10 Most Popular Ice Cream Flavors In The U.S.A.

Ice cream is more than dessert. It’s a map of our cravings, childhood memories, and the flavors we never tire of tasting. Each scoop tells a story, whether it’s rooted in nostalgia or trend.

The most popular flavors aren’t always the flashiest, but they endure because they feel timeless. Let’s wander through the ten that America reaches for most.

I compiled this list using recent industry sales reports, national polls, and ice cream association data. While rankings vary slightly by source, these flavors consistently rank among the most popular nationwide.

10. Pistachio

Pale green from real nuts or coloring, pistachio ice cream carries a mild, earthy sweetness. The nut’s natural oils create a silky richness. Toasting the pistachios first deepens flavor and adds warmth.

Though not as common as chocolate or vanilla, it has devoted fans. Its refined, almost floral profile makes it a favorite in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern desserts.

9. Neapolitan

Three flavors in one container make Neapolitan a crowd-pleaser. Traditionally, the trio is vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, arranged in distinct stripes. This allows for mixing or savoring each individually.

Its visual appeal invites playful scooping, creating endless combinations. It’s the diplomat of ice creams, pleasing varied tastes without compromise.

8. Butter Pecan

Toasted pecans infuse the cream with a nutty aroma before being folded in whole. The buttery base leans slightly caramel, enhancing the pecans’ sweetness. This flavor has a quiet, Southern charm.

It works equally well on pie or beside fresh peaches. Its elegance lies in restraint, letting simple, high-quality ingredients do the work.

7. Rocky Road

Chocolate ice cream acts as the stage for marshmallows and almonds. The nutty crunch and pillowy sweetness balance the cocoa richness. Texture shifts with every bite, keeping it interesting.

It’s a post–Great Depression creation meant to lift spirits. Even today, it feels like comfort disguised as decadence.

6. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Raw cookie dough’s chewy sweetness folds into a buttery vanilla base. The dough often contains mini chocolate chips, adding a pleasant snap. This flavor combines two treats in one scoop.

The nostalgia factor is undeniable, recalling the joy of sneaking dough from the mixing bowl. Modern versions use heat-treated flour to make it safe yet authentic.

5. Mint Chocolate Chip

Cool mint’s refreshing edge contrasts with sweet, semi-bitter chocolate chunks. The cream base tames the mint, keeping it crisp but not overpowering. Green coloring is optional, but many still expect it.

Every bite offers temperature and texture contrast. The chocolate melts slowly against the icy mint backdrop, creating a lingering, refreshing finish.

4. Cookies and Cream

Crumbled chocolate sandwich cookies lend both crunch and chocolatey bite. The cream filling melts into the base, creating swirls of sweetness that change with each spoonful. The flavor feels playful yet grown-up.

Texture is everything here, with the cookie pieces softening just enough to blend in. It’s a modern classic born in the late 20th century but now feels eternal.

3. Strawberry

Juicy berries bring natural tartness, which balances the cream’s sweetness. Proper strawberry ice cream uses ripe fruit, often leaving pieces for texture. This makes it taste like summer distilled into a frozen scoop.

Swirls of strawberry puree or ribbons of jam intensify its fruit-forward charm. It pairs beautifully with shortcake, whipped cream, or just a simple sugar cone.

2. Chocolate

Cocoa’s deep richness makes chocolate an all-season favorite. It’s indulgent without being too heavy, especially when balanced with a touch of creaminess. Variations range from milk chocolate sweetness to almost bitter dark chocolate intensity.

When paired with berries, nuts, or coffee, it develops surprising depth. The mouthfeel shifts depending on cocoa butter content, creating everything from velvety smooth to dense, fudge-like textures.

1. Vanilla

The purity of fresh cream and sugar gives vanilla its reputation as the flavor that goes with everything. Its appeal lies in subtlety, allowing toppings or sauces to shine without competition. The best versions rely on real vanilla beans, leaving those tiny black specks as proof.

In baking, it lifts chocolate cakes, cookies, and fruit pies without overshadowing them. In a cone, it’s comforting yet bright, with a floral finish that keeps it elegant.