Do You Know the Most Popular Ice Cream Flavor In Your State? Prepare to Be Surprised

I scream you scream, the entire country screams for ice cream! Have you ever wondered what your neighbors’ favorite flavor of ice cream is? The grocery delivery service, Instacart, started to keep track of the data for their customers’ preferred ice cream flavors and they decided to look at the most ordered flavors in each state for insights into what residents are enjoying most. Now, first things first, vanilla is America’s favorite flavor of ice cream. According to Instacart, Vanilla flavored ice cream accounts for over 25% of all ice cream sales in the US. But, where’s the fun in that?

We decided to take a deeper look into each state’s favorite ice creams to share with you the more colorful flavors. You’re not going to believe how each state breaks down. What state is cherry ice cream a favorite? Where will you find mango ice cream most popular? We’ll share those locations with you and so much more! Get ready to crave some ice cream with us!

Alabama

In the great state of Alabama, Moose Tracks ice cream is the one to beat. The Original Moose Tracks product description is as follows, “vanilla ice cream with peanut butter cups and famous Moose Tracks fudge.” Today, there are many iterations of the flavor and clearly, those are a hit in Alabama where people enjoy a salty yet sweet treat with this delicious flavor.

Alaska

Amongst the rugged wilderness of Alaska, folks live alongside nature in ways that are unlike anywhere else in the world. It might come as a surprise to you that Alaskans are big fans of green tea ice cream. In general, green tea ice cream is made with powdered green tea called matcha. It makes for an earthy, floral, and energizing ice cream flavor. It’s not the only state that loves this flavor! Keep reading to discover where else the flavor is highly favored.

Arizona

We could think of no better flavor to represent one of the most unique states in the country, Arizona, than Rocky Road. It conjures images of desert landscapes and mountainous peaks. Rocky Road traditionally comprises of chocolate ice cream, nuts, and whole or diced marshmallows. According to one source, the flavor was created in March 1929 by William Dreyer in Oakland, California. It has since swept the nation becoming a few states’ favorite flavor.

Arkansas

Arkansas is one of the few states to be infatuated with the flavor Rainbow Sherbet. Rainbow sherbet is one of the sherbet spin-offs where three flavors, each of a different color, are combined in one package, with the typical colors being green, purple, and orange. It’s fruity yet creamy, refreshing yet rich. It’s easy to understand why this flavor is America’s favorite form of sherbet.

California

Imagine if you will the seaside cliffs of California’s massive coast. Now, think of which ice cream flavor matches best. If you guessed Rocky Road, you’d very much be correct. It’s important to point out that California is the country’s most populous state and that means it represents a greater share of folks than some of the more sparsely inhabited states. A majority of the 40 million people in this state love Rocky Road and that means a giant share of the US population does as well!

Colorado

There seems to be a bit of correlation between states with the most scenic and special views in our country and a love for green tea ice cream. Colorado is yet another state that has a taste for matcha, sugar, and cream. Green tea ice cream has long been popular in Japan and East Asia but it really caused waves for the first time in the US in the 1970s. It’s come a really long way.

Connecticut

Connecticut is one of a few states that happen to be in close proximity that have a love of Pistachio ice cream. You will find this traditional flavor of ice cream in far-flung places originating in countries like Syria (Booza) and Italy (gelato). Find out what other states also have a love for this established flavor of ice cream by continuing on with this list.

Delaware

We promised to tell you which state has a thing for cherry ice cream and you have arrived. Delaware is the second-smallest and sixth-least populous state in the country. That might help explain how cherry ice cream has become the prevailing favorite. Cherry ice cream is both creamy and tart with a fruity kick. It’s no wonder that those flocking to Delaware’s beautiful coast would want to partake.

Florida

For the Sunshine State, Rum Raisin is the most beloved flavor. Does this come as a surprise to you? We expected a tropical fruit flavor but we suppose Rum provides an island-centric note. According to one source, the flavor originated in Italy where raisins were soaked in rum before being folded into gelato. We know a lot of folks who do not like raisins but they are clearly outnumbered in sunny Florida.

Georgia

Florida’s neighboring state to the north, Georgia, also has a taste for Rum Raisin. You will only find Rum Raisin as a favorite flavor for Florida and Georgia. It appears no other state is big on those rum-soaked raisins and creamy goodness.

Hawaii

Did you guess that Mango is the favorite flavor in Hawaii? If so, you guessed right! It seems only natural that our country’s most tropical and exotic state would have a taste for Mango ice cream. There is one more spot in America where the flavor reigns supreme and it will shock you! Keep reading to discover the other unique place where folks are after the sweet taste of mango.

Idaho

Ah, yes. What did we tell you about the rugged states with unparalleled beauty? The endlessly gorgeous state of Idaho can count itself among the states that have a taste for green tea ice cream. Idaho is the 13th least populous state and while there are not tons of people in it, Idaho has a reputation for drawing thousands of tourists each year to see its majestic, natural beauty. Are they driving up the numbers for green tea ice cream as well? Unfortunately, we’ll never know but it’s fun to think about.

Illinois

In the upper midwest, you’ll notice some trends among the states and their favorite ice cream flavors. In Illinois, Moose Tracks is the flavor of choice. We must point out the way the data was collected by Instacart to explain that Illinois’s actual favorite ice cream is the Rainbow Cone. You can’t get it through Instacart, but if you travel to Chicago (and the suburbs), you’ll find lines out the door and around the block for a cone each and every summer day.

Indiana

We’re sticking to the Midwest for a bit with our next, great state, Indiana. In Indiana, you will also find that Moose Tracks is the flavor to beat. If you’re in the Hoosier state, go ahead and order your Moose Tracks ice cream with pride. You’ll be in very good company.

Iowa

Next up on our journey through the midwest, we find Iowa. For Iowans, Moose Tracks ice cream does the trick. You’ll find many of dairy farms in Iowa and maybe they know a thing or two about what makes a great scoop of ice cream.

Kansas

In Kansas, Rainbow Sherbet is the state’s favorite flavor. Typically, a sherbet is made with fruit juice as well as ice and cream. It’s the perfect blend of fruity and creamy. There are only a couple of states with Rainbow Sherbet love and we’re happy to discover that Kansas is one.

Kentucky

In Kentucky, it’s the simple pleasures. The unassuming chocolate chip ice cream with vanilla ice cream that’s dotted with chocolate proves a winning combination that brings the delicious flavors together. In Kentucky, the state beverage is milk so maybe that’s why the vanilla ice cream base is such a winner there.

Louisiana

If you have ever had the pleasure of visiting New Orleans, you know that Louisiana is the most unique place. It’s a marriage of cultures, languages, and traditions. The great equalizer in the state is the regional cuisine that is the envy of the world. For a city that knows how to really party, it makes sense that the favorite ice cream in the state is birthday cake!

Maine

The state mammal of Maine is the moose but you won’t find that Moose Tracks is the favorite. In Maine, they have a taste for coffee ice cream. Sweet, creamy, and complex, coffee ice cream is one of the best flavors you can treat yourself to. It’s the perfect marriage and a dream first realized as the Italian espresso and gelato treat called an Affogato.

Maryland

The folks of Maryland aren’t playing around. It’s one of three states that prefer cookie dough ice cream. According to one source, cookie dough ice cream was invented by Ben & Jerry’s in 1984. They invented the flavor in their “scoop shop” in Burlington, Vermont. Despite Vermont being home to the shop, you won’t find it as the favorite flavor there!

Massachusetts

A stone’s throw away from Maine in Massachusetts, coffee is also a favorite ice cream flavor. It’s a small state but home to the birthplace of American Independence. It seems this generation is choosing coffee over tea.

Michigan

We’re back in the upper midwest where Moose Tracks are the winning flavor. Michigan is no different and is yet another state to have a taste for the dynamic flavor.

Minnesota

Minnesota is yet another state that loves Moose Tracks. It’s home to the Twin Cities. They have yet another thing in common, Moose tracks ice cream is equally beloved in both.

Mississippi

A state that neighbors Louisiana, Mississippi also loves the birthday cake flavor. It’s yet another example of neighboring states that represent a regional area that share beloved flavors with the states around the. The flavor is one of the sweetest options and that makes us believe that Louisiana and Mississippi know how to savor life.

Missouri

Missouri is known as the “Show Me State,” and we’re ready for those folks to show us what kind of ice cream they like the most. It’s cookie dough for Missourians. Salty, sweet, creamy, and decadent, the flavor is definitely one worth craving.

Montana

If trends were to hold, Montana would either have a love of Green Tea or Rocky Road. But, the state is going its own way and favoring rainbow sherbet. One of the nicknames for the state is “The Land of Shining Mountains.” We suppose those mountains are shining with rainbow goodness.

Nebraska

Nebraska, a bitterly cold state in the upper midwest, is doing as its nearby sister states are doing and going with Moose Tracks. We imagine braving those harsh Nebraska winters makes you an authority on cold stuff. Perhaps Nebraskans know what’s up with their favorite ice cream.

Nevada

In Sin City and beyond, Rocky Road is the flavor of choice. The state contains some of the Sierra Nevada mountains which gives it its name. We imagine that there are some actual rocky roads in those mountains. Eat up, Nevada, and keep living for that chocolate delight!

New Hampshire

We’re back on the east coast, New England specifically, where there’s a trend of coffee ice cream lovers across the region. If you love a cup of coffee in the morning, what’s to stop you from enjoying in it ice cream form later in the day?

New Jersey

New Jersey is one of the few states to go for pistachio. Often bright green in color, the sweet treat is enjoyed on and around the state’s beaches and piers. Despite the flavor being very old, it’s nice to know that it’s living on in New Jersey and other neighboring states.

New Mexico

New Mexico is one of the hottest states in the US. You can find respite in the mountains but in the desert areas, you’ll find sweltering (yet dry) heat. This should make residents experts on ways to keep cool and enjoy themselves despite the oppressive temperatures. It’s cookie dough all the way.

New York

Just north of New Jersey, New York, and its neighbor, are both in love with pistachio. As you likely know, many people commute and travel between New Jersey and New York so it’s no surprise that both places have an affinity for the same ice cream flavor. There are almost 20 million people living in the state making it highly representative of a lot of Americans. So, there are a ton of folks, especially in the northeast, that love pistachio.

North Carolina

It’s a party for North Carolinians. Across the vast state that spans from the Appalachian Mountains to the Outer Banks, birthday cake is the flavor of choice. For a state that’s got it all, why not party down with some celebratory ice cream?

North Dakota

Another state to experience bitter cold in the winters is North Dakota. There, you might see a moose or two. It’s fitting that the state prefers Moose Tracks. After all, actual moose tracks are likely a part of life for many North Dakotans.

Ohio

The motto for Ohio is “So Much to Discover.” Despite the adventurous nature of that phrase, the flavor for Ohio is chocolate chip. There are a ton of dairy farms in the state and that could explain why they prefer the simple pleasures of creamy vanilla and chocolate.

Oklahoma

For the Okies, it’s cookie dough all the way. It’s one of only three states that have a preference for the flavor. The concept is simple, turn cookies and milk into ice cream. The result is out of this world so it’s no wonder that Oklahoma as a taste for cookies and cream.

Oregon

And, we’re back to the pacific northwest where Green Tea ice cream is a favorite. Oregon is known for having some of the lushest green landscapes in the country. It’s that green color we find echoed in Green Tea.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of those states that’s hard to pin down. It feels regionally torn between the big cities of the northeast and more rural outskirts. Perhaps we have its unique situation to thank for making it the only state in the country that calls mint chip a favorite. The official food of the state is the chocolate chip cookie so we’re shocked that cookie dough is not a favorite.

Rhode Island

We’re back in New England where coffee ice cream is the region’s go-to ice cream flavor of choice. It’s the smallest state in terms of area but that’s not stopping it from having an outsized reputation. Keep enjoying that coffee ice cream, Ocean State.

South Carolina

For South Carolinians, they aren’t enjoying the same flavor as their neighbors to the north in North Carolina. No, Moose Tracks is the flavor to savor in the warm state known for its gorgeous coastal towns and charming cities.

South Dakota

Another South, South Dakota, has also parted ways in terms of ice cream favor. For this state that’s home to Mount Rushmore, Rocky Road is not the flavor of choice. Nope, it’s birthday cake. 45 other states have a larger population than this one so it’s not a huge percentage of the total US population but a fun one to note.

Tennessee

Tennessee and its crowning jewel, Nashville are known for music. This might make you think the state would pick a jazzy flavor and you’d be right. Moose Tracks with its combination of vanilla ice cream, peanut butter, and chocolate, is similar to a perfect, musical composition.

Texas

Texas is a huge state in terms of population and area. It’s the second most populous state and the second-biggest state in the country. That means that a ton of folks there are ordering ice cream on the regular. So, what pairs well with some world-class barbecue? The frozen dessert of choice is Rainbow Sherbet.

Utah

Another one of the rocky states to fall in love with Rocky Road ice cream is Utah. The state is characterized by its gorgeous natural beauty and we find that echoed in the most favored flavor there.

Vermont

Home of Ben & Jerry’s, Vermont is a state that’s all about dairy. Milk, cheese, ice cream, and other milk-based products are some of the state’s most treasured exports. That makes residents of this state aficionados on all things ice cream. They’ve chosen coffee as their favorite.

Virginia

Another stunningly beautiful state, Virginia has carried the motto “Virginia Is for Lovers” for decades. So what type of ice cream do Virginians love? Birthday cake.

Washington

Washington state is another state that loves Green Tea ice cream. What is up with the pacific northwest and their love of Tea ice cream? We suppose the residents of this beautiful state find a great deal to celebrate in the green spaces the cities are nestled in.

Washington, DC

Washington, DC is the only place, other than Hawaii, to have an affinity for Mango ice cream. Can you believe that? We love that those two far-flung places have such a unique flavor in common. Keep it fruity, DC!

West Virginia

For the very mountainous state of West Virginia, Moose Tracks is the favorite flavor of ice cream. The state is rich with hiking trails and beautiful natural splendor so it’s no surprise that the “tracks” are the right move there.

Wisconsin

Similar to Vermont, Wisconsin is renowned for its dairy industry. Excellent creameries produce some of the world’s most beloved cheeses. The Cheeseheads don’t only make cheese. They also specialize in ice cream for those few warm months in summer. Despite its unique dairy industry, this state also favors Moose Tracks.

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Wyoming

Last but certainly not least, Wyoming is another one of the rocky states that love Rocky Road. It’s the least populous state in the US and that should signal to you that it’s not the most representative sample when it comes to the total population of the US and its cherished flavors. That still doesn’t make the flavor a remarkable one.

There you go! We hope you found this list of the most popular ice cream flavor in each state to be informative and fun. It’s amazing to discover which states like what and to find the similarities between them both regionally and culturally. Now, we think you’ve earned it! Go grab your favorite flavor and savor that frozen, creamy treat!