America’s ice cream favorites have been revealed as new flavors rise in popularity

As ice cream season is in full swing across the country, data shows that Americans are still reaching for familiar favorites, but other flavors are starting to spark interest.

Vanilla remains the most popular ice cream flavor in the United States, according to purchasing data from Instacart, which analyzed orders from the summer of 2024.

Chocolate, with cookies and cream following close behind, rounding out the top three flavors across the country.

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Other favorites include strawberry, mint chocolate chip, cookie dough, coffee and butter pecan, according to the report.

The findings are consistent with a 2024 survey of more than 2,200 US adults by the International Dairy Foods Association, which found vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ranked as the top three favorite flavors among Americans.

The same study found that nearly all Americans crave ice cream.

Overall, 97% said they “like” or “like” the frozen treat.

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And while the top choice may seem unpredictable, it’s just the tip of the iceberg, the data suggests.

More people are willing to expand their palate with different flavors, which has seen significant growth in recent years.

Many amazing ice cream options like pistachio and green tea are gaining popularity across the country. (Stock)

Green tea ice cream orders are up 24% year over year, while pistachio is up 25% and pineapple coconut is up 37%, according to Instacart data.

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Brands are also moving to meet consumer preferences for healthier and lighter options.

While big names like Häagen-Dazs, Ben & Jerry’s and Tillamook continue to be among the fastest-growing ice cream brands in the country, smaller companies offering “better-for-you” options are also gaining.

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Brands like Halo Top and Arctic Zero now offer low calorie, reduced sugar ice cream options, while Yasso uses a Greek yogurt base to deliver more protein, and So Delicious produces dairy-free varieties made with plant-based milks such as coconut, almond and oat.

Ice cream is still a multi-billion dollar industry, generating an estimated $7.5 billion in sales, according to Circana. (Stock)

Non-dairy options are becoming increasingly popular, even replacing the frozen beverage category, according to data from research firm Circana, as reported by Dairy Foods Magazine.

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Ice cream sales actually fell slightly in 2025, while lighter alternatives saw sales jump 29%. Sherbet and sorbet brands also posted gains, the data showed.

Fans are also discovering more artisanal, small-scale ice creams made with high-quality and locally sourced ingredients, according to a recent report from Toast POS, which also found that international flavors like be, chai and dulce de leche are on the rise.

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The restaurant technology company also found that social media is helping to fuel demand for more interesting and innovative ice cream flavors, especially among younger consumers.

Simple frozen desserts like sorbet are also seeing increasing demand as consumer preferences change. (Stock)

The enduring popularity of traditional flavors, however, may ultimately come down to their familiarity and versatility.

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Vanilla, for example, is often used as a base for desserts and combines well with other foods and toppings, helping to maintain its widespread appeal.

Whatever the preference, Americans’ interest continues to fuel the multibillion-dollar industry, according to Circana, with ice cream generating an estimated $7.5 billion.