- Instacart has released data on the most popular ice cream flavors across America. Vanilla makes up nearly 30% of their nationwide ice cream orders.
- Unique regional favorites emerge around the country, such as moose tracks in the Midwest, rocky road in the West, and butter pecan in the Carolinas.
- Ice cream sales see a 22% increase during National Ice Cream Month in July.
Summer is heating up, and so is the debate over which ice cream flavor reigns supreme in each state. And if you’re anything like The Pioneer Woman, you probably have opinions! “I’m a bit obsessed with ice cream—enough to open an ice cream shop, anyway,” says Ree. She adds, “Peach ice cream is hands down my favorite homemade ice cream flavor. My mom made it when I was little, which means it’s forever etched in my heart. And taste buds.”
But does the rest of America agree? Instacart recently released a delicious deep dive into ice cream habits in each state, so you can see exactly which frozen treats are being scooped up in every corner of the country. To see if your (and Ree’s) favorite flavors made the list, just keep on reading.
These results are pretty sweet! At the top of the cone sits classic vanilla, which reigns supreme in a vast majority of states. It’s the go-to for nearly 30% of Instacart’s ice cream orders nationwide. Reliable, versatile, and universally loved, vanilla proves that sometimes the simplest flavors really do have the strongest fan base.
But don’t count out chocolate. This rich, velvety contender follows closely behind, dominating much of the East Coast, such as Tennessee and the Virginias. Next up is the scrumptious cookies and cream, taking the lead in several states, including Ree’s home of Oklahoma.
Meanwhile, the Midwest has a unique take with moose tracks—a mix of vanilla, fudge, and peanut butter cups—that takes first place in states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Out West, rocky road holds strong with its nostalgic blend of chocolate, marshmallow, and nuts, proving particularly popular in California and Nevada.
Maine stood out as the only state to favor peanut butter chocolate. Meanwhile, butter pecan stayed loyal to its Southern heritage, reigning as a favorite in both South and North Carolina. Other unique flavors, such as cookie dough, cherry, coffee, and Neapolitan, also made the map.
July, fittingly National Ice Cream Month, sees a 22% bump in ice cream sales overall, proving that a cone (or pint) is still one of summer’s most essential pleasures. Whether your state sticks to the basics or leans into the unexpected, it’s always great to grab a spoon.
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
