Ice Cream

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? 1 fun thing: America's favorite flavors

Data: Instacart. Graphic: Jacque Schrag and Sarah Grillo/Axios Orange sherbet and rocky road ice cream are each the most uniquely popular flavors in 11 states, Axios' Jacque Schrag writes from Instacart data. Uniquely popular means the flavor that had the highest percentage point difference above the national average. Classic flavors — vanilla, chocolate, and cookies and cream — are the most popular nationwide.

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Frigid Confections

Ice Cream, 101 Whether it’s in a sundae, a cone, or blended into a shake, ice cream is one of the United States’ favorite indulgences—97% of Americans say they like or love the chilly treat. US ice cream production hit 1.31 billion gallons in 2024, with the average American eating a whopping 19 pounds. Ice cream is the final result of a complex process that blends several ingredients. As it’s being made, the ingredients change significantly throughout the production process, ultimately giving the dish its signature “scoopable” texture. Ice cream’s celebratory nature brings people together, especially in the days before widespread home refrigeration. In the late 1600s, Paris’s Café Procope first began serving the sweet treat to the public; the trend quickly spread, particularly in Italy, where some parlors have been open since the 1700s. ... Read our full overview on ice cream here.   Also, check out ...  > America's ice cream obsession began under Prohibition. (More) > George Washington spent thousands on ice cream one summer. (More) > Visualizing Ben & Jerry's legendary flavors. (More)