in:
- Best Ice Cream Brands
- Best Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream
- Best Candy Bars of All Time
- Best Valentine’s Day Candy
Sources:
- Parade
- Tasting Table
- Today
- Insanely Good Recipes
- Mashed
- Frozen Dessert Supplies
- Food Channel
- Dairy Herd
- Newsweek
- Restaurant Clicks
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links.
It’s interesting how the uniqueness of mint chocolate chip ice cream is what makes it so popular among those who love it, as it’s a flavor you either crave or detest. Speaking of cravings, I’ve been really wanting some homemade ice cream lately. Reading this amplified that so I should go look for a shop that sells the most delectable flavors!
Spumoni!
It’s amazing how the distinctiveness of mint chocolate chip ice cream—a taste you either love or hate—is what makes it so popular among fans. In relation to desires, I’ve recently been hankering after some artisan ice cream. After reading this, I was reminded of the need for me to find a store selling the most delicious tastes.