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The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has partnered with Morning Consult to survey America’s love for all things ice cream and frozen desserts. This year’s survey asked over 2,200 American adults for their take on flavors, toppings, and other ice cream preferences. In addition to this broad survey of the general American population, IDFA conducted a separate survey of staff on Capitol Hill to get their take on flavors, toppings, and what ice cream best describes the U.S. Congress.
So, what’s the scoop? 97% of Americans love or like ice cream. While traditional ice cream flavors still dominate IDFA’s list, newer flavors like Butter Pecan and Cookie Dough are shaking up the top five. According to the survey, America’s favorite flavor is Vanilla, with Chocolate and Strawberry coming in as second and third top choices.
Top 5 flavors among the general American public:
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Strawberry
- Butter Pecan
- Cookie Dough
How does this lineup compare to previous years? You can find results from the 2022 and 2019 surveys on IDFA’s website.
Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry are the ice cream flavors most often included in Americans’ “Top 5” lists. However, Mint Chocolate Chip rounds out the top 3 when respondents are pressed for their #1 favorite.
Hot fudge, whipped cream, and caramel sauce are the top-three most popular ice cream toppings selected among 20 options provided.
Americans tend to prefer bowls or waffle cones – only one-in-ten say straight out of the carton is their favorite method of consumption.
Flavor is the most important consideration when consumers are weighing ice cream options, though four-fifths of adults think size and price are important as well. Nutritional info and product packaging carry less weight.
Click here to access topline results and here to access crosstab results from the poll.
Responses differed when IDFA asked staff on Capitol Hill the same questions. Bakery-inspired flavors were popular among these respondents.
Top 5 flavors among Capitol Hill staff:
- Cookie Dough
- Cookies and Cream
- Mint Chocolate Chip
- Birthday Cake
- Coffee
When asked what flavors best describes the U.S. Congress, 30% among the general American population respondents and 50% among Capitol Hill staff picked “Rocky Road: Anything but Smooth.”
Other popular responses were “Banana Split: Split Down the Middle” and “Butter Pecan: Rich and Nutty.
Click here to view the full results of the Capitol Hill Ice Cream Survey.
