Yelp has released its second annual Top 100 U.S. Ice Cream Shops list in anticipation of National Ice Cream Day. They've rounded up the absolute best ice cream places in the country based on customer reviews and ratings. These places are all about pushing the boundaries with unique flavors, crazy toppings, and fun ways to enjoy your favorite frozen treats, whether it's in cones, cups, sandwiches, or even wacky containers.
Florida had several shops on the list. And sitting in the number 2 spot is Let's Chill Homemade Ice Cream, Coral Springs. According to Yelp, this place has "Out of this world" artisanal ice cream, including flavors mixed with name-brand cookies.
The shop goes the extra mile to accommodate various dietary restrictions. One reviewer (Alex R.) praised the dairy-free options, such as chocolate, coconut, and pineapple, for being "amazing and creamy." Meanwhile, another Yelp reviewer Leah A. highlights the shop's extensive selection of gluten-free ice cream flavors, expressing her gratitude for the thoughtful inclusion. She enthusiastically stated, "That meant SOOOO much to me!"
Florida has quite a few spots that made it onto the list. Sanibel's Joey's Custard takes the 12th spot, offering a range of treats. Sweet Aloha Ice Cream in Davie is number 19. Orlando's Ginther's Swirls Ice Cream is at number 24. Meanwhile, The Magic Cow in Davie landed at 29. In Lutz, Dreammm Shop is number 34. Miramar's Cleveland's Old Fashioned Ice Cream secures the 40th position. Orlando's Sampaguita is at number 63. Lastly, Coral Springs' Cherry Smash claims the 87th spot with its creative concoctions.
This year's ice cream trends.
The popular review platform has discovered some ice cream trends for this year. Their latest list reveals that the flavors inspired by Southeast Asia have become incredibly popular. Ice cream shops like Tricycle Ice Cream in Providence, Rhode Island (ranked #7), and Mitchell's Ice Cream in San Francisco, California (ranked #10), have jumped on board the trend by introducing unique flavors such as ube (purple yam) and other flavors from the Philippines to their menus.
This year's ice cream shops are getting super creative with their offerings, catering to a variety of dietary preferences. They're not just serving up regular ice cream, but also whipping up vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options. Here are some of the hotspots that made Yelp's list. Topping the charts at #1 is Coneflower Creamery in Omaha, Nebraska. According to the site, the pastry-chef owners there are crafting artisanal vegan flavors with an option of gluten-free waffle cones.
Meanwhile, there's a Mexican trend taking over the ice cream scene. The Paleta Bar–Shanghai Plaza, an Albuquerque-based chain with a branch at #11 on the list, is serving up Mexican-style "popsicles" known as paletas.
It seems like ice cream is breaking free from the confines of the traditional cone. At Fluffy's Sno-Balls in Long Beach, California (#5) and Moo Moo Cows in Baltimore, Maryland (#6), you can have your ice cream tucked inside a sno-ball. Also on the list is Confetti Italian Ice & Custard in Costa Mesa, California (#9). They're taking ice cream to the next level by layering it with Italian ice. Taking a bolder approach is Deep Barrel Roasters & Creamery in Norco, California (#13). Apparently, they're air-frying their ice cream, resulting in a combination of crispy and creamy.
See who else made the top ice cream list? Take a look at the full list here.
10 Wild Ice Cream Flavors to Try This Season
Summer is officially ice cream season, and July is National Ice Cream Month. Actually, every season is ice cream season, if you ask me. I seriously enjoy scoops of my favorite ice cream whether it's 90 degrees outside or freezing cold. When it comes to ice cream flavors, it's hard to beat the classics. Vanilla, chocolate, chocolate-chip and mint chocolate-chip are always favorites. But, why not switch it up and try some really wild ice cream flavors?
As a graduate of Michigan State University, I've tried many random ice cream flavors at the MSU Dairy Store. MSU is an agricultural college, so it's known for the Dairy Store and having delicious ice cream. Honey Lavender and Spartan Swirl come to mind. But, enough about MSU. You don't have to come to Michigan to get some unique ice cream flavors.
Read on for 10 wild ice cream flavors that you need to try. These flavors are all from major ice cream makers, so they should be fairly easy to find, no matter where you're located. I've also included some non-dairy and gluten-free ice cream options for vegans and those on a gluten-free diet. I'm not vegan, but my favorite ice cream currently is actually non-dairy. Hopefully, there's enough variety on this list for you to find your new favorite ice cream flavor.
It's worth noting that some of these ice cream flavors are seasonal and only available in the summer. That said, the majority of the flavors below are currently available year-round.
Haagen-Dazs - Summer Berry Cake Pop Ice Cream
I've definitely never heard of "Summer Berry Cake Pop Ice Cream." What is a summer berry cake pop? Regardless, it sounds great. "We swirl velvety strawberry ice cream with sweet cream ice cream, add perfect, fluffy cake pieces and then finish with a tangy raspberry sauce," they describe on their website.
Breyers - Layered Dessert Caramel Apple Pie
Breyers' "Layered Dessert Caramel Apple Pie" is a special treat, bringing you that feeling of having a piece of apple pie with ice cream on top. "We start with smooth Breyers® and stir in real apples between two layers of caramel with pie crust pieces. The experience of caramel apple pie topped with Breyers, all in one scoop!" Breyers states on their website.
Halo Top - Blueberry Crumble
Halo Top ice cream is diet ice cream, with way less calories than regular ice cream. Their flavors are pretty standard, but they do have one, "Blueberry Crumble," that's super unique. I don't eat diet ice cream, but my friend had me try this one, and it was good. "Swirls of sweet blueberry pie filling and chunks of pie crust, our Blueberry Crumble light ice cream delivers the best of spring with a good source of protein," Halo Top states on their official website.
Baskin-Robbins - Cookie Monster
When I think of "Cookie Monster" ice cream, I definitely picture something blue, just like the real Cookie Monster. Well, Baskin-Robbins has that flavor of ice cream, and it's blue. They describe it as "sweet cream ice cream stuffed with chocolate sandwich cookie pieces, chocolate-chip cookie pieces and cookie dough batter flavored swirls." That sounds delish.
Dreyer's - Triple Fudge Brownie Boulevard
"Triple Fudge Brownie Boulevard" is a wild take on your typical brownie-packed ice cream. Dreyer's describes it as, "A fan favorite re-imagined: our beloved Double Fudge Brownie now with crispy brownie edges! A delicious pairing of brownie pieces and brownie batter swirls is now complete with extra indulgence for the ultimate brownie lover."
Blue Bunny - Cherrific Cheesecake
Blue Bunny keeps their flavors list pretty classic. That said, they do have a few flavors that stand out. One is "Cherrific Cheesecake," which taste like it sounds. "Cheesecake frozen dairy dessert, cherry and graham swirls," they describe. It's like cherry cheesecake, but it's ice cream.
Ben & Jerry's - Oatmeal Dream Pie
"Oatmeal Dream Pie" from Ben & Jerry's is kind of like those Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream cookies. You know, the soft, tasty, cream-packed oatmeal creams. This is a new flavor from Ben & Jerry's, and this is the non-dairy version. It uses sunflower milk. It's also gluten-free. "Our friends at Partake have provided the oh-my-goodness-this-is-gluten-free!? oatmeal cookie you'll find in this snacktime favorite of a flavor," they state.
Cold Stone Creamery - Oreo Overload
Everyone has heard of cookies and cream ice cream. But, Cold Stone Creamery goes one step further and packs its cookies and cream ice cream with a ton of real Oreo cookies, making it stand out. "It’s just like dipping an Oreo in milk. Except, you know, with chocolate chips. And fudge," they describe. I'm in.
Haagen-Dazs - Black & White Cookie Ice Cream
Here's another unique flavor. I've definitely had cookies and cream ice cream. But what about "Black & White Cookie Ice Cream?" I've never heard of such a thing! Haagen-Dazs describes it as, "Inspired by New York’s classic Black & White cookie, we mixed vanilla bean ice cream with soft cookie pieces and ripples of chocolate frosting. Forget the cookie and grab your spoon."
Dairy Queen - Non-Dairy Dilly Bar
Here's an option for vegans. Dairy Queen offers a "Non-Dairy Dilly Bar," which is "gluten free, dairy-free, and plant-based, made with a coconut cream based protein and finished with our delicious crunchy chocolatey coating," according to their website. So, you can have the fun without the dairy or gluten, which is a good thing for sensitive diets.
