Different Flavors Of Ice Cream Sandwiches
The ice cream sandwich landscape is undergoing a delicious revolution, moving far beyond the classic vanilla between chocolate wafers. A surge in artisanal creations and flavor experimentation has consumers scrambling to taste the newest innovations.
This article breaks down the most exciting trends in ice cream sandwich flavors, highlighting the players and the delectable combinations redefining this classic treat.
Global Flavors Take Center Stage
Mochi ice cream sandwiches are experiencing a surge in popularity. My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream reports a 30% increase in sales of their mochi ice cream sandwiches in the last quarter.
Flavors like mango, green tea, and strawberry are leading the charge, offering a chewy and texturally unique alternative to traditional wafers.
Little Man Ice Cream in Denver, Colorado, is a great example of a place that provides an array of flavor. They also offer Mexican Chocolate and horchata ice cream between homemade churro wafers.
Savory and Sweet Combinations
The blending of savory and sweet is a major trend. Expect to see more combinations of the two in ice cream sandwiches, like salted caramel ice cream nestled between pretzel cookies.
Coolhaus, known for its architectural-themed ice cream sandwiches, features inventive combinations like balsamic fig and mascarpone ice cream between olive oil shortbread cookies.
"We are seeing huge demand for our savory-sweet options," says Natasha Case, CEO of Coolhaus. "People are more adventurous than ever before."
Vegan and Dairy-Free Delights
Plant-based ice cream sandwiches are booming. The vegan market is expanding, leading to a wider availability of dairy-free ice cream sandwiches that are also delicious.
So Delicious Dairy Free offers a range of options, including coconut milk-based ice cream sandwiches with chocolate wafers and cashew milk-based varieties with peanut butter cookies.
Independent creameries are getting in on the action, too. For example, Frankie & Jo's in Seattle, Washington, a vegan ice cream shop, offers rotating flavors like brown sugar vanilla and pistachio with cardamom cookies.
Gourmet Wafers and Cookies
The wafers and cookies that sandwich the ice cream are no longer an afterthought. Bakers and pastry chefs are using higher-quality ingredients and interesting flavor combinations.
Look out for homemade chocolate chip cookies, brown butter blondies, and even waffle cones used as sandwich components. This is taking the ice cream sandwich to the next level.
Bi-Rite Creamery in San Francisco is known for using their delectable cookies as the base and top for their creative ice cream sandwiches, and have made the entire ice cream sandwich experinece the main show.
Boozy Ice Cream Sandwiches
Adult-oriented flavors are making their debut. Ice cream infused with alcohol are now being offered with ice cream sandwiches.
Rum raisin ice cream between ginger snaps is a classic. Tipsy Scoop, is a New York-based company that specializes in alcohol-infused ice cream, creating unique ice cream sandwiches that pack a punch.
They create offerings such as bourbon vanilla ice cream between chocolate wafers, and strawberry white sangria ice cream between sugar cookies.
Seasonal Sensations
Seasonal ingredients are driving limited-time offerings. Ice cream shops are embracing the changing seasons by incorporating fresh, local ingredients into their ice cream sandwiches.
Pumpkin spice ice cream sandwiches in the fall. Peppermint ice cream sandwiches in the winter.
Salt & Straw, with locations across the West Coast, frequently releases seasonal ice cream sandwich menus, showcasing the best of local produce. For example, they have flavors like honey lavender ice cream between lemon poppy seed cookies in the spring.
The Future of Ice Cream Sandwiches
Expect continued innovation in the ice cream sandwich category. As consumers increasingly seek unique and high-quality treats, ice cream makers and bakers will continue to push boundaries.
The expansion of vegan options, the exploration of global flavors, and the emphasis on gourmet ingredients will shape the future of this classic dessert.
Keep an eye out for new and exciting ice cream sandwich flavors popping up at your local ice cream shop. The deliciousness is only just beginning.
