LOS ANGELES, Calif. — When it comes to ice cream, few states can rival California’s appetite or influence. While traditional dairy powerhouses like Wisconsin and New York might seem like top contenders, it’s actually the Golden State that consumes the most ice cream by volume in the United States — and produces the most of it, too.
Known for its warm climate and creative culinary scene, California has long held a special place in America’s ice cream history. The state is credited with inventing the hot fudge sundae in Hollywood in 1906 and holds the record for the world’s largest ice cream sundae: a 12-foot-tall dessert weighing nearly 5,000 pounds.
California’s love for ice cream extends beyond quantity. The state’s most popular flavor is Rocky Road, a flavor with roots in Oakland, named in the wake of the 1929 stock market crash to lift spirits during difficult times. Chocolate, Neapolitan, cookie dough, and coconut also rank high on the list of local favorites. Adventurous Californians are even known to elevate their scoops with unique additions, such as a sprinkle of espresso grounds on top of Rocky Road for an added kick.
A State of Scoop Shops and Signature Flavors
California is home to more than 4,000 ice cream shops, each contributing to the state’s reputation as a dessert haven. One standout is Wanderlust Creamery, with multiple locations across Southern California. Their globally inspired menu draws from the founders’ childhood memories and travels, offering flavors such as vegan sticky rice and mango, black sesame cookies and cream, and pandan tres leches.
Just outside of Los Angeles, Fosselman’s Ice Cream Company, a family-run business operating since 1919, remains a cornerstone of California’s ice cream heritage. For over a century, Fosselman’s has crafted both traditional and globally influenced flavors, including ube, lychee, and Mexican chocolate — a reflection of the region’s diverse communities.
Further north in the Central Valley, Superior Dairy in Hanford continues to serve massive 3½-pound sundaes in nostalgic goblets. Open since 1929, the shop has become a local legend and a symbol of enduring small-town charm.
And in Gilroy — best known as the Garlic Capital of the World — ice cream lovers can sample garlic ice cream, a savory-sweet delicacy made with locally sourced garlic, blending California’s agricultural roots with its spirit of culinary adventure.
A Legacy of Flavor and Innovation
California’s ice cream scene is not just about indulgence — it’s about legacy, creativity, and community. From century-old family parlors to modern creameries with global flair, the state continues to set the pace for ice cream innovation and consumption in the U.S.
Whether it’s a traditional scoop of chocolate or a bold blend like pandan tres leches, one thing is certain: California knows how to keep things cool — one cone at a time.
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