The most popular ice cream flavors in America
Ice cream is a favored sweet treat around the world. According to Straits Research, the is projected to reach $79.4 billion in 2025, and it's pacing to increase to well over $139 billion by 2033. There's a reason why we celebrate annually. You can celebrate on July 20, 2025 with a number of discounts and special deals at the country's most beloved ice cream chains.
The sweet treat is enjoyed by people of all ages, be they families, teens, or kids. From classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate to more creative combinations like rocky road and moose tracks, ice cream aficionados have a plethora of choices.
To see which flavor reigns supreme, the partnered with Morning Consult to survey over 2,200 American adults on their ice cream preferences. 麻豆原创 then analyzed the data, published in April 2024, to rank the 20 most popular ice cream flavors in the U.S. by the percentage of adults who said the flavor was their favorite. Any ties remain.
Read on to get the scoop on Americans' ice cream tastes!
#20. Fudge swirl/Fudge royal (tie)
- Percentage of adults who say it's their favorite: 8%
Whether you call it fudge swirl or fudge royal, this blend of vanilla ice cream and chocolate swirls owes its existence to the invention of fudge. Believed to have developed in Baltimore after an unknown confectioner (or "fudged") a recipe, fudge made an early appearance in 1888 in the dorm rooms of New York's Vassar College. More than a century later, today's ice cream lovers still can't resist this decadent dessert.
#20. Banana/Banana bread pudding (tie)
- Percentage of adults who say it's their favorite: 8%
Though a relatively rare find on grocery store shelves, this flavor melds the tropical taste of fresh fruit with rich, sugary ice cream for an unforgettable treat. Though the in the late 1800s, the flavoring鈥攁 combination of wafer cookies, custard, and, of course, bananas鈥攈as been all the rage in recent years, from to the famed .
#18. Pistachio (tie)
- Percentage of adults who say it's their favorite: 10%
Pistachio ice cream but during the late 20th century. It's nutty, smooth, and rich. Just scoop it onto a cone, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy.
#18. Neapolitan (tie)
- Percentage of adults who say it's their favorite: 10%
Originating in Italy and named after the city of Naples, Neapolitan is a blend of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. The flavor was originally called spumoni, which also had a trio of flavors such as chocolate and pistachio with a layer of fruit and nuts.
#18. Cherry/Black Cherry (tie)
- Percentage of adults who say it's their favorite: 10%
The juiciness and rich flavor render this ice cream a flavor worth savoring. As far back as 1742, cherries were already . By the 19th century, maraschino cherry ice cream also popped up and has since been flavoring our sweet dreams.
#18. Birthday cake/Cake batter (tie)
- Percentage of adults who say it's their favorite: 10%
Although the origin of this flavor is unclear, birthday cake ice cream is clearly a sensation because of the joyous nature of birthdays and the beloved taste of vanilla cake. Cake batter ice cream, on the other hand, was first introduced to the world in 2003. Since then, it has gained popularity for being a playful twist on the nostalgic flavor of cake batter itself.
#14. Moose tracks
- Percentage of adults who say it's their favorite: 11%
Composed of vanilla ice cream studded with fudge chunks and chocolate-peanut butter cups, developed in 1988 in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Yes, the area does host a thriving wild moose population, but the ice cream flavor is actually named after a local mini golf course. Moose tracks has since spread across the U.S., leading to the development of other varieties like chocolate moose tracks, mint moose tracks, and more.
#13. Brownie/Brownie sundae
- Percentage of adults who say it's their favorite: 12%
Serious chocolate lovers can't ask for much more than brownie ice cream (or its similar varieties like brownie sundae or brownie batter). The ultimate chocolate-on-chocolate flavor is typically made up of chocolate ice cream mixed with chunks or swirls of fudgy brownie bits. Many nationwide ice cream brands鈥攊ncluding , , and 鈥攈ave their own spin on this indulgent flavor.
#12. Coffee (tie)
- Percentage of adults who say it's their favorite: 14%
Coffee lovers, rejoice! Italian immigrants to the United States, giving rise to the creation of coffee-flavored frozen desserts. For people who missed their cup of Joe in the morning, coffee ice cream makes up for it.
#12. Caramel/Salted caramel (tie)
- Percentage of adults who say it's their favorite: 14%
Caramel has been around for centuries, so much so that its origins are cloaked in mystery. Some think by boiling water and crystallizing sugar. In America, milk and fat were added to the recipe giving us caramel candy. It didn't take long before it transformed yet again into America's favorite cold treat.
#10. Peanut butter/Peanut butter cup
- Percentage of adults who say it's their favorite: 15%
After the introduction of Resse's Peanut Butter Cups , chocolate peanut butter amassed followers, gaining widespread popularity. Some say the combination of chocolate and peanut butter or the unique pull of browned foods on our palettes. The creamy chocolate and nutty peanut butter meld perfectly; it's no wonder it's a crowd favorite.
#9. Rocky road
- Percentage of adults who say it's their favorite: 16%
Rocky road was created during the Great Depression to bring comfort during turbulent times鈥攕o they say, but like its name, its origins are also a bit murky. Its beginnings are to Dreyer's, Fentons Creamery in Oakland, and Fred Rigby of Kansas. This ice cream is formulated with a mix of chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts, marrying texture and taste.
#8. Chocolate chip
- Percentage of adults who say it's their favorite: 18%
Chocolate chip is attributed to Ruth Wakefield, , broke pieces of chocolate from a Nestl茅 bar and added them to her favorite cookie recipe. Little did Wakefield know, she birthed a timeless flavor. It's now a favorite among many Americans.
#7. Mint chocolate chip
- Percentage of adults who say it's their favorite: 20%
Mint and chocolate . Back then, chocolate was a rather bitter drink to which Europeans added sugars, herbs, and spices such as mint. It only took its ice cream form when Marilyn Ricketts entered her Mint Royale flavor in a competition for ice cream desserts to celebrate Princess Anne's wedding to Captain Mark Philips.
#6. Cookies and cream (tie)
- Percentage of adults who say it's their favorite: 21%
Many are claiming credit for inventing this creative combination, but perhaps the most ardent . They say, in the 1970s, dairy professor Shirley Seas went on a dairy judging trip to New Jersey, where he saw staff crumbling Oreos onto ice cream. Impressed, he had students make up a batch to serve on campus. No matter the debate, vanilla ice cream infused with cookie chunks is clearly a textural triumph that crack's this list's top 3.
#6. Cookie dough (tie)
- Percentage of adults who say it's their favorite: 21%
This flavor was in 1984. Since then, it has become a fan favorite. The soft chunks of cookie dough fuse with the crunchy chocolate chips to create this irresistible combo.
#6. Butter pecan (tie)
- Percentage of adults who say it's their favorite: 21%
Butter pecan offers a smooth texture, so when combined with pecans, you have an irresistible flavor on deck. This flavor, a part of Howard Johnson's , is known for its buttery flavor and crunchy pecan pieces.
#3. Strawberry
- Percentage of adults who say it's their favorite: 25%
At President James Madison's second inaugural banquet, strawberry ice cream was . This pink-tinged treat makes up the three classic flavors of Neopolitan but also stands up well on its own. Its fruity flavor makes it a popular choice during the summer months.
#2. Chocolate
- Percentage of adults who say it's their favorite: 32%
Rich and creamy, chocolate ice cream claims the second-best spot. Its roots can be traced back to the Aztecs and Mayans, who enjoyed beverages made from cocoa beans. When the frozen form was discovered, it captivated chocolate lovers worldwide. Let's face it: chocolate is a timeless classic.
#1. Vanilla
- Percentage of adults who say it's their favorite: 38%
The number one spot goes to vanilla, a flavor that dates back to . Vanilla beans are highly prized, and their popularity grew during the colonial era. A beloved classic, vanilla and all of its creaminess reign supreme.
Additional writing by Cu Fleshman. Data reporting by Lucas Hicks. Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire. Photo selection by Elizabeth Ciano.