Instacart Reveals America’s Favorite Ice Cream Flavors

Nothing screams summer quite like a scoop of ice cream. Of course, not everyone opts for the same flavor of this warm-weather treat. Some people remain loyal to their go-to favorites every time they pick up a pint, while others have a more adventurous attitude. To settle any debate about which ice creams reign supreme, Instacart just revealed the most popular flavors of this frozen treat from orders across the United States.

In its latest report on consumer habits, the grocery delivery service presents data on the ice cream varieties that Americans love the most — and the top pint is so widely beloved, it’s likely you have some in your own freezer. But not every grocery shopper is looking for something traditional, and the numbers reveal that some customers are searching for a more upscale treat.

To determine these rankings, Instacart’s research team details that it “calculated the share of all ice cream purchased by flavor” on the grocery delivery platform during the summer months of 2024. 

Let’s dig into that full scoop. 

Classic flavors remain the most popular

Which ice cream flavors have the greatest followings across the United States? There are few surprises when it comes to shoppers’ favorite pints. Vanilla was the top flavor in 2024, amounting to nearly a third (27%) of all ice cream ordered on the platform last summer. Chocolate predictably follows in a close second place, while cookies and cream earned the third-highest ranking.

When it comes to regional favorites, however, a few outliers emerge. Instacart examined the flavors that are uniquely popular in each state by quantifying the difference between state and national share of ice cream sold for each flavor and then identifying which varieties had the biggest difference in each state.

It turns out that folks around the Great Lakes love a pint of the chocolate and peanut butter-infused Moose Tracks ice cream, while Missourians are partial to frozen treats full of cookie dough chunks. Butter Pecan, meanwhile, dominates in coastal Southern states like North Carolina. Over on the opposite coast, Californians have a preference for the nut-and-marshmallow-filled Rocky Road. 

In Instacart’s press release outlining the report, the brand’s trends analyst, Alex Orellana, explains that “ice cream preferences reveal how tastes can vary dramatically by region and reflect cultural traditions. Take Moose Tracks, for example – it’s a standout favorite across several Midwest states, likely due to the fact it was created in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. These insights show how history and local ties can influence consumer preferences, turning certain flavors into statewide staples.”

Craft brands are rising in the ranks

If you’re searching for some new options to try during the dog days of late summer, Instacart notes that a mix of “legacy brands and rising artisanal stars” are becoming increasingly popular with its shoppers. Haagen-Dazs has seen the greatest surge in interest, and shoppers are ordering more pints from Ben & Jerry’s and Tillamook. Smaller, artisanal brands, including Straus Family Creamery, Mayfield Dairy Farms, and Ice Cream for Bears, followed these familiar giants in the list of producers that Instacart names “rising sweet stars.”

“We’re seeing growing interest in premium, sustainably made ice cream. Brands like Alec’s Ice Cream and Ice Cream for Bears are gaining momentum as people seek out craft-made treats with simpler ingredients and standout flavors,” Orellana tells Food & Wine. “It shows that while classic scoops still deeply resonate, today’s consumers are also craving options that feel more elevated and intentional.”

Trending flavors stay top of mind

Of course, we couldn’t forget the viral sweet and nutty Dubai chocolate flavor profile that’s been popping up in grocery stores and restaurants everywhere over the past year. Instacart reports that purchases of ice cream flavors with chocolate and pistachios rose by 35% in 2024 compared with 2023, and we’d guess that 2025 will only bring more iterations of this widely beloved flavor combo.