Scoop There It Is: What’s North Dakota’s Favorite Ice Cream Flavor?

Summer is here, and that means it’s time to unapologetically indulge in one of the best treats humankind has ever invented — ice cream! Whether you’re chasing the ice cream truck down the street like you’re ten years old again or treating yourself to a pint in front of the air conditioner, there’s no wrong way to enjoy a scoop (or three).

Personally, I’m a rocky road kind of guy. Nothing beats the chocolate-marshmallow-nut combo. Chocolate will do in a pinch, too. But apparently, my taste buds might be a little old-fashioned compared to what’s trending in our region these days.

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According to a recent scoop (pun absolutely intended) from Mental Floss, ice cream preferences across the Upper Midwest are taking a surprisingly tropical turn. Who would’ve guessed that the land of long winters and snowdrifts taller than your SUV would crave flavors that scream palm trees and ocean breezes?

North Dakota

Here in North Dakota, the fan favorite is mango! Yep, we’re ditching the predictable vanilla and chocolate for something that tastes like a summer vacation. Maybe it’s our secret way of pretending we’re on a beach when we’re really just on the deck swatting mosquitoes.

Montana

Our neighbors in Montana keep it just as fruity with a love for peach ice cream. That seems fitting — after all, Big Sky Country deserves a big, juicy flavor.

Read More: Bake, Sell, Repeat – A Guide to North Dakota’s Cottage Food Laws

Minnesota

Meanwhile, over in Minnesota, they’re right there with us on Team Mango. Must be something about those humid lake days that has them craving a sweet, tropical scoop.

South Dakota

South Dakota, ever the wild card, prefers pistachio. A little salty, a little nutty, and a lot delicious — just like the folks who call the Rushmore State home.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a rocky road die-hard, a pistachio purist, or someone who keeps your freezer stocked with every fruit flavor imaginable. What really counts is that summer is fleeting, and ice cream is forever cool.

So grab your cone, cup, or bowl and celebrate these warm days with a big scoop of whatever makes you smile. Here’s to summer, a brain freeze here and there, and a whole lot of deliciousness!