As July marks National Ice Cream Month and July 21 celebrates National Ice Cream Day, Americans have even more reason to indulge in their favorite frozen treats. New data from Square highlights the evolving preferences for this iconic dessert, revealing the year’s fastest-growing ice cream trends and regional favorites.
Trendiest Flavors of the Year
The report identified the five ice cream flavors with the highest year-over-year sales growth between 2018 and 2019: horchata, “unicorn,” sesame, salted caramel, and whiskey.
Topping the list is horchata, a flavor inspired by the traditional Latin American drink made with rice milk and cinnamon. Horchata sales surged by 257%, reflecting the flavor’s growing appeal across the U.S.
“This increased awareness of horchata ties into how Mexican culture is being embraced more widely,” said Fany Gerson, founder of La Newyorkina, a New York City ice cream shop. She added, “Plus, it’s delicious.”
Meanwhile, unicorn-flavored ice cream, featuring vibrant colors and rich, creamy textures, has seen a 100% increase in sales. Its popularity aligns with the cultural buzz surrounding Starbucks’ 2017 Unicorn Frappuccino launch and the enduring enthusiasm of My Little Pony fans, or “Bronies.” In Nevada, unicorn has become the state’s top ice cream flavor, with Creamberry in Las Vegas gaining Instagram fame for its whimsical cotton candy-inspired creations.
Other trending flavors include sesame, which saw an 86% sales increase, salted caramel at 77%, and whiskey at 58%.
Declining Favorites and a Shift in Habits
While some flavors rise in popularity, others are losing favor. Hazelnut, bacon, and honey saw notable declines in sales, according to the report.
Interestingly, traditional cones are regaining popularity over cups, and vegan ice cream continues to gain traction, driven by health-conscious consumers. Vegan options, made with coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk, or sorbet, have seen sales soar by 220% from 2015 to 2018, with continued growth expected.
Even pets are joining the ice cream craze. Dog-friendly frozen treats have become more popular, with sales increasing by 55% between 2017 and 2018.
Top Ice Cream States and Consumer Habits
Vermont, home to Ben & Jerry’s, leads the nation in per capita ice cream consumption. Following Vermont are Oregon, Hawaii, Montana, and Washington, D.C.
The report also revealed peak ice cream times: weekends see the highest demand, particularly at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
As Americans savor their scoops this National Ice Cream Month, these trends highlight the evolving tastes and cultural influences shaping the nation’s love for this timeless treat.
You Might Be Interested In:
