Salt & Straw has become a sensation in the ice cream world, known for its daring and inventive flavors that go beyond the typical vanilla and chocolate. What started as a small ice cream shop in Portland, Oregon, has grown into an influential brand that has created some of the most unique and delicious ice cream combinations imaginable. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Salt & Straw or you’re new to the brand, the variety of flavors can be both exciting and overwhelming.
In this article, we’ll rank the top Salt & Straw flavors based on their creativity, taste, and popularity. From fan-favorite seasonal offerings to the classic staples, we’ve tasted and ranked them to help you decide which flavors to try next. This guide will make your next trip to Salt & Straw a whole lot easier—and a lot tastier.
The Salt & Straw Phenomenon
Before we dive into the rankings, let’s take a quick look at what makes Salt & Straw stand out in the crowded world of ice cream. The brand was founded in 2011 by cousins Kim and Tyler Malek, who wanted to bring new, exciting flavors to the Portland ice cream scene. They drew inspiration from local, seasonal ingredients and their own creative flair to develop flavors that were unlike anything people had ever tasted before.
Salt & Straw’s signature flavor philosophy combines unexpected ingredients and culinary techniques with high-quality dairy. Whether it’s roasted strawberries paired with honeyed goat cheese or sea salt mixed into caramelized brown butter, the possibilities seem endless.
Each flavor is crafted to highlight the rich flavors of the ingredients while offering a unique experience in every bite. It’s this boldness that has earned Salt & Straw a loyal fanbase and continues to drive the brand’s growth.
The Criteria for Ranking Salt & Straw Flavors
When it comes to ranking Salt & Straw’s many ice cream flavors, we took several factors into consideration:
Taste: This is the most important factor. How well do the ingredients come together? Is the flavor balanced? Does it deliver an enjoyable experience in every bite?
Creativity: Salt & Straw is known for its unusual combinations. Do the flavors push the boundaries of what ice cream can be? Are they innovative and surprising?
Popularity: Some flavors become beloved classics, while others are seasonal or limited edition. We’ve taken the popularity of the flavors into account, as some combinations have earned a special place in the hearts of fans.
Now, let’s dive into the rankings.
10. Honey Lavender
First up on the list is the soothing and delicate Honey Lavender. This flavor is a perfect balance of sweet and floral, combining the richness of honey with the light floral notes of lavender. It’s a flavor that manages to be both refreshing and comforting, making it a great choice for those who prefer more subtle flavors.
While some might find the lavender flavor a bit too fragrant, Honey Lavender has earned a place as one of Salt & Straw’s most beloved options. The creamy ice cream base is smooth and indulgent, allowing the honey and lavender to shine without overwhelming the palate. It’s a flavor that’s perfect for spring or summer, offering a refreshing break from the heavier, more decadent options.
Why it made the list: The Honey Lavender flavor is a delicate balance of sweetness and floral elements, a great choice for those who prefer less traditional, but still delicious, ice cream options.
9. Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper
Strawberry and balsamic vinegar is a combination that you wouldn’t expect to find in ice cream, but Salt & Straw proves that it works beautifully with the Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper flavor. The tangy, acidic notes of balsamic vinegar perfectly complement the sweetness of ripe strawberries, creating a harmonious balance that’s both unexpected and delicious.
The addition of black pepper adds a surprising kick that elevates the flavor even further. It’s a flavor that’s both familiar and completely new, offering a sophisticated and complex tasting experience.
Why it made the list: The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy is a bold move that pays off, offering a rich and layered flavor experience.
8. Chocolate Gooey Brownie
For chocolate lovers, the Chocolate Gooey Brownie is a dream come true. This rich, indulgent flavor combines decadent chocolate ice cream with gooey chunks of brownie. The ice cream is creamy, while the brownies provide a delightful contrast in texture with their chewy, fudgy consistency.
The chocolate is deep and rich, making each bite a satisfying experience for anyone who craves something decadent and satisfying. It’s the perfect dessert for those days when you want something comforting and luxurious.
Why it made the list: It’s a classic flavor that delivers exactly what it promises: rich, creamy chocolate ice cream paired with indulgent brownie chunks.
7. Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons
The Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons flavor is a Salt & Straw classic, and for good reason. This combination of rich caramel ice cream with ribbons of salted caramel throughout is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The sea salt enhances the caramel, making it more complex and bringing out a deep, satisfying flavor in every bite.
It’s a simple flavor, but sometimes simplicity is the best. The salty-sweet combo is irresistible, and this flavor has become a favorite for many ice cream lovers.
Why it made the list: A classic that never goes out of style, the blend of sea salt and caramel is timeless and universally adored.
6. Cinnamon Snickerdoodle
For those who enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of fall, Cinnamon Snickerdoodle is a must-try. This flavor brings together the spicy warmth of cinnamon with the sweet, buttery taste of snickerdoodle cookies. The cinnamon flavor is robust, but not overpowering, while the ice cream itself has a smooth, creamy texture that complements the flavors perfectly.
The snickerdoodle cookie chunks add a nice texture contrast, giving you little bursts of sweetness and crunch. It’s a flavor that feels like a warm hug, making it perfect for cold weather or whenever you need a pick-me-up.
Why it made the list: The comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar, along with the textural contrast of cookie pieces, make this a favorite for anyone who loves cozy, spiced desserts.
5. Pear & Blue Cheese
If you’re looking for a flavor that pushes the boundaries of ice cream, Pear & Blue Cheese is the one for you. This flavor takes the sweetness of ripe pears and balances it with the bold, tangy notes of blue cheese. The result is an unexpected yet surprisingly delicious combination.
The creamy ice cream base helps soften the sharpness of the blue cheese, while the pear adds a fruity sweetness that complements the richness of the cheese. This flavor is a perfect example of Salt & Straw’s ability to think outside the box and create something truly unique.
Why it made the list: It’s one of the most daring and creative flavors from Salt & Straw, and its unexpected balance of sweet and savory makes it a standout.
4. Freckled Mint Tcho Chocolate Chip
Freckled Mint Tcho Chocolate Chip combines two beloved ingredients: mint and chocolate. What sets this flavor apart is the use of Tcho chocolate, which is known for its rich, high-quality taste. The mint ice cream is refreshing, while the chocolate chips add a satisfying crunch.
The freckled mint is perfectly balanced, offering a minty freshness without being too overpowering. The Tcho chocolate chips add a smooth, deep chocolate flavor that enhances the overall experience. This is a great choice for anyone who loves the classic mint-chocolate combination with a premium twist.
Why it made the list: The use of high-quality Tcho chocolate elevates this flavor, making it a standout option for mint and chocolate lovers.
3. Salted, Malted, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
For those who love cookie dough, the Salted, Malted, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough is an absolute treat. This flavor takes the classic chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream and adds a twist with malted milk and a touch of sea salt. The result is a richer, more complex flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory.
The cookie dough chunks are chewy and satisfying, while the malted milk gives the ice cream a unique, slightly nutty flavor. The sea salt brings out the sweetness of the dough and balances the richness of the chocolate chips.
Why it made the list: The combination of malted milk and sea salt elevates this classic ice cream flavor to new heights, making it a fan favorite.
2. Strawberry Sorbet with Coconut Milk
For a refreshing, dairy-free option, the Strawberry Sorbet with Coconut Milk is an excellent choice. This flavor combines the vibrant taste of fresh strawberries with the creamy, tropical notes of coconut milk. The result is a dairy-free sorbet that’s rich and smooth, yet light and refreshing.
The strawberry flavor is sweet and tangy, while the coconut milk adds a lush creaminess without being too heavy. It’s a perfect option for hot summer days or anyone who’s looking for a dairy-free indulgence.
Why it made the list: It’s a refreshing, dairy-free option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or creaminess.
1. Chocolate Caramel Potato Chip
Taking the top spot is the Chocolate Caramel Potato Chip flavor, a perfect combination of sweet and savory. The rich chocolate ice cream is paired with crunchy, salty potato chips and ribbons of caramel, creating a flavor profile that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
The saltiness of the potato chips adds a delightful crunch, balancing the sweetness of the chocolate and caramel. It’s a combination that might sound unusual at first, but it works surprisingly well, making it one of Salt & Straw’s most popular and distinctive flavors.
Why it made the list: The combination of salty, sweet, and crunchy makes this a standout flavor that keeps customers coming back for more.
Conclusion
Salt & Straw has built its reputation by consistently pushing the boundaries of ice cream, offering unique, bold flavors that surprise and delight. Whether you’re craving something comforting and familiar or you’re in the mood for something daring and new, Salt & Straw has a flavor for you.
The top flavors listed here represent a mix of creativity, balance, and indulgence, with each offering a one-of-a-kind experience. From the classic Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons to the daring Pear & Blue Cheese, Salt & Straw’s flavors never fail to impress.
No matter which flavor you choose, you’re in for a treat. So next time you’re at Salt & Straw, be sure to try one of these top picks—your taste buds will thank you.
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