America's Top 10 Favorite Ice Cream Flavors and the Best Toppings to Go With Them

While vanilla has reigned supreme as the world's favorite ice cream flavor for many years, a new report from the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) shows that it may be at risk for losing that position soon.

So what other flavors rounded out the list? Here are the top 10 flavors and some great toppings to enhance that ice cream cup of yours. If you want a list of the most popular ice cream toppings, check out this article about toppings every ice cream shop needs. Also, Improve your business with new ice cream flavors and yummy toppings to make sure your customers leave with satisfied smiles!

America's Top 10 Ice Cream Flavors 

1. Vanilla

Above all types of ice cream flavors, vanilla is America's favorite for a reason: it's simple and it goes with everything. Ice cream expert and IDFA Vice President, Cary Frye, explains, "Vanilla has long been the best-selling ice cream flavor not only because it is creamy and delicious, but also because of its ability to enhance so many other desserts and treats. It tastes great topped by whipped cream and fudge sauce in a sundae, with root beer in a float or atop a warm slice of apple pie." (From WISTV). This flavor is so popular that you can find it at the nearest grocery store! 

Toppings to try out: Hersey chocolate syrup.

2. Chocolate

Chocolate is a crowd favorite because, like vanilla, it's versatile. Unlike vanilla, it has a lot of variations: chocolate chunk, fudge swirl, mudslide. Along with that, chocolate ice cream is a favorite of many because it can be rich or light. It can also be dressed up in a sundae or eaten by itself.

Toppings to try out: Peanut butter sauce.

3. Cookies & Cream

Cookies & cream is a new take on vanilla, because it has chunks of cookies so your customers can eat a lot without getting bored with their ice cream. This is also great ice cream for waffle cones and ice cream sandwiches. Try making your own with this mix and waffle cone maker!

Toppings to try out: Peanut butter sauce. Anything to enhance the cookies already in the ice cream.

4. Mint Chocolate Chip

This minty ice cream is a favorite because it's unlike other ice creams. It's refreshing and light with sweet chocolate chunks. The flavors balance each other out so it's not too rich or too tart. 

Toppings to try out: Chocolate sauce, Chocolate chips.

5. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

This is another fun take on vanilla ice cream. It combines America's favorite warm treat - cookies, and America's favorite ice cream - vanilla. It's the perfect mixture of two desserts that your customers already love. Try serving it in these fun cow cups!

Toppings to try out: Chocolate sauce, cupcake bites.

  

 

6. Buttered Pecan

Buttered pecan is an old southern favorite for good reason! It's the perfect decadent treat. The smooth ice cream is the perfect contrast to the crunchy pecan pieces. This is a crowd favorite because it has a little saltiness to cut through the sweetness.

Toppings to try out: Gummy worms.

7. Birthday Cake

This is a favorite of many, not just on their birthdays. It includes rich buttercream frosting, sprinkles, and cake pieces. Also, the colorful sprinkles and frosting make it an instant hit! Try eating it with these fun color-changing spoons!

Toppings to try out: Gummy bears, gummy butterflies.

8. Strawberry

This fruit-based flavor is a classic ice cream that goes great on its own or in a banana split. It's sweet and creamy with chunks of strawberries. This ice cream is perfect for any treat! Try blending it into a milkshake and using these color-changing straws!

Toppings to try out: Rainbow sprinkles, chocolate chips.

9. Moose tracks

This fun treat has a lot of chunks! It's vanilla ice cream, peanut butter cups, and fudge. It's a new perspective for vanilla ice cream. There's enough going on that it doesn't need to be a sundae, it's delicious all on its own!

Toppings to try out:  Cookies 'N Cream.

10. Neapolitan

Finally, this is classic ice cream with vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavors. It's the perfect mix of three sweet things. This frozen treat would be fun to use in a banana split because every scoop could have all three flavors! Try using banana split containers to elevate your favorite treat.

Toppings to try: Chocolate sauce, Rainbow sprinkles. A topping for every flavor!

In conclusion, with these flavor and topping pairings in mind, your ice cream cups will be overflowing with deliciousness that will make your whole shop happy. So with summer being here, go out and try all of them and let us know what flavor pair is your favorite. Don't be afraid to get creative!