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The Top 10 Ice Cream Flavors, According to Instacart

The heat has been relentless this summer, and we are coping mentally and physically, with ice cream. It is a proven fact that everyone likes ice cream, but upon arriving at the freezer section of your local grocery store with a group of friends, you are sure to discover that opinions on which flavor reigns supreme vary greatly, and can even destroy close relationships. I kid, though it is difficult to agree on a flavor to please the crowd. 

As it turns out, differences in ice cream flavor preferences go well beyond households and friend groups. Per a recently published report from Instacart, which examined the top 10 most popular ice cream flavors in North America using shopping data from June to August 2023, shoppers from New York to California have varying opinions on which ice cream flavor is the best. 

As you’ll see below, this list includes classic flavors such as chocolate and mint chip, as well as some more interesting flavors like moose tracks. Keep reading for the top 10 ice cream flavors nationwide, as well as details on some state favorites and preferred toppings. Then, once you’re done, be sure to stock up on your favorite pint in time for National Ice Cream Day on July 21!

Vanilla

It’s a sad day for chocolate lovers, as vanilla has taken the top spot. But, if I were to make a case for the No. 1 flavor, I would say that vanilla’s strength is its versatility—something that chocolate simply lacks. Vanilla is perfect alongside a slice of pie or cake, in a root beer float, or simply as the vessel for some fun toppings. Just how popular is vanilla ice cream, you ask? According to Instacart, 29 percent of orders from June to August 2023 included a vanilla pint!

Chocolate

A rich, creamy chocolate scoop is a perfect crowd pleaser and, ironically, pairs very well with its nemesis. This flavor is so coveted that the Mayans and Aztecs even used cocoa beans as currency. 

Cookies’ n’ Cream

Coming in at number three is cookies and cream—a loving union of the first two flavors consisting of chocolate sandwich cookies mixed into vanilla ice cream. Pro tip: If you want to make a cookies and cream milkshake, add extra cookies to the ice cream and blend for a frothy treat. 

Strawberry

Strawberries are the quintessential summer fruit, and therefore make a delicious summer ice cream flavor, especially if you go the homemade route. There’s nothing like that sweet, tangy flavor and beautiful light pink color.

Mint Chip

Mint chip is a bit of a controversial flavor; some people love the slightly bitter dark chocolate crunch while others feel a bit like they are brushing their teeth. Whatever your opinion may be, this flavor, which was invented only 50 years ago, is here to stay.

Cookie Dough

Cookie dough ice cream is perfect for those who can’t decide if they want cookies or ice cream for dessert. While eating plain raw cookie dough is a no-no, the flour and eggs used in this flavor are treated and perfectly safe to eat. 

Coffee

Coffee ice cream is not only delicious, but will give you a slight boost of caffeine if you’re heading into a movie night or a late night study session. If you really need some energy, try an affogato with coffee ice cream, or better yet, plop a scoop into your espresso martini. 

Butter Pecan

Butter pecan is the most uniquely popular ice cream flavor in Georgia and Mississippi, and it’s no surprise because this flavor can trace its roots to the American South. The vanilla base of this ice cream is sometimes made from a custard, creating a very rich flavor which perfectly balances the woodsy aroma of the pecans.

Neapolitan

Neapolitan ice cream is more of a style of ice cream than a flavor, as it consists of three flavors side-by-side in the same container. It is named for its origins in Naples, Italy, and these days typically consists of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream.

Moose Tracks

Moose Tracks comes in last on this list, but is the most uniquely popular ice cream flavor in eight states, including Alabama and Tennessee. This is another vanilla-based flavor, but this one is loaded with peanut butter cups and chocolate fudge for a particularly robust spoonful.


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