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Ice cream makes everything better, regardless of what your favorite flavor might be. However, every state has something they can call their own. Whether it's the creation of a truly unusual flavor or a classic cream, these are the most iconic ice cream flavors in every single state.
Alabama - Butter Pecan
Now, this is what they call homestyle! Butter pecan ice cream is the iconic flavor of this southern state. Alabama is capitalizing on their state nut, which of course, is the pecan. This is a flavor that can be found all around the country, but nowhere does it better than AL. Too sweet!
Alaska - Eskimo Ice Cream
Alaska is unlike any other state, so it deserves a truly unique flavor to call it's own. Akutaq is the proper name for this frozen treat, but it is well known as Eskimo ice cream to locals. It also isn't exactly ice cream, since there is no cream in the mix. This recipe includes whipped fat, berries (typically cranberries or blueberries), and added sugar.
Arizona - Horchata
In Arizona, things are always heating up, so residents always need to cool down. They do this with their state flavor, horchata! The state houses a small ice creamery known as the Sweet Republic. Known throughout the state for it's carefully developed flavors, this one pays tribute to the nearby Mexican influence. It combining sweet cinnamon with ice cream.
Arkansas - Banana Nut
You've heard of banana nut muffins, but what about banana nut ice cream? The good people of Arkansas know the deliciousness of this creamy delight. It takes influence from the traditional southern sweet of banana pudding but just makes it a little colder and nuttier for this spectacular taste.
California- Neopolitan
For over twenty years, California has been the nation’s top ice cream state. The best of the best for this coastal state is the tricolored treat. Comprised of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, this flavor boasts a combination of the classics. Do you go for one or try to get a ribbon of each kind?
Colorado- Root Beer Float
Did you know that a man named Frank J. Wisner created the first root beer float back in 1893? These days though, you don't actually need to create a root beer float if you don't want to...you can just scoop it right out of the carton! If you do want a twist on a classic though, try it out with different sodas and ice cream flavors to find your own perfect combination.
Connecticut - Almond Joy
Almond Joys are so good, they have joy right in the name! Combining almonds with coconut and dark chocolate, this candy bar has leveled up to become a delicious ice cream flavor with all the same ingredients. First made in 1946 New Haven, Connecticut back, the candy bar found buyers instantly. These days, people are just as inclined to enjoy it as a frozen swirl as they are to enjoy the candy.
Delaware - Mint Chip
No, Delaware did not invent mint chip ice cream, but the state definitely loves this flavor. Based on twitter analysis, mint chocolate chip is the favorite flavor for most residents of this eastern state. In some states, this flavor is called a peppermint bonbon. It was created in 1973 by Marilyn Ricketts for a dessert competition. You go, girl!
Georgia - Peach
No shocker here—Georgia is the best place in the world to get peaches, so it makes sense that peach ice cream would be their dessert of choice. High Road Craft Ice Cream in Atlanta is famous for the inclusion of the fruit in their Bellini ice cream. Whether you like the fruit or the fruit flavoring better, there is something to be said for this delicious treat.
Florida - Orange Cream
Florida is known for a lot of foods, but none are as important as their oranges. However, with the high heat in this southern state, ice cream is an important part of any summer day. Dreamsicle ice cream combines these two necessities for something truly citrusy and sweet. Just be sure to bring a napkin, these ones get sticky!
Hawaii - Ube
Hawaii is as close as one can get to an American exotic getaway, so their ice cream flavor should be a little exotic as well. Ube is their flavor of choice, a purple yam cream that can be found locally. It is described as sweet, floral, and vanilla-esque. Not only that, but the light lavender color makes it visually appealing as well as delicious.
Idaho - Huckleberry
Huckleberry isn't just a boy in a story, it is also the state fruit of Idaho! Locals like to celebrate their Idaho pride by including the flavor in various treats such as pies, cakes, and of course, ice cream. The huckleberry is a tart fruit that offsets the sweetness of ice cream. Statewide, you'll be able to find this local favorite in most stores.
Illinois - Chocolate Malt
Walgreens stores, once upon a time, used to serve up malt drinks in addition to being a convenience store. The Chicago company has since stopped the practice, but the legend continues. Illinois folks are still suckers for a chocolate malt, whether that comes in the form of a Walgreens drink or a local shop ice cream flavor.
Indiana - Chocolate
After California, Indiana is the second biggest ice cream producer in the nation. Additionally, this is where ice cream lovers can find Edy’s Ice Cream HQ. The brand is known for its rich flavors, even in options as simple as vanilla or chocolate. It's a classic for a reason, and the citizens of Indiana understand that.
Iowa - Bunny Tracks
Blue Bunny is another iconic ice cream company, but this one calls Iowa home. Vanilla is the leading flavor (as most ice cream companies can agree), but Bunny Tracks comes is a close second. The flavor is a swirl of vanilla ice cream, thick caramel, chocolate fudge, chocolate-covered peanuts, and peanut butter. If your mouth is watering, that makes total sense.
Kansas - Purple Pride
Kansas State University isn't just any college. The school boasts the Call Hall Dairy Bar which sells a type of dessert known as "Purple Pride." Throughout the year, the school sells over 250 three-gallon tubs of this blueberry ice cream. As the school said, "Purple is our color and the color we bleed and eat through the amazing ice cream."
Kentucky - Bourbon Vanilla
Kentucky is known for its bourbon, so it makes sense that the drink would make an appearance in its dessert. Though bourbon-vanilla earns the most in sales, flavors like bourbon-vanilla, bourbon-pecan, and bourbon-praline can be found almost anywhere. A midwest twist on an American classic is what Kentucky is all about!
Louisiana - Praline Pecan
New Orleans has everything from beignets to alcohol, but something you don't hear about as often is the pralines. Walking the streets of the town, tourists will find several confectionaries selling homemade pralines. Made from brown sugar, cream, butter, and pecans, the snack is best enjoyed on its own or spun into a cool vanilla ice cream.
Maine - Blueberry
Maine might be known for its lobsters and cold weather, but it also has a reputation for tart blueberries. They've decided that they love their berry export so much that it is the iconic flavor of the state! Of course, it would be a little weird and definitely gross to have a lobster flavor, so this is probably the next best thing...
Maryland - Maryland Mud
Do you like chocolate? If so, maybe Maryland is the place for you, because this is a chocolate lovers dream come true. Created in Baltimore, MD, this ice cream is made with a standard rich chocolate base. Next, makers add in chocolate chips and crushed Oreo pieces. Bring your sweet tooth next time you go for one of these!
Massachusetts - Maple Nut
According to New England Today, the people of Massachusetts have a special place in their hearts for maple nut ice cream. Creamy maple ice cream with crunchy walnuts swirled in throughout the frozen treat is something that any sweet tooth would be able to support. Take a spoonful of this dessert and see if you don't find something special about this maple nut deliciousness.
Michigan - Superman
According to the publication Michigan Live, no one really knows where this multicolor cream originated, but it's a staple of Michigan summers. This tie-dyed ice cream is usually a blend of three colors (red, yellow, and blue) as well as three distinct flavors. If you mix together cherry, lemon, and Blue Moon ice cream, you'll get this midwest favorite!
Minnesota - Salted Caramel
Minnesota locals take their winter season very seriously, but that doesn't mean they don't have a sweet summertime. According to data provided by Walmart, the Sea Salt Caramel ice cream is the most commonly sold flavor in Minnesota. Those midwestern families sure do like the tastes of this beachside favorite, and who can blame them?
Mississippi - Mississippi Mud
These citizens love this flavor so much, they made sure they were included in the name. Starting with a standard chocolate base, the ice cream is swirled with a mixture of fudge, chocolate cookie chunks, peanuts, and in some locations, coffee. Some people think its a little too much, but not the good folks of Mississippi!
Missouri - Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
In 1904, the World Fair came to St. Louis, MO. There, a waffle vendor and an ice cream vendor teamed up to create the waffle cone, an industry-standard nowadays. Now, over one hundred years later, this waffle cone is still best made in this state, but according to Twitter data, Missourians prefer to fill it with their favorite flavor: cookie dough ice cream!
Montana - S’mores
Just looking at this cone is enough to make your mouth water. It makes sense that Montana, with all of its great hiking grounds, would make something based around a campfire favorite. In this state, you can expect to see S'mores flavors in all major chains and mom-and-pop shops. Just make sure yours isn't burnt!
Nebraska - Butter Brickle
In Nebraska, these people prefer their hometown hero. Butter Brickle was first created in 1920 at the Blackstone Hotel, located right in the city of Lincoln. This sugar-filled sweet treat starts off with a sweet cream base. Next, golden toffee is added to the mix and spun into the center. Some places prefer to add chocolate chips as well, but it's a win no matter what.
Nevada- Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is one of those flavors that you either love or hate... just like Las Vegas! This dessert is decadent and over the top, rich with flavor, and found in the Silver State. No need for any toppings either, this dessert is good enough on its own to resist any tempting additions.
New Hampshire - Pumpkin
Fall is always nearby when you're in New Hampshire! These New Englanders take their autumnal season very seriously, so a pumpkin ice cream isn't too wild of an idea up there. In fact, the pumpkin is their state fruit. Combined with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, this ice cream tastes and looks just like fall.
New Jersey- Watermelon
Whether you hail from North Jersey near the Big Apple or South Jersey down the shore, this state is known for its beautiful coastline. There, tourists love to indulge in a fruity treat like watermelon ice cream. Friendly’s is a chain found throughout the state, and it serves up their trademark Wattamelon Roll (watermelon, lemon, and chocolate chips swirled into one treat!)
New Mexico - Chocolate-Chili
Who doesn't want their ice cream a little spicy? Honestly, most people, but not the citizens of New Mexico! Known for its tasty cuisine and intense heat, New Mexican recipes are iconically spicy. Based around a rich chocolate base, the ice cream also tosses in a hint of chili to give it a distinctive kick.
New York - New York Cherry
New York City has every ice cream flavor imaginable, but New York state sticks to the simple pleasures, like cherry ice cream. Sweet and tart, this dessert goes great with some chocolate sauce or hot fudge drizzled on top. Sure you could get something wild, but you cannot argue with a flavor this good.
North Carolina - Wolf Tracks
Located on the North Carolina State University campus, Howling Cow Ice Cream is the best place around to grab a scoop. The specialty flavor at this ice cream school is their signature Wolf Tracks variety. The snack combines chocolate, vanilla, chunks of fudge, mini peanut butter cups, and a lot of sugar. If you ever visit, grab a cup or cone of this!
North Dakota - Rhubarb Pie
Have you ever tried a rhubarb pie? Well, the people of North Dakota have, quite a lot actually. This ingredient is a native favorite and has made its way into several famous local recipes. The tart addition to ice cream makes it both sweet and savory all at once. North Dakota knows what it is doing with this one!
Ohio - Chocolate-Peanut Butter
Of course, the state that invented buckeyes would have a chocolate-peanut butter combination as their state flavor! The buckeye candy is a spoonful of sugary peanut butter, frozen. It's then covered with melted chocolate. This ice cream is just that but a little bit more delicious.
Oklahoma - Strawberry
Did you know the state fruit of Oklahoma is the strawberry? That must be why they wanted to use it in their most iconic flavor. The red berries can be used in a variety of dishes, but they are usually added to sweeten up a plain dish. Sweet, tart, and simple, this nationwide favorite goes great with chocolate or on its own!
Oregon - Berries and Cream
Berries are always a great foundation for ice cream, but which is the best? According to Oregon, all of them! The state is home to several wild berries like blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and marionberries. Mix these all together with cream and create something truly unique and delicious.
Pennsylvania - Brownie
Pennsylvania loves their chocolate. After all, the Hershey's chocolate factory is located right in the center of the state. That must be why Pennsylvanians love brownie ice cream! Certain shops like Maggie Moos or the Penn State Creamery have made it their mission to perfectly capture the taste of a brownie in cream form, and they do a great job.
Rhode Island - Espresso
Rhode Islanders love their coffee, even in their ice cream. Coffee milk is even the state beverage! This espresso coffee ice cream might be a little much to have late in the day, but that doesn't make it any less delicious. This small state sure packs a strong flavor!
South Carolina - Pay Day
Payday isn't just a candy bar, and it isn't just the best day of the week. In South Carolina, it's actually the most iconic ice cream flavor too! The state snack food is boiled peanuts, so why not throw some in a swirl of caramel and vanilla? A little bit sweet, a little bit salty, a whole lot of deliciousness.
South Dakota - Cookies ‘N Cream
A lot of locations claim to have invented the flavor of cookies and cream, but South Dakota State University is pretty adamant that they were the ones to create this treat. Everyone wants to claim the flavor for themselves, either as the creator or their favorite milkshake. No matter what, it's totally spectacular.
Tennessee - Cotton Candy
In 1897 in Nashville, this colorful candy ice cream was invented. Well, cotton candy was invented at least. Nowadays it is best enjoyed as a swirly frozen favorite. Tennessee is so proud of the fluffy creation and cooler editions of it that you can find either one at several stores across the state.
Texas - Homemade Vanilla
Apparently, things are not always bigger in Texas. While everyone enjoys classic vanilla, it was Brenham, Texas that claims Blue Bell Creameries. One flavor sells out here more than any other, and that is their classic homemade vanilla. They say if it isn't broke, don't fix it, and Texas would never touch this perfected recipe.
Utah - Cherry Chip
The state fruit of Utah is, you guessed it, the cherry. It makes total sense that the cherry would also lend it's tart flavor to the state ice cream flavor. However, unlike the New York version which is cherry alone, Utah residents prefer to mix in chocolate chips and sandwich the scoop between cookies. Does it get any better than two desserts in one?
Vermont - Teaberry
Described by the Daily Break as having "a color as bright as bubblegum and the undeniable taste of wintergreen" this specialty ice cream can only be found up north in the New England area. Made from the teaberry, this flavor just joined the ranks of Ben and Jerry's flavors so that everyone can try a taste now!
Virginia - Caramel Apple
Fall never tasted so good! This flavor is as American as apple pie...so much so that it basically tastes just like the real thing! Caramel Apple includes flavors we all love as well as a nutty crunch. Not only that, but apples are one of the most popular crops of Virginia, and you can tell when you grab a scoop here.
Washington - Everything Coffee
The state that made Starbucks is, unsurprisingly, a huge fan of coffee. They especially love coffee-flavored things, like the espresso milkshake from Ferdinand’s, or the Anvil espresso ice cream from Brain Freeze Creamery. There's also Shrug’s Soda Fountain and Creamery's double scoop with a double chocolate doughnut. Coffee galore!
West Virginia - Black Walnut
Black walnut ice cream is a unique favorite of West Virginians. Served in shops around the state, the nutty ice cream can be found in stores like Austin’s in Kenova. Can you handle all the deliciousness in these scoops?
Wisconsin - Blue Moon
No not the beer, the ice cream! Coming in a light blue color, this delicious treat has an unidentifiable flavor. Some say it tastes like Froot Loops, others say almond, some even suggest marshmallow or animal crackers. Just like it's strange flavor, it has strange origins. No one knows who first created it, but the recipe popped up at Milwaukee’s Petran Products sometime in the 50s.
Wyoming - Oatmeal Cookie Dough
You've heard of cookie dough ice cream, but what if you could make it with a different kind of dough? The result is an oatmeal cookie dough ice cream. Combined with hints of chocolate and coconut, this flavor is something truly unique. Mix it all together with a caramel drizzle on top, and you've got a full night.
Strange Flavors of the States:
Roasted Tumeric, Candied Ginger Ice Cream
Some ice cream places have a few stand out selections, but did you ever expect to see a tumeric-flavored sweet treat? This Alaskan shop has created a flavor that uses unusual spices in their desserts. Next time you visit Juneau, Alaska, make sure to stop in Coppa and grab a cup.
Goat Cheese and Beet Swirl
Who said that ice cream had to be sweet to be delicious? Certainly not the good people at this Colorado shop. Roasted beets are used in this seasonal menu item. The red contrasts beautifully against the rich, tangy goat cheese flavor. Um...yum?
Red Hot Lover
Combining candy and ice cream has been happening for decades, but has anyone tried any red hots? Azucar Ice Cream Company in Miami created this sweat-inducing cold treat. While it might look threatening upon first glance, the flavors end up working together surprisingly well but make sure you order it with a glass of water.
Pineapple Cilantro Sorbet
Pineapple sounds like a great flavor for ice cream, but cilantro might be a harder sell. It's well documented that some people taste soap when they eat cilantro, so if you're one of those people, maybe don't stop into Glace Artisan Ice Cream in St. Leawood, Kansas. Otherwise, it gets great reviews!
Lobster
Leave it to Maine to create a lobster flavored ice cream creation. Though you might wish this was fake, it's very real. Butter-infused ice cream is topped with cold cooked lobster. Ben and Bill's Chocolate Emporium, Bar Harbor has committed a crime against nature, but feel free to try it if you dare.
Honey Avocado
In Ivanna Cone, Lincoln, you can find a millennial dream come true in the form of a honey avocado scoop. Smooth as butter, this unique flavor won't overwhelm your tastebuds, but it will certainly help you try something you've never had before. The wildflower honey helps create a hint of sweetness for this cone.
Durian
Making a durian flavored ice cream might be the most terrifying taste test. The fruit is known worldwide for its distinctively terrible smell. Even scarier is how your taste buds react to it. Some claim it tastes like almonds while others say it reminds them of rotten onions. Take a bite if you dare...
Olive Oil
Nutty and fruity, this is the best option at an Italian restaurant. No bread needs to be dipped in this, but maybe a waffle cone or a cookie. Better yet, just grab a spoon and get to scooping! The Bent Spoon in Princeton, NJ boasts this unique flavor.
Horseradish
Most people don't like this spice in any way, so why would they like it in the form of a dessert? Who knows, but the people at Max and Mina's, Queens, NY wanted to test their skills. Those customers who have dared to try it say that it has cleared their sinuses and made their eyes water.
Sriracha
Found only at Mason's Creamery in Cleveland, OH, this spicy sauce is now a sweet treat. If you think you can handle the heat, this is the ultimate test of willpower. Can your mouth hold up, or will it melt under the pressure?