Written by: Nicole Majewski
Edited by: Aditya Batra
Designed by: Serena Sclippa
Published by: Eleanor Jeavons

Ice cream is one of the most famous aspects of summer. For most people, even just the mention of this season brings to mind vivid memories of strolling down beaches or reclining indoors behind the shade of a curtain, all universally with a cone or bowl in hand. And while chocolate and vanilla dominate most menus, ice cream is a broader category than many of us tend to think! That doesn’t just mean mint or banana, either. In this article, we’ll help you think bigger by exploring 14 of the most surprising and unforgettable ice cream flavors that are sure to spark your culinary imagination!

1. Green Tea

Also known as matcha ice cream, this creamy treat is extremely popular in Japan and other Asian countries. Its earthy taste with a hint of bitterness offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of traditional flavours—perfect for relaxing after a day in the hot summer sun. And since it’s packed with antioxidants, it’s actually very healthy, too!

2. Creme Brulee

Picture the rich, caramelised flavor of the classic French dessert in ice cream form. This flavour combines the creamy vanilla base with a hint of burnt sugar, delivering a delightful crunch and depth of taste. It’s perfect for caramel lovers and any plain vanilla fan looking to try something a little different!

3. Olive oil

Yes, you read that right—olive oil! As little as you’d expect it to be in your ice cream bowl, the fruity essence of olive oil adds a subtle dash of complexity to the creamy base, layering over your dessert to create a delicately smooth and undoubtedly intriguing treat.

4. Chocolate and chili

Who says ice cream can’t be simultaneously intense and subtle? The soft heat of chili spices are perfectly balanced by the rich, dark sweetness of chocolate in this fudgy dessert. While this flavour is sold by multiple ice cream brands, if you’re someone who hesitates at the prospect of spice, you can definitely make your own to ensure you get just the right amount! If you want to add some bitterness, you can substitute cocoa powder with dark chocolate. As for the chili peppers, you can crush any kind into a powder and effortlessly sprinkle it atop the mountains of chocolate.

5. Kulfi

Pistachio lovers, this traditional Indian frozen dessert—and the first popsicle on our list—is for you! Along with pistachio, this dense ice cream can also be flavoured with cardamom, saffron, or other spices. The best part is, if you want to try making your own, it’s easy! All you need is condensed milk, vanilla extract, and of course, a bit of spice.

6. Ube

While you may not have been expecting to see such a vivid shade of ice cream today, hopefully the intrigue that comes with it balances out any hesitance you might be feeling. This Filipino treat derives its hue from its main ingredient, purple yam—also known as ube, hence its name. Its flavour profile is nutty with a hint of sugariness.

7. Cantaloupe

Compared to some of the previous flavours on our list, this one might seem less unique. Still, given how uncommon it is for someone to announce cantaloupe to be their favourite ice cream flavour, this still deserves a spot on our list. This ice cream is often infused with sea salt to complement the sweet fruitiness of the cantaloupe. Importantly, this is also a very healthy choice with its high content of vitamin C and electrolytes! So it’s perfect after a few hours of swimming or playing badminton on the beach.

8. Liquorice

This ice cream is as rich in flavour as it is in its oozing inky hue. It’s fair to be a little skeptical at its unusually umber shade, but most people are, until they try it and become scintillated by its one-of-a-kind taste.

9. Pumpkin

If you want something sweet with just the right complementary addition of spice—or if you’re just missing the ambience of autumn—this is the flavour for you. Or, if it happens to actually be autumn, even better! You can easily transform your leftover pumpkin puree into this one-of-a-kind delicacy.

10. Blueberry cheesecake

In addition to its sweet tanginess complemented by the fruitiness from the blueberries, blueberry cheesecake ice cream boasts a rich texture that will indulge you with every bite.

11. Lavender

As aesthetically pleasing and soft as the flowers it’s named after, lavender ice cream boasts a classic base of vanilla, with an extra blend of lavender and gum that adds floral notes you won’t mind in any other flavour. You’ll feel like you’re in a tranquil garden for every moment that a cone of this ice cream is in your hands.

12. Honeycomb

Despite its name, honeycomb ice cream doesn’t actually contain any honey at all. Instead, it’s infused with carmelised sugar to mimic the crunchy texture of honeycomb. It’s sweet, buttery, with an extra bit of crispiness to balance it all out.

13. London Fog

Whether or not you’re a fan of foggy days, you’re sure to appreciate the delicate flavours derived from a combination of Earl Gray tea and vanilla. This flavour is inspired by its beverage counterpart—which is perfect for winter, as it’s usually served hot. However, with this take on it that comes cold, you’re now free to enjoy the London fog flavours all year round!

14. Sweet corn

Who says corn is only for summertime barbecues? Try infusing it into your ice cream for an extra sunny taste! With its bold presentation of savoury and sweet, this dessert truly is summer in a bowl (or cone, if you prefer!). And if you’re skeptical about adding corn to your ice cream palette, don’t worry. After all, corn is a fruit just like strawberries and mangos, so you won’t be too far from home.

All of these unique ice cream flavours are just a glimpse into the unexpected diversity of frozen desserts. Whether you’re seeking something familiar with an extra little twist or you’re feeling even bolder, there are hundreds of unexpected ice cream types to excite you. So, why not step out of your comfort zone and try something new this summer? You might just discover your new favourite scoop!

References

https://www.snapcalorie.com/nutrition/green_tea_ice_cream_nutrition.html

https://emmaduckworthbakes.com/creme-brulee-ice-cream/

https://www.loveandoliveoil.com/2022/06/olive-oil-ice-cream.html

https://budgetdelicious.com/ninja-creami-pumpkin-ice-cream/

https://addapinch.com/blueberry-cheesecake-ice-cream-recipe/

https://cookienameddesire.com/chocolate-chili-ice-cream-recipe/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ube_ice_cream

https://eatbeautiful.net/cantaloupe-sea-salt-ice-cream/

https://vanleeuwenicecream.com/product/honeycomb/

https://www.baking-sense.com/2016/08/07/sweet-corn-ice-cream/

Image References