UK ice cream parlors were asked what their best-selling ice cream flavors were, during a survey conducted by the Ice Cream Alliance (ICA).
84% stated that Vanilla was the most popular in a survey by The Ice Cream and Artisan Food Show 2020. The second and third most popular flavors were Mint Chocolate Chip (20%) and Chocolate (18%).
Established flavor Strawberry was surprisingly rated third most popular flavor by just 14% parlous whilst “new kid on the block” Bubblegum was rated third favorite of 9% of parlors.
Additionally, 36% of parlors described Vegan ice creams (or various flavors) as their most significant new product varieties (dairy-free and reduced sugar were the next most popular newest additions at 5% each).
The most unusual varieties sold by UK ice cream parlors included unique flavors such as Sea Buckthorn, new twists on established favorites such as Chili Chocolate and Blue Banana, and the very unusual such as Chicken Sorbet (created for a local fried chicken restaurant) and Crabmeat (no explanation was supplied).
“It is no surprise that Vanilla is the most popular ice cream flavor. Why else would four of the ice cream parlors that responded to our survey sell just that one flavor. However, the vast range of other flavors, made and sold in our fast-expanding ice cream parlor sector is testament to the creativity of the industry. Also, our ice cream makers are extremely in tune with prevailing taste trends judging by the numbers producing “free from” products such as vegan, dairy free and reduced sugar – as wee as reduced calorie and gluten free,” said Zelica Carr, CEO of the Ice Cream Alliance.
ICA will be hosting The Ice Cream and Artisan Food Show between February 11-13 at the Yorkshire Event Center in Harrogate.