By Amelia Jewett ’27
Summer: a time marked by days spent on sandy beaches, lounging by the pool, and, of course, the delicious taste of a creamy ice cream cone. Ice cream, a treat enjoyed by 97% of Americans, has developed to become a large part of our American culture. The flavors are endless, and differing varieties have begun to emerge as the dessert gains popularity. Have you ever wondered how Americans prefer their sweet treat? What flavor or container proves to be the most popular?
When we think of ice cream, our prototype often jumps to a classic vanilla or Neapolitan cone. Even with this picture in our heads, it’s hard to think of vanilla as the most ordered flavor because, really, what’s more basic than pulling up to an ice cream parlor and ordering vanilla? I often witness people purchasing the more complex flavors such as double fudge brownie, black cow, or caramel peanut butter swirl. You may be surprised to learn that, based on the International Dairy Food Association, Ice Cream and Frozen Novelty Trends Survey (2024), Vanilla takes the number one spot as Americans’ #1 favorite flavor. The survey asked over 2,200 American adults to rate their ice cream preferences, including their top 5 flavors. Vanilla was followed by Chocolate, Strawberry, Butter Pecan, and then Cookie Dough. So why is vanilla still the universal favorite? One theory has to do with the smell. If you have ever used vanilla extract, you know how enticing even the faintest hint can be. One study suggests that under the natural conditions of breastfeeding, flavors from a mother’s diet can be transferred through their milk, and therefore, early flavor experiences can influence our preferences early on. An additional factor is that when we believe a smell to be “sweet”, it often ends up tasting sweeter to our brains.
In terms of toppings, hot fudge takes the lead, followed closely by whipped cream and caramel sauce. Waffle cones are also victorious as the container for your dessert, with 29% of votes, and right behind is a bowl at 27%. Not only does what you’re eating matter, but so does the where. While chain ice cream locations such as Dairy Queen and Ben & Jerry’s are known and widely loved, many individuals take comfort in their local parlor, which tends to become the hub for town social activity. We also must not forget the other various forms of frozen treats. The options don’t stop at your simple cone; many take pleasure in the perfect ice cream sandwich, the texture of gelato, or the dairy-free choice of sherbet. But in the end, no matter where you get it from, what the flavor is, or your method of eating the treat, everyone can still agree on one fact: their undying love for ice cream.
Sources:
https://www.idfa.org/resources/ice-cream-frozen-novelty-trends-survey-may-2024
https://www.bluepacificflavors.com/december-flavor-of-the-month-vanilla/
