Frozen Desserts 2012

Frozen Desserts 2012 - 2017 (Ice Cream, Fro Yo and Novelties)

	MOCHI NOW IN PINT FORM (posted December 21, 2017) My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream introduces premium My/Mo Ice Cream with Mochi Bits. In less than one year, My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream has put mochi ice cream in more than 6,000 retail locations across the U.S., in both the freezer section and their self-serve My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream Mochi Bars located in the bakery department. This new innovation reverses the experience for ice cream fanatics wanting to add some bite to their spoon-licking experience. Each carefully crafted pint of contains pillowy pieces of mochi dough nestled within mouthwatering ice cream. “As our brand’s vision is to bring the snackability of mochi ice cream to the masses, this was a natural progression and delivers another way for consumers to chew their ice cream,” says Russell Barnett, chief marketing officer. The new pint-size treats are gluten-free and available in five flavors: Chocolate, Green Tea, Mango, Salted Caramel and Strawberry. They will hit retail shelves in early 2018. For more information, link HERE.

	SEASONAL MOCHI ICE CREAM (posted December 18, 2017) Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream & Desserts welcomes the holiday season with two new Mochi Ice Cream flavors: pumpkin and peppermint candy. These new Mochi Ice Cream flavors join 29 other flavors that Bubbies has built a loyal and passionate following for including mango, green tea, passion fruit and guava. Pronounced moh-chee, Mochi Ice Cream is a bite-sized ice cream treat wrapped in soft, sweetened dough. The outer layer, mochi dough, is made from rice flour and sweetened with natural ingredients for a soft and chewy texture. Each bite contains 110 calories or less and is gluten free. For decades, Bubbies has been produced in its Aiea, Hawaii location. With ongoing success and demand in the U.S. and internationally, Bubbies recently expanded its manufacturing operations with a new facility in Arizona that will complement its existing manufacturing and distribution operation in Hawaii. The Phoenix facility opens in 2018. For more information, link HERE.

	CHRISTMAS COOKIES ICE CREAM SELLS OUT WEEKS BEFORE THE BIG HOLIDAY (posted December 13, 2017) Blue Bell’s limited-edition Christmas Cookies ice cream flavor was such a success, it’s sold out! Blue Bell Christmas Cookies is sugar cookie-flavored ice cream base that is loaded with chunks of chocolate chip, snickerdoodle and sugar cookies, with red sprinkles and green icing swirled into the creation. It was sold in pints and half-gallon containers. Holiday-themed foods generate excitement with consumers and give them permission to buy. These products are sold at a premium before the event, but lose their value afterwards. Manufacturers are challenged with making best estimates for production runs, as product that remains on shelf after the celebratory event must be discounted or discarded. This year Blue Bell Christmas Cookies started hitting freezers near the end of October and was sold out by the first week in December. “The demand for Christmas Cookies has been overwhelming, and we, unfortunately, sold out much more quickly than we anticipated,” company officials wrote on Facebook. “Due to timing constraints, we are unable to order additional ingredients to get the flavor back before Christmas, but we definitely have plans to make more next year.” The company also just announced it will be expanding distribution in New Mexico is March 2018. For more information, link HERE.

	ARTISAN ICE CREAM MADE WITH LOCAL MIDWESTERN MILK (posted November 28, 2017) Sweet Me Creamery offers seven ice cream varieties, a different one for every day of the week. The new company makes ice cream the old-fashioned way, using fresh milk from local Midwestern dairy farms, carefully crafted in small batches to ensure the best quality. “When it comes to the ingredients, it’s the details that count. We searched near and far for perfectly chewy, fudgy brownies to add just the right touch of decadence to every bite of Sweet Cream Espresso Mocha. We worked for months to find the right balance of blondie chunks, toffee bits and maple caramel swirls for Maple Toffee Blondie. And because rhubarb is such a highly-seasonal fruit, we purchase it almost a year in advance and have it made into our sauce to ensure that every bite of our award-winning Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler captures the peak sweetness of spring,” according to the company’s website. The seven varieties are: Chocolaty Peanut Butter Pretzel: peanut butter ice cream with thick salted caramel sauce and swirled with chocolaty covered peanuts and pretzels Creamy Dark Chocolate Mint: creamy dark chocolate mint ice cream swirled with pieces of chocolaty shavings Maple Toffee Blondie: vanilla bean ice cream with maple caramel sauce and big pieces of toffee and blonde brownies Salted Caramel Brownie: salted caramel ice cream swirled with thick caramel sauce and fudgy brownies Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler: vanilla bean ice cream with a strawberry rhubarb swirl and big chunks of cobbler topping Sweet Cream Espresso Mocha: vanilla ice cream kissed with espresso and swirled with caramel and fudgy brownies Vanilla Bean: pure and rich vanilla extract with ground vanilla bean seeds Distribution is currently throughout Minnesota, the company’s home state, and in limited distribution in Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota and Wisconsin. The suggested retail price is $4.99. For more information, link HERE.

	IMPROVED EGGNOG LINE AND NEW ICE CREAM FLAVORS (posted November 23, 2017) Clover Sonoma rolls out specialties just in time for the holidays. This third-generation family-owned and operated dairy has reformulated its eggnog recipes to now be made without carrageenan. They are made with milk and cream from family farms in Northern California, and have the same creamy, velvety taste customers enjoy. The organic and traditional eggnogs are sweetened with cane sugar and contain eggs and special holiday spices. They remain rBST- and antibiotic-free and are fresh-pasteurized, not ultra-pasteurized. The company’s newly reformulated line of premium ice creams is growing with Chocolate Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel Cookie Crunch and Chocolate Fudge Brownie. “Clover Sonoma was the first to elevate dairy from a commodity to a specialty food with our Clover Promise of Excellence program,” says Marcus Benedetti, president and CEO at Clover Sonoma. “These recipes offer simple ingredients and are part of this promise of quality.” For more information, link HERE.

	DUTCH TV CHEF DEBUTS NAMESAKE PREMIUM FROZEN DESSERT LINE (posted November 15, 2017) Roerink Food Family offers ice creams developed by Rudolph van Veen, a master pastry chef, master chef and, according to several, the most famous TV chef in The Netherlands. He now has a special partnership with De Dessert Meesters, ice cream makers since 1925, and a part of the Roerink Food Family. The decadent frozen desserts come in six varieties in clear plastic rounds to showcase the premium ingredients. Varieties are: Dessert Circus: raspberry and mango passion fruit sorbet with chocolate sauce Ebony & Ivory: chocolate-coffee and whipped cream ice cream with apricot-honey sauce New York Chocolate: chocolate-whiskey and white chocolate ice cream with caramel sauce Rainforest Chocolate: chocolate ice cream and mango passion fruit sorbet with passion fruit sauce Tokyo Sundae: matcha green tea ice and lychee sorbet with orange sauce White Wedding: almond ice cream and white peach sorbet with apricot-honey sauce The treats come in individual 155-milliliter containers as well as 600-milliliter multi-serve packs. For more information, link HERE.

	HAPPY HALLOWEEN! SCARY ICE CREAM TREATS (posted October 31, 2017) Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of specialty ice cream shops, brought haunting desserts to its shops this Halloween season. The new Fang-Tastic Monster Cake is a friendly and fuzzy monster cake that can be customized with a guest’s favorite ice cream and cake flavors. The new Trick or Treat Polar Pizza Ice Cream Treat features “Made with Snickers” ice cream piled high with classic Halloween candies. Baskin-Robbins further got into the Halloween spirit with its October Flavor of the Month, Candy Bar Mashup. This flavor features a monster mashup of Snickers, Milky Way and Twix bar pieces in chocolate ice cream with a caramel ribbon swirled throughout. Candy Bar Mashup can be enjoyed in a cup, cone or with candy toppings. Baskin-Robbins also launched a new and improved milkshake that’s creamier and more delicious than ever. Guests can enjoy any Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavor in their milkshake. For more information, link HERE.

	ICE CREAM GETS TOPPED (posted October 23, 2017) Ben & Jerry’s introduces a new concept to European market. After making its debut in the U.K. in March, the new Topped line is now available for distribution in select European countries. The premise of the line is simple. The “topped” ice cream pints have a layer of spoonable chocolate or white chocolate fondant on top so that the consumer can spoon the topping into each bite of ice cream. There are three varieties. They are: Chocolate Caramel Cookie Dough: chocolate ice cream with caramel swirls, ampersand shapes made of Fairtrade chocolate, and cookie dough, topped with a layer of soft chocolate and chocolate chunks Salted Caramel Brownie: vanilla ice cream packed with chocolate brownies, ampersand shapes made of Fairtrade chocolate, and swirls of salted caramel, topped with a layer of soft chocolate and chocolate chunks Strawberry Swirled: vanilla ice cream with chunks of shortbread, white chocolate ampersands, and strawberry and marshmallow swirls, topped with a layer of soft white chocolate and white chocolate chunks For more information, link HERE.

	HIGH-PROTEIN ICE CREAM CUP (posted October 19, 2017) Kri Kri of Greece extends its High Protein Super Spoon brand to the freezer case. The brand made its debut about two years ago as a refrigerated yogurt. Now it’s a frozen product. The product is Greek yogurt combined with superfruits and frozen in single-serve cups that come with a spoon. Flavors are: Blackberry, Black Currant, Blueberry and Cranberry. Each 105-gram cup packs in 9.3 grams of protein. For more information, link HERE.

	PROTEIN ICE CREAM BARS (posted October 11, 2017) From Sweden, Lohilo debuts grab-and-go protein ice cream bars. The new frozen novelties will roll out in early 2018. The bars are designed to be an alternative to traditional post-workout and energy bars. Lohilio products are “lo” in carbs, “hi” in protein and “lo” in fat. The lactose-free bars contain 3.2 grams of sugar and 6 grams of protein. The initial rollout will be in Caramel & Pecan and Cookies & Cream flavors. For more information, link HERE.

	ICE CREAM WITH A PURPOSE (posted October 5, 2017) Ben & Jerry’s does it again with new Home Sweet Honeycomb in the U.K. Home Sweet Honeycomb is sweet cream ice cream with a honey caramel swirl (10%) and milk chocolate-covered honeycomb chunks (10%). The flavor was created to carry an all-important, timely message: it’s time to come together for people in need of a safe place to call home. It’s time to come together for refugees. The brand teamed up with the International Rescue Committee to urge fans to join in with asking European leaders to give vulnerable refugees a safe place to call home, as part of its Together for Refugees campaign. Bee warned, this flavor is sure to make a buzz, because there’s another reason that Home Sweet Honeycomb is so special. It’s made with honey from a new supplier in Germany: nearBees. nearBees is a community of small-scale beekeepers. Purchasing their honey not only helps the beekeepers to sell their honey at a fair price, it helps the bee population to thrive. For more information, link HERE.

	REDUCED-FAT ICE CREAM CAKES (posted September 27, 2017) Wells’ Enterprises introduces the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Cake line. The new frozen desserts come in two varieties: Bunny Tracks and Vanilla Bean Blondie. Bunny Tracks is vanilla ice cream with a layer of gooey fudge and peanuts. The cake is decorated with caramel sauce, a chocolate drizzle and peanut butter-filled mini chocolate bunnies. The 33-ounce cake contains six servings, each having 270 calories, 14 grams of fat, 31 grams of sugar and 5 grams of protein. Vanilla Bean Blondie is vanilla bean ice cream with a layer big blondie brownie and creamy white frosting. There’s also hidden blondie brownie prices throughout. The 34-ounce cake contains six servings, each having 290 calories, 11 grams of fat, 32 grams of sugar and 4 grams of protein. For more information, link HERE.

	SCOOP SHOP-INSPIRED ICE CREAM NOVELTIES (posted September 18, 2017) Boardwalk Frozen Treats introduces Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Sandwiches. There are four varieties of scoop shop-inspired ice cream flavors sandwiched between two chocolate wafers. Varieties are: Jamoca Fudge: coffee-flavored ice cream with a chocolate-flavored ribbon Mint Chocolate Chip: mint-flavored ice cream with chocolate flakes Peanut Butter ‘N Chocolate: chocolate ice cream with peanut butter ribbon Salted Caramel: caramel ice cream with salted caramel ribbon Each 3.5-ounce sandwich contains 160 to 190 calories, 6 to 9 grams of fat, 13 to 16 grams of sugar and 2 to 3 grams of protein, depending on variety. For more information, link HERE.

	GENERIC FROZEN DAIRY DESSERT (posted September 14, 2017) Private-label retailer Aldi reintroduces the Daily Basics brand to U.S. consumers. Despite all research showing that consumers want clean-label, all-natural, premium foods, Aldi now offers artificially flavored frozen dairy desserts. Sold in old-fashioned folded 1.75-quart cardboard cartons, this economy product sells for $1.59. The non-standard of identity product is based on milk, whey and whey protein concentrate, and comes in Neapolitan and Vanilla varieties. A half-cup serving contains 90-100 calories, 2 grams of fat, 15-16 grams of sugar and 2 grams of protein.

	FROZEN COLD-BREW COFFEE (posted September 12, 2017) American Cold Brew combines coffee with superpremium ice cream to make innovative stick novelty line. Made with real cold-brew coffee, each 3-ounce stick novelty contains the same amount of coffee as a glass of iced coffee. The frozen novelties are made with all-natural and Fair Trade ingredients. There are six varieties, with each ice cream bar containing about 150 calories, while Café Noir is only 70 calories. Au Lait is an outer shell made from a creamy blend of fresh, cold-brewed cafe au lait sweetened with a rich vanilla center. It’s designed for coffee drinkers that prefer a lot of milk and some sugar in their coffee. Café Noir is simply a sweet black coffee espresso blend for the seasoned coffee drinker who loves the strong bold taste of coffee. Caramel is ultra-premium caramel coffee ice cream. Hazelnut is a sweet, cold-brewed hazelnut coffee outer shell with a creamy vanilla center. Mocha is rich, chocolatey cold-brew coffee encased around ultra-premium chocolate ice cream. Peppermint is cool, refreshing peppermint ice cream with a rich, chocolatey mocha outer shell. The stick novelties are sold in packs of four. For more information, link HERE.

	BACK-TO-SCHOOL ICE CREAM (posted September 4, 2017) Meijer offers limited-edition Purple Cow ice cream flavor to get kids excited for school. What parent can resist? Limited-edition Purple Cow Back to School Special by Meijer is peanut butter-flavored ice cream with peanuty butter bits, blackberry-flavored swirls and natural flavors. The new flavor comes in a 48-ounce squround package for a back-to-school special deal of $2.50. A 2/3-cup (90 gram) serving contains 230 calories, 12 grams of fat, 21 grams of sugar (17 of which are “added sugars”) and 3 grams of protein. At the same time this new flavor made its debut, the retailer brought back its seasonal specialty: Pumpkin Pie. This limited-edition ice cream flavor is pumpkin-flavored ice cream with pie chip pieces.

	FRIDAY WAS NATIONAL BANANA SPLIT DAY (posted August 28, 2017) Blue Bell Ice Cream used the day to release its newest ice cream flavor. New Banana Split Sundae is a creamy banana ice cream mixed with crushed pineapples, maraschino cherries and chopped roasted almonds, all surrounded by swirls of strawberry and chocolate sundae sauces. “Our newest creation is a combination of two of your favorite ice cream parlor treats--the banana split and a sundae,” says Jimmy Lawhorn, general sales manager for Blue Bell. “Banana Split Sundae features a creamy banana ice cream with all of the tasty toppings you would enjoy on a banana split or a sundae. We are excited to be able to share this flavor with everyone just in time for National Banana Split Day.” The banana split and the sundae go hand in hand. Many ice cream experts credit David Strickler as the inventor of the banana split. Strickler, a 23-year-old employee at a pharmacy in Latrobe, Pa., enjoyed creating different sundaes for the pharmacy’s soda fountain. One day, in 1904, he decided to combine three scoops of ice cream with a fresh banana and the rest is history. Blue Bell Banana Split Sundae is available in the half gallon and pint size. For more information, link HERE.

	LACTOSE-FREE ICE CREAM PINTS (posted August 23, 2017) Minus the Moo introduces real ice cream, simply without the lactose. Minus the Moo is a Boston-based, female-run startup, which is bringing premium lactose-free “real” ice cream made from milk and cream to market. For years, lactose intolerant ice cream lovers have been relegated to eating “frozen desserts” made from plant-based milk alternatives, or downing chalking lactase enzyme pills and hoping for the best, according to co-founders and former college roommates Katy Flannery and Gwen Burlingame. Lactose intolerant Flannery, who is a registered nurse at Boston Children’s Hospital and graduate of the famous Penn State Ice Cream Course, developed the idea out of her own need. “I love ice cream and was so tired of substitutes that didn’t taste like the real thing. Like so many people, I grew up eating delicious, creamy premium ice cream with interesting flavors. I wanted the opportunity to enjoy that again and knew there was a solution,” says Flannery. Minus the Moo adds the lactase enzyme to their custom recipe to make real ice cream that is lactose-free. “Ice cream is one of life’s simple pleasures meant to be enjoyed and shared but it causes problems for many people,” says Burlingame. “Our mission is to bring the joy back to ice cream for everyone and ensure that no one is missing out.” Minus the Moo comes in five varieties. They are: Chocolate, Espresso, Mint Chip, Sea Salt Chocolate Chip and Vanilla. The ice cream is made with artificial growth hormone-free milk sourced from a 100% farmer-owned co-op. For more information, link HERE.

	UNAPOLOGETICALLY INDULGENT ICE CREAM (posted August 15, 2017) Vice Cream grows its premium pint ice cream line while it expands distribution. The three newest flavors are: L’Orange A Trois (vanilla ice cream with orange ripple and dark, white and milk chocolate chunks), Minted (mint ice cream with mint chocolate coins and cookie crumbles) and Toffee Wife (peanut butter ice cream with chopped toffee bars, peanut butter cookie dough and toffee ripple). They join: Afternoon Delight (vanilla ice cream with chunks of chocolate chip cookie dough, salted caramel truffles, and thick swirls of chocolate fudge and caramel), Bourbon Mash (vanilla ice cream and hearty chunks of chocolate, all topped off with a heavy pour of bourbon-caramel sauce), Breakfast in Bed (sweet maple ice cream with chunks of sticky bun dough, pecan praline and a touch of cream cheese), Choc of Shame (chocolate ice cream with chewy brownie dough chunks flecked with dark chocolate shavings), Higher Grounds (dark roast coffee ice cream with swirls of mocha fudge, crunchy chocolate cookie crumbles and sweet espresso). For more information, link HERE.

	BOOZY ICE CREAM DEBUTS IN CANADA (posted August 7, 2017) Nestle Ice Cream rolls out five varieties of Haagen-Dazs Spirits. The new line comes in five alcohol-filled flavors. They are: Irish Cream Coffee & Biscotti: Irish cream-flavored ice cream with coffee swirl and biscotti bites Rum Ginger Cookie: rum-infused ginger ice cream with ginger cookie pieces Rum Vanilla Caramel Blondie: rum-infused vanilla ice cream, blondie chunks and caramel ripple Vodka Key Lime Pie: vodka-infused key lime ice cream with graham cracker ripple Whiskey Chocolate Truffle: whiskey infused chocolate and white mousse ice creams with truffle pieces The ice cream comes in pint containers and is made with 100% Canadian dairy. With less than 1% alcohol content, the ice creams are not considered an alcohol product. For more information, link HERE.

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the August 4, 2017, blog titled "Gen Z Knows Protein."

	RETAIL LINE OF NUT-FREE ICE CREAM DEBUTED AT SUMMER FANCY FOOD SHOW (posted August 3, 2017) Dessurt Corp., introduces A La Mode Ice Cream. A La Mode small-batch ice cream is free of eggs, nuts and sesame. There are also gluten-free and dairy-free options. The brand was conceived about two years as an ice cream shop and kids boutique in New York City. The ice cream is made with milk from a local New York farm. In addition to Chocolate and Vanilla, the company has specialty flavors. They are: Cooks: vanilla and chocolate cookies in vanilla ice cream with swirls of chocolate fudge Partly Cloudy: blue cotton candy ice cream with mini marshmallows Pink Sprinkle: pink vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles Speed Bump: chocolate ice cream with marshmallows and white and dark chocolate chips Wired: coffee ice cream with chocolate chips The ice cream comes in pints and single-serve 3.5-ounce cups. There are also chocolate-covered stick bars of Partly Cloudy, Speed Bump, Vanilla, Wired and Strawberry Cheese Cake, which is vanilla ice cream, strawberries, cream cheese, ricotta cheese and graham crackers. For more information, link HERE.

	BACK-TO-BASICS ICE CREAM LINE (posted July 19, 2017) Prairie Farms introduces Naturally Good Ice Cream. Just in time to celebrate National Ice Cream Month, Prairie Farms debuted the Naturally Good Ice Cream brand in more than 20 product varieties. Prairie Farms uses simple ingredients to craft rich and creamy classics such as Chocolate and Vanilla, to new trending favorites, including Sea Salt Caramel and Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake. “Our new Naturally Good Ice Cream was inspired by requests from our customers for ice cream made with fresh and simple ingredients,” says Rebecca Leinenbach, vice president of marketing and communications. “We start with the highest-quality milk available from our local family farms and mix in premium ingredients for an unmatched variety of flavors. Consumers recognize the value of supporting local farms and businesses, and our new ‘craft’ package design clearly identifies our local heritage and naturally good standards.” For more information, link HERE.

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the July 14, 2017, blog titled “Protein Ice Cream: It’s Officially A Thing…and some cool ice cream flavors to celebrate National Ice Cream Day.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the July 14, 2017, blog titled “Protein Ice Cream: It’s Officially A Thing…and some cool ice cream flavors to celebrate National Ice Cream Day.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the July 14, 2017, blog titled “Protein Ice Cream: It’s Officially A Thing…and some cool ice cream flavors to celebrate National Ice Cream Day.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the July 14, 2017, blog titled “Protein Ice Cream: It’s Officially A Thing…and some cool ice cream flavors to celebrate National Ice Cream Day.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the July 14, 2017, blog titled “Protein Ice Cream: It’s Officially A Thing…and some cool ice cream flavors to celebrate National Ice Cream Day.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the July 14, 2017, blog titled “Protein Ice Cream: It’s Officially A Thing…and some cool ice cream flavors to celebrate National Ice Cream Day.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the July 14, 2017, blog titled “Protein Ice Cream: It’s Officially A Thing…and some cool ice cream flavors to celebrate National Ice Cream Day.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the July 14, 2017, blog titled “Protein Ice Cream: It’s Officially A Thing…and some cool ice cream flavors to celebrate National Ice Cream Day.”

	SUPERMOM-INSPIRED ORGANIC ICE CREAM (Posted July 11, 2017) Three Twins Ice Cream introduces Maxine’s, a new ice cream brand inspired by founding Twin Neal Gottlieb’s supermom Maxine. This family-friendly sized (1.5 quart) pack of affordably priced organic ice cream is something Maxine believed was lacking in the industry. “Maxine’s is a tribute to my lovely, coupon-clipping mom who taught me you don’t have to be rich to live richly,” says Gottlieb. “In honor of her ways, we are excited to offer a delectable treat the whole family can enjoy. With an entire line-up full of organic ingredients in a size fit for everyone, dessert can be served every night of the week.” The line rolled out July 1, 2017, in six flavors. They are: Chocolate, Coffee, Cookies & Cream, Mint Chip, Vanilla and Vanilla Bean. The suggested retail price is $6.99 to $7.99. Committed to providing a great product at a great price, these new additions include a charitable donation to Global Wildlife Conservation through 1% for the Planet and Ice Cream For Acres, the land conservation initiative Three Twins created in 2011. The purchase of one carton of Maxine’s protects 7-square-feet of land. To date, Three Twins has funded the purchase of 8,000 acres of land. For more information, link HERE.

	ICE CREAM SLIDERS (posted July 6, 2017) Joel’s Outrageous offers premium ice cream cookie sandwich. This U.S. purveyor of gourmet cookie dough and desserts made with 100% natural ingredients and no preservatives, is sliding into summer with Joel’s Outrageous Ice Cream Sliders. Joel’s Outrageous has created a winning combo of its famous chocolate chunk gourmet cookies stuffed with 14% butterfat vanilla ice cream and dipped in chocolate. These perfectly sized cookies are made from the company’s signature butter-based cookie recipe and boast a generous amount of chocolate chunks. Joel’s Outrageous, founded by Joel Ansh in 2001 and headquartered in Midland Park, N.J., offers nine different flavors of frozen and ready-to-bake cookie dough. For more information, link HERE.

	SPECIAL BATCH ICE CREAM (posted July 3, 2017) Tillamook County Creamery Association, the 108-year-old farmer-owned cooperative from the Pacific Northwest, has completed a redesign of its existing superpremium line of handheld ice creams, gelatos and frozen custards. Featuring a cleaner, bold font, the new look places an emphasis on flavor, with each of the 14 flavors in the series owning a unique color. Re-named “Special Batch,” a cream band around the lid ties the entire line together to help consumers identify Tillamook Special Batch items on-shelf and differentiate between Tillamook 56-ounce Premium Ice Cream. “As a farmer-owned co-op, it is important to us that our farmer-heritage is reflected within the package redesign, while still achieving the playful tone that is consistent with our brand character,” says Stephanie Carson, ice cream category manager. “This line is a celebration of specialty flavors made with real artisan ingredients so the new look puts flavor front and center.” Tillamook first introduced its line of superpremium ice creams, gelatos and frozen custards in 2016. All products are crafted with only the highest-quality ingredients, including dairy from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones, no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial colors, no artificial flavors and no artificial sweeteners. In addition to rolling out a fresh new look, Tillamook is introducing two new Special Batch flavors. They are: Cardamom Almond Butter Ice Cream, which is warm and nutty cardamom ice cream with a ribbon of rich, sweet almond butter, and Frosted Carrot Cake Ice Cream. The re-imagination of a classic dessert in ice cream form with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon, swirled with layers of cream cheese frosting and topped with walnuts. The 15.5-ounce containers have a suggested retail price of $3.99 to $4.49. For more information, link HERE.

	HANDMADE ICE CREAM SANDWICHES DEBUT AT SUMMER FANCY FOOD SHOW (posted June 29, 2017) Too Cool Chix makes its debut with a line of premium ice cream novelties. Too Cool Chix Ice Cream Sandwiches are layered with handmade, soft cookies and small-batch ice cream, the “magic in the middle.” There are four varieties. They are: The Classic: vanilla bean Ice Cream with a soft dark chocolate cookie I Dream In Chocolate: dark chocolate ice cream with a soft dark chocolate cookie The Beauty Bar: lavender ice cream with a soft lemon cookie A Little Nutty: creamy peanut butter ice cream with a soft dark chocolate cookie All Too Cool Chix Ice Cream Sandwiches are free of stabilizing gums, artificial emulsifiers and artificial colors and flavors. Women-owned and operated, the founders are Michele Elmer and Sharon Monahan of New York City. For more information, link HERE.

	PURE AND SIMPLE ICE CREAM (posted June 21, 2017) Hudsonville repacks its Naturals Ice Cream line. Introduced a few years ago in 1.5-gallon paperboard squrounds, the Hudsonville Naturals line now comes in 32-ounce plastic tubs to better communicate the pure and simple product inside. For example, the strawberry variety is described as, “Just fresh strawberries and our pure vanilla ice cream made with real cane sugar. The simplicity is beguiling, and while the color may vary naturally, the strength of the crisp strawberry flavor will not.” Hudsonville is located just a few miles from the Michigan farm that provides the company its milk and it sources all of its ingredients from local Midwest companies. The Naturals line come in six flavors. They are: Chocolate Cocoa Bean, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel, Strawberry, Vanilla Bean and White Mint Chocolate. Three-gallon foodservice containers are available, too. For more information, link HERE.

	ITALIAN-STYLE GELATO MADE WITH WISCONSIN MILK (posted June 13, 2017) Cedar Crest Specialties Inc., rolls out seven flavors of gelato. This family-owned company uses fresh, local Wisconsin milk to makes its new line of gelatos. The seven flavors are: Coffee Caramel (coffee gelato blended with swirls of caramel and dark chocolate almonds), Hazelnut (hazelnut gelato with dark chocolate chunks), Mint Cookie (white mint gelato with chocolate cookie pieces), Peanut Butter (peanut butter gelato with sea salt caramel ribbon and fudge-covered peanuts), Pistachio, Sea Salt Caramel and Vanilla Bean. The small-batch made gelato comes in pint containers. For more information, link HERE.

	AUTHENTIC ITALIAN GELATO NOW IN SINGLE-SERVE CUPS (posted May 29, 2017) Villa Dolce Gelato packages its “gelato Italiano” in convenient cups. The story of Villa Dolce Gelato began with a dream to bring Italy’s finest dessert gelato to the United States. Having brought them so much joy while growing up in Rome, brothers and Los Angeles natives Monte, Giancarlo and Gianandrea Marcaccini envisioned bringing a true taste of Italy to the United States. And they did. And now they are making their foodservice premium gelato available in 3.6-ounce cups. Gelato flavors are: Chocolate, Salted Caramel and Vanilla Bean. There are also two sorbets in the same-size cups. They are: Mango and Raspberry. For more information, link HERE.

	PACKAGED GELATO IN TRENDY (NON-FRUITY) FLAVORS (posted May 25, 2017) Unilever grows its gelato line with non-traditional gelato flavors. Breyers Gelato Indulgences launched in 2014 with its trio of textures: creamy gelato, luscious sauce and gourmet toppings. This summer, Breyers Gelato Indulgences is introducing three new indulgent flavors. They are: Breyers Gelato Indulgences Cookie Dough is a combination of sweet cream gelato paired with a rich fudge swirl and gourmet chocolate chip cookie dough pieces. Breyers Gelato Indulgences Pistachio Biscotti features pistachio-flavored gelato with a rich pistachio swirl and gourmet biscotti crumble for a pistachio lover’s dream come true. Breyers Gelato Indulgences Cinnamon Roll blends creamy vanilla-cinnamon gelato with indulgent cinnamon sugar and a gourmet baked cinnamon topping.

	UNIQUE METALLIC PACKAGING FOR SMALL BATCH ICE CREAM (posted May 23, 2017) Palazzolo’s Artisan Dairy debuts tins for gelato and sorbetto. This Michigan dairy has the tagline of “Uncompromised Ingredients. Small Batches. Big Inspiration.” Its culinary-inspired gelatos and sorbettos are made with locally sourced milk that is free of artificial growth hormones. The product contains no artificial ingredients or corn syrup. The frozen treats are served at some of the finest restuarants in the Midwest, as well as available retail. To stand out in the crowded supermarket freezer, the company is rolling out 24-ounce tins that come packaged in a cardboard box. The box panels are used to tell the story about the product, as well as the sourcing of ingredients. For more information, link HERE.

	FUNCTIONAL ICE CREAM (posted May 17, 2017) Northern Ireland-based Ice Cream Treats introduces Yomega3, a line of omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin D-enhanced Greek-style frozen yogurts. The frozen dairy treat is made with marine oil-derived omega-3 fatty acids. The product comes in three flavors. They are: Mango, Raspberry and Vanilla. This posting will be updated when more information becomes available.

	HOSTESS SNACK CAKES BECOME FROZEN NOVELTIES (posted May 11, 2017) After nearly 90 years of baking America’s favorite treats, Hostess Brands LLC, has collaborated with Nestle Dreyer’s Ice Cream Company to launch Hostess Frozen Novelties and Ice Cream, giving fans a new way to indulge in their favorite treats. The parties have entered a license agreement through which Nestle manufactures and distributes the new products under the Hostess brands. The three new frozen novelties are: Ding Dongs: Vanilla frozen dairy dessert sandwiches with chocolatey coating (180 calories each) Sno Balls: Coconut covered vanilla and chocolate frozen dairy dessert bars (130 calories each) Twinkies: Golden sponge cake crumbles and cream frozen dairy dessert cones (220 calories each) All three are designed to simulate the namesake snack cake with packages carrying a photo of the snack cake and the slogan “now a tasty frozen treat.” “Over the past year we’ve been working closely with Hostess to perfect the recipes and pay homage to these nostalgic treats,” says Rachel Jaiven, marketing manager for Nestle Dreyer’s Ice Cream Company. “We’re thrilled to lend our ice cream expertise to give fans a new way to enjoy their favorite classic snack cakes.” For more information, link HERE.

	MAKE YOUR OWN ICE CREAM CAKE (posted May 1, 2017) Bulla introduces a ready-to-decorate ice cream cake base to Australians. The base consists of three layers: chocolate, strawberry and vanilla. Customers can then add their own toppings and decorations to the side and top of the cake. Bulla says it aims to take the fuss out of celebrations with the no-bake cake option, as well as appealing to those who like to be creative in the kitchen. “It’s a staple celebrations cake with the perfect base for an ice cream masterpiece, where all you need is some toppings and a little bit of creativity,” says Nick Hickford, general manager, sales marketing and innovation. The cake base comes in a 1.5 liter serving. The recommended retail price is AUD $9.99. For more information, link HERE.

	PURE DELIGHT…THE TAGLINE OF THE U.S.’S FIRST NATIONAL ORGANIC ICE CREAM BRAND (posted April 25, 2017) Julie’s Organic was established in 1998. On the cusp of its 30th anniversary, the brand is updating and growing its offerings. “It’s hard to remember this now, but when Julie’s launched in the late ‘90s, organic was primarily limited to produce and dairy. There was nothing really available in indulgent, organic desserts,” says Michelle Hunt, vice president of marketing. “We pioneered a new category for people committed to choosing organic, people grateful for an ice cream aligned with their values. Since then, our audience has expanded and evolved exponentially, but the Julie’s imagery had not. A fresh look at our packaging was long overdue.” Along with the rebrand on its top-selling novelties, Julie’s Organic is introducing 11 pint flavors in 2017. “What has stayed the same is Julie’s commitment to ‘pure delight,’ the brand’s ethos and long-serving tag line, and this was our inspiration for reimagining everything we make,” says Hunt. Julie’s eight super premium ice creams are: Classic Vanilla, Blackberries & Cream, Coffee, Cookies & Cream, Milk Chocolate, Mint Chip, Sea Salt Caramel and Strawberries & Cream. Just Lemon, Mango and Raspberry vegan sorbets round out the organic line. All are free of added or artificial colors and flavors, starches and high fructose corn syrup. In addition to tantalizing the taste buds, Julie’s is unveiling a long overdue rebrand featuring an elegant new logo and photography highlighting the brand’s clean label and fresh ingredients. For more information, link HERE.

	FAVORITE BREAKFAST CEREALS GET FROZEN (posted April 17, 2017) Ben & Jerry’s is giving everyone a taste of the days of carefree (and responsibility-free) Saturday mornings with a new lineup of ice cream flavors inspired by cereal. The three new Cereal Splashbacks flavors debuted in U.S. Scoop Shops on March 7, which was National Cereal Day. The new flavors are: Fruit Loot: Cereal milk ice cream with a crisp fruity cereal swirl Frozen Flakes: Cereal milk ice cream with a crisp cereal swirl Cocoa Loco: Chocolate cereal milk ice cream with a crisp chocolate cereal swirl “So why combine ice cream and cereal? Because the sweet milk at the bottom of a cereal bowl is arguably the best part,” says Ben & Jerry's Flavor Guru Eric Fredette. “We wanted to take our flavor concepts and make people feel like a kid again, which is how we landed with our Cereal Splashback flavors. There’s a flavor for every fan that will help bring them back to the prize-at-the-bottom-of-the-box days, watching Saturday morning cartoons in pajamas.” To make it that much sweeter, Cereal Splashbacks will be available this September in New Zealand, Singapore and Australia. For more information, link HERE.

	COFFEE-, CANDY- AND DESSERT-INSPIRED ICE CREAMS (posted April 12, 2017) Perry’s introduces nine new ice cream flavors for either retail or scoop shops. The fourth-generation, family-owned company’s new ice cream flavors are rolling out this month. “It’s all about the flavors,” says Robert Denning, president and CEO of Perry’s. “The products we introduce have to hit the high mark of Perry’s flavor expectation. Flavor is still the number one determining factor in a consumer purchase.” Perry’s continues their tradition of using a signature slow-cooked, one-batch at a time technique, while staying relevant to today’s changing consumer requests. The five new retail packaged flavors are: Caramel Frappe is espresso ice cream with caramel and vanilla ice cream swirls. Cold Brew Coffee & Cream is cold-brewed coffee ice cream swirled with sweet cream ice cream. Candy Bar is nougat ice cream with salty caramel swirls, peanuts and fudge chunks. Lactose Free Cookie Dough is 99% lactose-free cookie dough ice cream with chunks of cookie dough and fudge chips. This is Perry’s second lactose-free offering; vanilla is also available. Cotton Candy is a carnival of fun in blue and pink cotton candy-flavored ice cream. (This flavor is also new to scoop shops.) The two new ice cream sandwiches are: Cool Mint and Sweet Cream. The two new scoop shop flavors are: Dirt Sundae is chocolate ice cream with both chocolate cookie and marshmallow swirls. Peanut Butter Bon Bon is peanut butter ice cream with chocolate swirls and peanut butter bon bons. For more information, link HERE.

	SUPER-PREMIUM, LOW-CALORIE WHIPPED GELATO (posted April 6, 2017) New Direction Foods debuted Revele Whipped Gelato at Expo West. Sold in pint containers, the company says this is the first super-premium, low-calorie gelato in the U.S. It’s described as having one-third fewer calories, fat and sugar, as compared to industrial ice cream, and has 40% solids. Revele contains no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners. Made with lactose-free milk and milk protein concentrate, Revele comes in five flavors. They are: Burnt Caramel, Coffee Toffee Crunch, Rhone Valley Chocolate, Seasonal Strawberries and Vanilla Symphony. A half-cup serving contains 80 calories, 4 grams of fat, 6 grams of sugar and 1 gram of protein. For more information, link HERE.

	To read more about this product, link HERE to read the March 31, 2017, blog titled "Celebrating Caramel—A Delicious Partner to All Things Dairy."

	To read more about this product, link HERE to read the March 31, 2017, blog titled "Celebrating Caramel—A Delicious Partner to All Things Dairy."

	PREMIUM ORGANIC ICE CREAM MADE WITH PASTURED-RAISED COWS’ CREAM (posted March 29, 2017) Humboldt Creamery debuted organic ice cream at Expo West. The company uses locally sourced fresh organic cream from pasture-raised cows, then folds in premium, wholesome ingredients, along with 60% overrun, for more deliciousness and less air. The line debuted in seven flavors. They are: Chocolate, Coffee Chip, Cookies and Cream, Mint Chip, Sea Salt Caramel, Strawberry and Vanilla. A half-cup serving contains 180 to 220 calories, 10 to 13 grams of fat, 18 to 20 grams of sugar, and 3 to 4 grams of protein, depending on variety. “Made with integrity,” is one of the company’s mottos. Humboldt Creamery has a “Zero Waste Sustainability Initiative,” which describes the company’s commitment to reducing waste, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage and power consumption. The pint packages feature upscale graphics, including real food photography, to communicate the quality product inside. For more information, link HERE.

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the March 24, 2017, blog titled “It’s Ice Cream Season!”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the March 24, 2017, blog titled “It’s Ice Cream Season!”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the March 24, 2017, blog titled “It’s Ice Cream Season!”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the March 24, 2017, blog titled “It’s Ice Cream Season!”

	ICE CREAM COATED PIROULINE COOKIE (posted March 21, 2017) SaltiSweet grows its frozen novelty line. About two years ago, SaltiSweet Ice Cream Factory introduced a line of creamy organic vanilla ice cream and dark chocolate coating enrobed salted pretzel rods. The pretzel rod functions as the hand-held novelty’s stick. Then last year the company added new flavors. Read more about them HERE. This year at Expo West, the company introduced two new novelties that have a pirouline cookie functioning as the edible stick. The two flavors are: Evergreen Espresso and Steamboat Springs Strawberry. The chocolate coated pirouline cookie is surrounded by the flavored organic ice cream and then enrobed in chocolate. Each 67-gram novelty contains 250 calories, 10 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein. The novelties come in three packs and in single units. For more info, link HERE.

	Link HERE to read more about this product in the March 17, 2017, blog titled "Natural Products Expo West was all about clean-label dairy foods."

	Link HERE to read more about this product in the March 17, 2017, blog titled "Natural Products Expo West was all about clean-label dairy foods."

	NEW ICE CREAM NOVELTIES Three Twins Ice Cream grows its frozen novelties line. The San Francisco Bay Area-based pioneer of organic ice cream expands its unique line of novelties with two new delectable treats. Lemon Ice Cream Wafer Sandwich is lemon ice cream and wafer cookies (made with real vanilla). Triple Chocolate Sundae Cone is a chocolate-coated interior cone filled with chocolate ice cream and topped off with mini chocolate chips. These two new products join the 23 products in the Three Twins lineup. “Lemon Cookie has become one of the flavors that our fans are most crazed about, so we are thrilled to see how they react to the interpretation of this favorite in ice cream sandwich form,” says Founding Twin Neal Gottlieb. “And, after bringing the first-ever organic sundae cone to the world last year in the classic combination of vanilla ice cream with chocolate topping and peanuts, we expect that chocolate lovers will rejoice with the launch of our Triple Chocolate Sundae Cones.” The Lemon Ice Cream Wafer Sandwiches are available in three-packs with a suggested retail price of $5.99. The Triple Chocolate Sundae Cones are available as three-packs with a suggested retail price of $5.99 and as a single for $1.99. For more information, link HERE.

	LOW-FAT, HIGH-PROTEIN ICE CREAM (posted March 2, 2017) ProYo enters the healthful ice cream category. ProYo made its debut four years ago as a high-protein frozen yogurt novelty. You can read about the original line HERE. The company is now entering the better-for-you ice cream sector with seven varieties of low-fat, high-protein ice cream. Sold in 14-ounce containers, a half-cup serving contains 120 calories, 1 to 1.5 grams of fat, 10 grams of protein, 9 grams of sugar and 3 grams of fiber. This is made possible through a proprietary combination of skim milk, whole milk, whey protein concentrate, xylitol and inulin with other ingredients. The gluten-free product is made with non-GMO ingredients and no artificial colors, flavors or stabilizers. It is also low-glycemic. The flavors are: Blueberry Pomegranate, Coconut, Dark Chocolate Toffee, Dutch Chocolate, Mint Chip, Mocha and Vanilla Bean. For more information, link HERE.

	SUPER-PREMIUM ORGANIC CRAFT ICE CREAM (posted February 27, 2017) Snoqualmie introduces seven “handcrafted happiness” ice cream pints. Sample the product at booth #9112 at Expo West in March. In growing response to the demand for high-quality organic ice cream, Snohomish, Washington-based Snoqualmie Ice Cream is launching a line of super-premium organic craft ice creams that have the tagline of “handcrafted happiness.” Snoqualmie Organic claims to be “the best organic ice cream ever.” The company prides itself on using the best possible ingredients, with many sourced from the Pacific Northwest, including grass-fed milk and cream, eggs, berries and honey. Snoqualmie Organic is a French-style, frozen custard (ice cream). It is vat-pasteurized, slow cooked and crafted in small batches with extra cream and very little air. As a certified B-Corporation, Snoqualmie Ice Cream is an eco-conscious operation that continuously strives to reduce its carbon footprint. The family-owned company’s sustainable property includes onsite rain gardens, bio swales, pervious concrete, solar panels, energy efficient equipment, LED sensor lighting and more. Snoqualmie Ice Cream was granted B-Corporation status through its commitment to social sustainability, environmental performance standards and employee relations. Becoming a B-Corporation aligns with Snoqualmie Ice Cream’s mission and values of striving for perfection, while taking care of their customers, employees, community and environment. “We’ve been developing our organic line for over a year,” says Barry Bettinger, owner and founder. “We’ve worked very hard to source the perfect ingredients, develop the best recipes and obtain all the official certifications to create a top-tier extension of our brand. We’re seeing a shift in the way people eat and choose their foods--especially in the dairy world--and we want to ensure our customers that we care about these choices just as much as they do. Snoqualmie Organic ice cream truly aligns with the way we (as individuals and as a company) think, operate and live, and we’re so excited and proud to finally share it with the world.” The seven Snoqualmie Organic ice cream flavors are: Chocolate: Intense dark chocolate made with Barry Callebaut organic Belgian cocoa Cookies n’ Cream: Made with organic Madagascar vanilla and custom-sourced organic chocolate cookies Lavender: A Snoqualmie signature flavor made with organic dried lavender buds from Provence, France, which are steeped in hot cream for four hours and strained, creating an infusion of flavor Mint Chip: Peppermint frozen custard made with Barry Callebaut organic Belgian chocolate Mixed Berry: A unique Northwest-inspired flavor made with organic Madagascar vanilla, organic honey from a Northwest supplier, and a custom-made blend of organic Northwest berries Salty Caramel: Made with a custom organic caramel using sea salt from Portland’s Jacobsen Salt Co. Vanilla: Made with organic Madagascar vanilla A pint has a suggested retail price of $6.99. For more information, link HERE.

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the February 24, 2017, blog titiled "Fruit Makes Ice Cream Better—Get Consumers to Notice."

	GREEK FROZEN YOGURT GETS SKINNY (posted February 21, 2017) Nestlé USA grows its Skinny Cow frozen novelty line as well as simplifies recipes and updates packaging. After more than 20 years of offering full-flavored, sensibly sized frozen treats, Skinny Cow debuts all new recipes for its new and legacy treats, in addition to an updated brand look and feel. The latest addition to its portfolio are Skinny Cow Greek Frozen Yogurt Bars in two flavors: Chocolate Fudgetastic Swirl and Salt-Kissed Caramel. Each bar contains 100 or 110 calories and 5 grams of protein. “Individual preferences and expectations are always evolving and now, more than ever, consumers are looking for quality ingredients in the foods they purchase,” says Kevin George, director of marketing-snacks portfolio at Nestle Dreyer’s Ice Cream. “Over the past 23 years, Skinny Cow has developed indulgent products and treats--and this year the brand is delighted to announce that it has updated its recipes to incorporate delicious ingredients you can feel good about, without changing the flavors our fans love.” Skinny Cow updated the recipes across its portfolio to shorten the ingredient list and remove unfamiliar ingredients. The updated recipes include milk from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones. With the brand’s new recipes comes new packaging that puts the spotlight on both the indulgent product and its quality ingredients. For more information, link HERE.

	ICE CREAM OFFICIALLY POSITIONED AS A SNACK (posted February 15, 2017) Wells Enterprises rolls out Blue Bunny Bunny Snacks. The new ice cream snack comes in a resealable stand up pouch that contains six individually wrapped 2.4-ounce ice cream treats. Both the inner packaging and outer packaging is clear in order to let consumers see the product. The snack comes in four varieties. They are: Chocolate Chip Cookie: Chocolate chip cookies layered with vanilla-flavored reduced-fat ice cream enrobed in milk chocolate-flavored coating with chocolate chip cookie pieces. Chocolate Vanilla Twist: Vanilla-flavored reduced-fat ice cream with a fudge revel between vanilla and chocolate cookies. Cookies ‘N Cream: Chocolate cookie layered with cookies ‘n cream reduced-fat ice cream enrobed in white confectionary coating with chocolate cookie pieces. Salted Caramel Pretzel: Vanilla-flavored reduced-fat ice cream layered with salted caramel and chocolate-covered pretzel pieces enrobed in chocolate-flavored coating with caramel candy drizzle. Each serving contains 140 to 160 calories, 4.5 to 8 grams of fat and 11 to 15 grams of sugar, depending on variety. They all contain 2 grams of protein. For more information, link HERE.

	A SLICE OF A PINT WITH SOME CHOCOLATE COATING (posted February 6, 2017) Ben & Jerry’s introduces Pint Slices. In case you missed this major U.S. rollout on February 1—the promotions and social media efforts were immense—here you have it. Ben & Jerry’s introduces a new concept in frozen novelties. New Ben & Jerry’s Pint Slices were inspired by the very best part of the pint. The novelty gives fans a way to enjoy euphoric flavors, chunks and swirls in a round single serving that’s enrobed in a decadent chocolatey coating. It’s a to-go order of ice cream goodness that’s easy to take on the road, and hard to resist, according to the company. The shape and size of Ben & Jerry’s latest offering mirrors a wedge cut right out of the middle of the pint. The good news is, you don’t have to share it. Each Pint Slice is wrapped in an easy-open pouch that doubles as a mess-protector. Pint Slices are made with Fairtrade certified, non-GMO sourced ingredients and are available in four flavors: Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Vanilla Peanut Butter Cup and Americone Dream. The new ice cream novelty was created with convenience in mind. “It took us years to perfect how to squeeze in all the chunks and swirls our fans have come to expect, says Dena Wimette, global innovation manager. All four flavors come in three-count boxes and have a suggested retail price of $4.29 to $4.99. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pint Slices are also sold individually for $2.99 each. For more information, link HERE.

	FIT FROZEN DESSERTS (posted January 23, 2017) Arctic Zero grows its frozen dairy dessert menu. Arctic Zero Fit Frozen Desserts are all about sweet treats that are low in calories and fat; free of lactose, gluten and GMOs, as well as artificial flavors, sweeteners and colors. They also are low glycemic. The frozen desserts are made with whey proteins free of artificial growth hormones, monk fruit and fiber, making them a smart choice for dessert lovers with dietary restrictions or weight loss goals who seek a healthy option to satisfy their sweet tooth. In March, the company will be rolling out three new dessert-inspired pint flavors. They are: Cherry Chocolate Chunk, Peanut Butter Swirl and Rocky Road Trip Chunky. Each pint contains a total of 300 calories, with a half-cup serving containing 75 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, 8 grams of sugar and 3 grams of fiber from chicory root and sugar cane. In novelties, there’s new Cake Batter, which is a yellow cake batter-flavored bar dipped in red velvet coating. Sold in four packs, each 2.1-ounce bar contains 80 calories, 5 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, 5 grams of sugar and 2 grams of fiber. For more information, link HERE.

	SUPER INDULGENT ICE CREAM PINTS (posted January 10, 2017) Ben & Jerry’s rolls out two new and unusual flavors, unusual even by this adventurous brand’s standards. Truffle Kerfuffle features vanilla ice cream with roasted pecans, fudge chips and a salted chocolate ganache swirl. A half-cup serving contains 340 calories, 24 grams of fat, 24 grams of sugar and 5 grams of protein. Urban Bourbon features burnt caramel ice cream with almonds, fudge flakes and bourbon caramel swirls. A half-cup serving contains 300 calories, 17 grams of fat, 24 grams of sugar and 5 grams of protein. Almonds, pecans, fudge inclusions and even bourbon are not new to the brand. What is a first is the salted chocolate ganache swirl and burnt caramel ice cream. For more information, link HERE.

	PREMIUM, ADULT-FOCUSED ICE CREAM SANDWICHES (posted January 4, 2017) Walmart offers ice cream sandwiches for mature taste buds. Sold under the supercenter’s private-label Great Value brand, the round ice cream cookie sandwiches come in three varieties. They are: Boom Boom Cherry is cherry amaretto-flavored ice cream with cherry-flavored swirls between chocolate chocolate chip cookies. Each sandwich contains 250 calories. Key Lime Divine is key lime-flavored ice cream with whipped cream-flavored swirls between graham wafers edged with key lime-flavored chips. Each sandwich contains 220 calories. S’mores S’mores is graham- and toasted marshmallow-flavored ice cream with marshmallow swirls between graham wafers edged with chocolate-flavored chips. Each sandwich contains 230 calories. The individually wrapped sandwiches come in boxes of six and sell for $4.88.

	PEPPERMINT CHEESECAKE, CHOCOLATE CHERRY CORDIAL, FROZEN AND ON A STICK (posted December 22, 2016) Prairie Farms Dairy grows its North Star brand of premium ice cream bars. Peppermint Cheesecake is peppermint ice cream coated with a peppermint candy crunch. Each 2.75-ounce bar contains 170 calories, 10 grams of fat, 13 grams of sugar and 2 grams of protein. Chocolate Cherry Cordial is milk chocolate ice cream surrounded by cherry-flavored ice cream and topped with dark chocolate. Each 2.75-ounce bar contains 170 calories, 11 grams of fat, 14 grams of sugar and 2 grams of protein. Individually wrapped bars are sold in boxes of six. For more information, link HERE.

	SWISS GASTRONOMIC DELICACIES INSPIRE PREMIUM ICE CREAM FLAVORS (posted December 19, 2016) Mövenpick of Switzerland offers Swiss cantons Ice Cream. In concocting their latest creations, the Mövenpick Maîtres Glaciers drew inspiration from the gastronomic delights of the Swiss cantons. Regional delicacies are artfully transformed into original ice cream flavors. There are four offerings in the limited-edition line that celebrates Swiss culinary heritage. They are: Apricot Sorbet from Valais: A velvety sorbet made with sun-ripened apricots from the Valais region, enriched with juicy apricot pieces. Double Cream from Gruyère & Strawberry: The perfect match of a smooth double-cream ice cream and a velvety strawberry sorbet with meringue pieces. Chocolate & Truffles from Schwyz: A luscious chocolate ice cream with melting truffle pieces from the Swiss canton of Schwyz. Caramels from Basel & Apple: The subtle pairing of a caramel ice cream and a sorbet made with Swiss apples, made rich with pieces of Basel’s famous caramel treats. For more information, link HERE.

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the December 16, 2016, blog titled "Dairy Foods Forecast 2017: Ice Cream Flavor Trends 2017."

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the December 16, 2016, blog titled "Dairy Foods Forecast 2017: Ice Cream Flavor Trends 2017."

	DECADENT ICE CREAM PAIRINGS GET LAYERED (posted December 15, 2016) Nestle will introduce Haagen-Dazs Trio in 2017. Haagen-Dazs Trio is a line of ice cream pints that contain layers of ice cream and crispy Belgian chocolate. To get a taste of all the layers, you have to dig in. There will be four varieties in the initial rollout. They are: Chocolate & Vanilla, Salted Caramel & Chocolate, Vanilla & Blackberry and White & Milk Chocolate. These are the ice cream flavor layers, which are layered with the crispy Belgian chocolate.

	PREMIUM FROZEN YOGURT PINTS (posted December 7, 2016) Kemps introduces Yo2. The new pint line comes in six flavors. They are: Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge is chocolate frozen yogurt with peanut butter cups and peanut butter fudge swirl. A half-cup serving contains 250 calories, 12 grams of fat, 23 grams of sugar and 6 grams of protein. Cold Brewed Coffee is coffee frozen yogurt, thick fudge swirl and chocolate chips. A half-cup serving contains 200 calories, 7 grams of fat, 23 grams of sugar and 5 grams of protein. Mudslide is chocolate and coffee frozen yogurt swirled with cookies, fudge and chocolaty chunks. A half-cup serving contains 230 calories, 9 grams of fat, 25 grams of sugar and 5 grams of protein. Raspberry Cheesecake is cheesecake frozen yogurt with graham crunch and raspberry swirl. A half-cup serving contains 190 calories, 4 grams of fat, 24 grams of sugar and 4 grams of protein. Salty Caramel Cookie Crunch is vanilla frozen yogurt with shortbread cookies, chocolaty chunks and salty caramel swirl. A half-cup serving contains 210 calories, 6 grams of fat, 25 grams of sugar and 5 grams of protein. Vanilla is simply vanilla. A half-cup serving contains 160 calories, 3 grams of fat, 21 grams of sugar and 5 grams of protein. The frozen yogurts come in partially clear plastic pints to showcase the premium ingredients. To introduce the new line, Kemps is sponsoring Frozen Yogurt House Parties on December 17. The company will send party boxes of samples and supplies to winning party hosts. For more information, link HERE.

	‘TIS THE FIRST DAY OF DECEMBER (posted December 1, 2016) Baskin-Robbins rings in the holiday season with new ice cream cake and treat. The global ice cream chain is rolling out its festive lineup of frozen treats that is sure to make every ice cream lover jolly this holiday season. Baskin-Robbins is offering guests a new Ganache Poinsettia Cake, which is an elegant and decadent ganache cake topped with a wreath of Winter Oreo Cookie pieces and an icing poinsettia. The company is also expanding its Polar Pizza Ice Cream Treat lineup for a limited time with the addition of its Peppermint & Winter Oreo Cookies Polar Pizza, which features a double fudge brownie crust with peppermint ice cream, topped with Winter Oreo Cookie pieces and drizzled with marshmallow and fudge toppings. Peppermint Bark in The Dark is returning as the chain’s December Flavor of the Month. For more information, link HERE.

	SNACK CAKE TURNED ICE CREAM FLAVOR (posted November 21, 2016) Nestle Ice Cream introduces co-branded Hostess snack cake ice cream pints. At NACS (convenience store exposition), Nestle Ice Cream showcased its plans to revitalize its pints portfolio with upscale packaging and new flavors. The new varieties include Hostess branded Cupcakes, Sno Balls and Twinkies, all designed to simulate the namesake snack cake. Cupcakes is chocolate ice cream with cake pieces and a cream frosting swirl. Sno Balls is marshmallow-flavored ice cream with chocolate cake pieces and a whipped coconut swirl. Twinkies is sweet butter cream-flavored ice cream with sponge cake pieces and vanilla frosting swirl. In addition, the company is licensing the Rolo trademark from The Hershey Company to add a Rolo ice cream to its highly indulgent inclusion-based pint line, which includes Nestle Butterfinger, Nestle Drumstick and Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough. The new Rolo variety is vanilla ice cream with a caramel swirl and mini Solo candy pieces.

	FROZEN ICE CREAM BAR WITH CANDY CRUNCH (posted November 10, 2016) Mars Inc., will roll out new novelty in December. The number-one global confectionery brand will introduce a new ice cream treat: M&M’S brand Ice Cream Bars. Each individually wrapped bar features chopped M&M’S milk chocolate candies inside reduced-fat vanilla ice cream, all smothered in creamy milk chocolate. This new item builds on the excitement around the M&M’S brand Cookie Sandwich, which is outpacing the category, growing 31% according to Nielsen data for the 52 weeks ending May 21, 2016. The frozen novelty bar format is growing more than two times the category, according to Nielsen data. Part of this increase may be that parents’ preferred frozen novelty format is a bar, since it’s clean and convenient for families, according to Mars research. The suggested retail price for a 2.64-ounce single bar is $1.79. It’s $3.99 for a box of six 1.63-ounce bars.

	To read more about this product, link to the October 4, 2016, blog titled "Adding Fiber to Dairy Makes Sense; Inulin Makes No-Added-Sugars Possible in Many Dairy Applications," HERE.

	To read more about this product, link to the October 28, 2016, blog titled "Seasonal (and Tributary) Ice Cream: Make your flavor, package and story attract consumers," HERE.

	To read more about this product, link to the October 28, 2016, blog titled "Seasonal (and Tributary) Ice Cream: Make your flavor, package and story attract consumers," HERE.

	To read more about this product, link to the October 28, 2016, blog titled "Seasonal (and Tributary) Ice Cream: Make your flavor, package and story attract consumers," HERE.

	To read more about this product, link to the October 28, 2016, blog titled "Seasonal (and Tributary) Ice Cream: Make your flavor, package and story attract consumers," HERE.

	INNOVATIVE ICE CREAM NOVELTIES (posted October 26, 2016) Ledo, Croatia’s largest ice cream innovator, rolls out a multi-texture premium ice cream bar. King Love is a single-serve stick ice cream novelty with an airy and foamy chocolate mousse structure. At the very heart of this royal dessert, the consumer gets surprised by the unique mixture of textures, which includes a heart-shaped strawberry filling with strawberry pieces. It is coated with a triple-layered soft topping of white chocolate, strawberry and milk chocolate with a final crispy coating. Also new this year is King Caramel Adventure, which features a blend of salty and sweet all on a stick ice cream bar. This butterscotch-flavored ice cream is sprinkled with salted caramel and a triple coating of soft white chocolate, salted caramel and white chocolate with chopped almonds. For more information, link HERE.

	INNOVATIVE NOVELTIES AND DECADENT ICE CREAM TUBS (posted October 12, 2016) Bulla introduces new ice creams for Australia’s summer, which starts now. New novelties include Choc Bar Jelly Top, which is chocolate-covered vanilla ice cream with raspberry jelly on a stick. There’s also non-dairy Jelly Splits, which is frozen lemonade with a raspberry jelly center on a stick. The company is bringing the popular Nutella flavor to the ice cream category with new Creamy Classics Choc Hazelnut Spread flavored ice cream. A few months ago, Bulla launched Fairy Bread ice cream. Reminiscent of birthday and family celebrations, Bulla’s Fairy Bread has swapped the triangle of sliced bread for vanilla-flavored ice cream, dipped in a creamy white choc coating and smothered in colorful sprinkles. Cookies & Cream and Cookie Crumble flavors options also debuted with Fairy Bread as part of a new ice cream stick range. For more information, link HERE.

	CULINARY-INSPIRED SEASONAL ICE CREAM (posted October 6, 2016) Tillamook introduces two new artisan ice creams for the autumn months. With pumpkin season officially here, Tillamook adds two holiday inspired, special batch ice cream flavors: Pumpkin Cookie Butter and White Chocolate Peppermint Bark. Pumpkin Cookie Butter is spiced pumpkin ice cream swirled with speculoos cookie pieces. White Chocolate Peppermint Bark is white chocolate ice cream swirled with peppermint crackle and bark pieces. The new flavors will be available in the Pacific Northwest through the end of the year, or when inventory runs out. “This is our first release of special batch flavors so we’re really looking forward to seeing how consumers respond to them,” says Stephanie Carson, ice cream category manager. “Many of our year-round flavors are great for celebrating the holidays but these limited-edition treats were created specifically for this time of year. Pumpkin and peppermint are especially popular and we wanted to provide our fans with options that are uniquely Tillamook, made with the highest quality mix-ins like speculoos cookie pieces and rich fudge peppermint bark.” Like all Tillamook ice cream, the new really creamy ice cream flavors are made with extra cream, not extra air. The suggested retail price is $4.99 to $5.99 per 56-ounce container. For more information, link HERE.

	ASIAN-INFLUENCED ICE CREAM NOVELTY (posted September 21, 2016) Mikawaya, the company that originated mochi ice cream in the U.S. in the 1990s, is introducing MyMo brand mochi ice cream, which is targeted toward mainstream millennial consumers. MyMo is premium ice cream wrapped in sweet dough. The MyMo line comes in seven flavors. They are: Cookies & Cream, Double Chocolate, Green Tea, Mint Chocolate Chip, Ripe Strawberry, Sweet Mango and Vanilla Bean. Each dumpling-sized ice cream treat contains around 110 calories. There are six to a box. The company has already successfully introduced MyMo in nearly 200 stores in about a dozen markets coast to coast, and plans to roll out distribution to major retail chains and foodservice outlets in 2017. “We are very excited to introduce MyMo to American consumers who are always looking for a unique new snack or dessert treat,” says Jerry Bucan, president and CEO. “Mochi ice cream is emerging as one of the top new food trends in the United States. The consumers we’re marketing to are looking for new, interesting treats, and want to share that discovery with their family and friends. MyMo is our newest offering, featuring favorite flavors designed for the American palate.” Mikawaya has successfully marketed its popular Mikawaya brand of mochi ice cream for nearly 20 years in traditional Asian grocers and specialty retailers nationwide. For more information, link HERE.

	BITE-SIZED ICE CREAM SANDWICHES (posted September 12, 2016) Mad Minis are the first product from Little Something Foods, a creative food company whose mission is to revolutionize the dessert and snack industry by bringing together great taste, portion control and the best ingredients. Mad Minis were born out of necessity, according to the company. Two grown men, young at heart, were increasingly dissatisfied with the frozen dessert offerings in their markets. They set out to develop a perfectly sized, great-tasting ice cream dessert with real ingredients. After several years of trial and error, Mad Minis were born. The Mad Mini is a mini ice cream cookie sandwich made with real ice cream, no artificial ingredients and only 60 calories per sandwich. Two chocolate wafer cookies sandwich three different ice cream flavors: Black Raspberry, Chocolate or Vanilla. There’s also Blondie, which is two vanilla wafer cookies sandwiching vanilla ice cream. For more information, link HERE.

	FROZEN LASSI IN PINTS AND POPS (posted September 6, 2016) Monsieur Singh LLC introduces a new frozen format for lassi, the traditional Indian probiotic yogurt blended with herbs and spices. There are four varieties. They are: Honey Lemon, which melds pure honey with real lemons and a touch of Indian spearmint. Mango, which combines Indian alphonso mango with crushed Indian spearmint and ground ginger. Passion Fruit, which blends aromatic passion fruit and nutritious chia seeds. Pineapple Banana, which mixes juicy pineapple with banana, holy basil and cinnamon. These probiotic frozen dairy treats contain approximately 60 calories per half-cup serving along with less than a 0.5 gram fat and 11 to 13 grams of sugar, depending on variety. The prints sell for $6.99. There are also single-serve push tube pops. The product is making its debut in the New York City area. For more information, link HERE.

	ITALIAN-STYLE GELATO CAFÉS IN U.S. ENTER RETAIL PACKAGED BUSINESS (posted August 31, 2016) Paciugo will start selling retail packs of authentic Italian gelato. Paciugo, an Italian word meaning “messy concoction,” started out as a gelateria and café concept in 2000 in Dallas, Texas, when founder Cristiana Ginatta missed the frozen Italian dessert she grew up on in Italy. Today, the company has nearly 50 shops across the country and is expanding its presence by entering the retail sector with packaged pints. From signature recipes such as Texas Pecan Sea Salt Caramel and Amarena Black Cherry to traditional flavors such as French Vanilla Bean and Mint Chocolate Chip, the brand is building awareness in the booming retail pint department. For more information, link HERE.

	FOOTBALL FAN-INSPIRED ICE CREAM (posted August 23, 2016) Perry’s Ice Cream and The Buffalo Bills introduce Sundae at the Ralph Premium Ice Cream. Perry’s Ice Cream, a fourth generation, family-owned ice cream company headquartered in Buffalo, N.Y., in partnership with the Buffalo Bills, has officially launched their premium ice cream Sundae at the Ralph to celebrate the region’s passionate fans. Sundae at the Ralph is vanilla ice cream with hot fudge swirls, peanut butter footballs, and red and blue sprinkles. The quart package features a colorful 1990’s throwback to a Bills fan-favorite, the iconic Zubaz pants, topped with a special “Letter to the Fans.” “After the success of our One Buffalo flavor launch earlier this year…we were enthusiastic to collaborate on developing a ‘fan-centric’ flavor to celebrate the history of dedication and the anticipation each new season brings,” says Perry’s President and CEO Robert Denning. Perry’s has a long-standing relationship with the Buffalo Bills. The company has been the team’s official ice cream since 2008. Sundae at the Ralph is the third Bills flavor to be released by Perry’s. Brownie Blitz (2008) will be re-introduced at the start of the season and Rockpile to the Ralph (2009) as a special release, limited edition for the Bills 50th Anniversary. For more information, link HERE.

	TOUCHDOWN! THE GREEN BAY PACKERS GET SALTY! (posted August 15, 2016) Kemps offers limited-edition, football season ice cream sandwiches. When it comes to American football, Green Bay (Wisconsin) fans can be overzealous...and often with a dairy spin. From cheese wedge foam hats to green-colored milk, these fans love football and they love dairy. Kemps is offering fans an on-trend ice cream novelty: Packers Country Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches. These individually wrapped novelties are sold 12 to a box, with each treat scoring 180 calories. For more information, link HERE.

	ICE CREAM PINTS ARE HOT (posted August 9, 2016) Boardwalk Frozen Treats grows the Baskin-Robbins retail ice cream brand. Boardwalk Frozen Treats is the exclusive licensee of the Baskin-Robbins ice cream brand for U.S. and Canada retail channels, and has been on the fast track since its inception three years ago. The company partnered with Dunkin’ Brands, the parent of Baskin-Robbins, to bring the iconic scoop shop brand and many of its beloved flavors, such as Jamoca Almond Fudge, Mint Chocolate Chip and Pralines ‘n Cream, to supermarkets across the country. Most recently, the company added four new flavors-- Mom’s Makin’ Cookies, Peanut Butter Cup, Pistachio Almond and Salted Caramel—to its 14-ounce retail packaged line, bringing the total offering up to 19 flavors. Baskin-Robbins is the world’s largest ice cream chain with more than 7,700 scoop shops, including 2,500-plus in the U.S. Baskin-Robbins spends approximately $25 million annually on marketing and TV advertising, which keeps the brand front and center in consumer minds, and buyers appreciate that support. For more information, link HERE.

	FROZEN DAIRY FINGER FOOD (posted July 28, 2016) Brothers International Desserts introduces Bon Bons. These confection-style hand-held ice cream treats are hand-made ice cream dipped in dark chocolate. There are three varieties: Mint, Salted Caramel and Vanilla. Made with California milk and sporting the Real California Milk seal, the treats are sold in 12-packs of 0.70-ounce bon bons. One bon bon contains 55 calories, 2.5 grams of fat and 5 grams of sugar. For more information, link HERE.

	PREMIUM PRIVATE-LABEL ICE CREAM SANDWICHES (posted July 20, 2016) Cumberland Farms rolls out four novelties to its c-stores. In honor of National Ice Cream Day, which was this past Sunday, July 17, Cumberland Farms introduced its newest frozen treat, Cumberland Farmhouse Premium Ice Cream Sandwiches. Available now at all Cumberland Farms locations, the ice cream sandwiches are available for $2.49 and come in four flavors. Rapturous Black Raspberry Chocolate is black raspberry ice cream sandwiched between chocolate-chocolate chip cookies. The new frozen treat joins the convenience retailer’s Ultimate Scoop and Farmhouse Creamery ice cream offerings. “My grandparents started this business as a dairy farm, so it’s only fitting that our ice cream has been a longtime customer favorite, and we’re always striving to add more delicious flavors and varieties at a great value,” says Ari Haseotes, CEO of Cumberland Farms. On the heels of National Ice Cream Day, Cumberland Farms conducted a consumer survey surrounding personal preferences when it comes to ice cream. The survey found that: Ice cream lovers don’t let the cold temperatures of winter stop them from enjoying the frozen treat, with 90% of consumers saying they indulge in ice cream all year long, no matter the season. In summertime, 46% said they eat the sweet treat two or three times a week, and 11% said they eat it every day. When it comes to the time of day, 79% said between 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. is prime time for eating ice cream. Peanut butter cup topped the list of favorite flavors by 18% of consumers, followed by cookie dough and strawberry. Chocolate syrup is the preferred favorite topping by 27% of consumers, followed by whipped cream (20%). When it comes to preferred eating method, nearly 60% of consumers said they eat ice cream out of a dish or cone vs. eating straight from the carton. Framingham, MA-based Cumberland Farms operates a network of 600-plus convenience stores across eight states. For more information, link HERE.

	PREMIUM ICE CREAM WRAPPED IN SWEET RICE DOUGH (posted July 11, 2016) Mr. Green Tea Ice Cream introduces Mr. Mochi. Mochi is a Japanese rice cake. It is made with a short-grain glutinous rice that is pounded into paste and molded into the desired shape. Mochi ice cream uses this rice cake to enrobe a small, round ice cream ball. The mochi is often flavored as a complement to the ice cream. It is typically dusted with anti-caking agent to prevent the balls from sticking while being formed and handled. Mr. Mochi comes in four flavors—Chocolate, Green Tea, Strawberry and Vanilla—with a 2-ounce ball containing about 80 calories and 2.5 grams of fat. They are sold in boxes of six and 12 balls. For more information, link HERE.

	COLD-BREWED COFFEE AND MILK GETS FROZEN ON A STICK (posted July 5, 2016) The artisans behind the all-natural ice pops called Brewla Bars add The Barista variety to the menu. The new flavor combines real cold-brewed coffee with organic milk and freezes it in the form of a stick novelty. Each one contains a mere 35 calories and 5 grams of sugar. The Barista joins: The Doctor (craft-brewed root beer float), The Hero (cherry pomegranate and red tea), The Lifeguard (strawberry and hibiscus tea), The Luau (tropical fruits and white tea) and The Lullaby (peach ginger and white tea). For more information, link HERE.

	WORLDLY ICE CREAM FLAVORS (posted June 16, 2016) San Bernardo Ice Cream now offers Escapes flavors in retail pints. Founded in 1971, San Bernardo Ice Cream has been an innovator in the industry for decades as one of the world’s largest ice cream suppliers to cruise ships. The company re-entered the retail sector this past year and is poised to go national with its Italian Escapes and Tropical Escape product lines. Both concepts are made using unique ingredients and flavor combinations to make consumers feel as if they are escaping on a little vacation. “Today’s consumers want unique and different; they don’t want yesterday’s flavors. They want great taste. They want clean labels. They want premium ingredients. Most of all they want value,” says Jonathan Tammara, president and CEO. “Quality and affordability should not be mutually exclusive, but too many companies forget that. We think we have found the right balance, the right combination and the right recipe to satisfy consumers. We have worked hard and we have been very fortunate. The word is getting out there about how great and different our products are.” The Tropical Escapes line uses fresh, exotic fruits to re-create the dreamy feel of an island getaway. Varieties are: Cactus Pearfection, Guanabanan-ahhhh, Guava Have It, Guava Have More, Loco 4 Coco, Mamey Magic, Mango Fiesta, Peanutty Paradise, Pina Coolada and So Very Strawberry. The Italian Escapes lines is all about old-world decadence. Gentle waves lapping at the sides of your gondola. Late-afternoon sunlight, filtering through café awnings. And the unforgettable scents of fresh-baked Italian desserts, wafting from brick ovens in the heart of cool, dim kitchens. Varieties are: Amaretto Praline Pecan, Biscotti with Caramel Swirl, Cannoli, Cappuccino, Gianduja, Italian Cheesecake with Raspberry Swirl, New York Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Pieces, Spumoni and Tiramisu. The suggested retail is $3.29 to $3.49 per pint; flavors are also available in bulk for foodservice. For more information, link HERE.

	ALCOHOL-INFUSED FROZEN TREATS FOR ADULTS (posted May 23, 2016) BuzzBar makes its foodservice debut at the National Restaurant Association Expo. BuzzBar…it’s not just an ice cream. It’s an ice cream/alcohol experience! Foodservice operators and chefs can elevate their menu with BuzzBar, as 1-liter containers are now available for scooping or to create an innovative, chef-inspired signature cocktail or dessert. Starting with a base of rich, all-natural Vermont-made ice cream and other premium local ingredients, BuzzBar has no high fructose corn syrup and is GMO free. The original single-serve stick novelties, with a suggested retail price of $8, debuted about two years ago. Now that same product is available in the 1-liter pack. The product is 1.63% alcohol by volume and in the U.S., you must be 21 years old to enjoy. The five dairy-based varieties are: Blitzed Berry: Strawberry Ice Cream + Rum Bourbon St. Chocolate: Chocolate Ice Cream + Whiskey The Buzz Café: Coffee Ice Cream + Irish Cream The Drunken Cookie: Cookies ‘n Cream Ice Cream + Bourbon Vanilla Daze: Vanilla Ice Cream + Cognac Check out this VIDEO from ABC TV’s Live! With Kelly & Michael! For more information, link HERE.

	SINGLE-SERVE SUNDAE CUPS COME IN MANY CREATIVE COMBINATIONS (posted May 18, 2016) Friendly’s Ice Cream introduces 10 all-new, one-of-a-kind sundae cups to supermarket freezers across the Northeast U.S. Just before being acquired by Dean Foods, Friendly’s Ice Cream, the operator of more than 250 Friendly’s restaurants and a manufacturer of ice cream products distributed in more than 8,000 retail outlets, rolled out an extensive line of single-serve ice cream cups. To read more about the Dean’s acquisition, link HERE. Cake sundae concepts include: Chocolate Cake Krunch: layers of chocolate ice cream separated by chocolaty crunchies, all topped with fudge and additional chocolaty crunchies Salted Caramel Cake Krunch: two layers of salted caramel ice cream separated by a layer of chocolaty crunchies topped with caramel sauce and more chocolaty crunchies Strawberry Cake Krunch: layers of strawberry and vanilla ice cream separated by a layer of pink and white vanilla crunchies, topped with strawberry sauce, whipped topping and more crunchies Friendly’s signature ice cream concept is now in sundae format: Crayola Color Me Sundae is a sundae cup version of Friendly’s popular Color Me Vanilla offering. “Friendly’s sundae cups are an iconic ice cream treat that’s been enjoyed for years by adults and kids, alike, and we’re thrilled to expand the lineup with 10 all-new flavors,” says Tim Hopkins, executive vice president of retail and manufacturing for Friendly’s. “Our new sundae cups bring ice cream lovers the opportunity to enjoy modern flavors like salted caramel alongside tried and true classics like chocolate fudge. We now have a delicious sundae cup option for everyone to enjoy.” Additional newbies are: Candy Bar: nougat ice cream covered with rich fudge and caramel topping, milk chocolate chips and chocolate-coated peanuts Cherry Chocolate Chunk: cherry ice cream with real cherry pieces topped with fudge, whipped topping and chocolate flakes Wattamelon: refreshing watermelon sherbet mixed with chocolate chips that’s topped with green icing and chocolate flakes Friendly’s sundae cups retail for $1.49 to $1.69. For more information, link HERE.

	SINGLE-SERVE PUDDING CUPS GET LOADED WITH INCLUSIONS AND FROZEN (posted May 3, 2016) L.A. entrepreneurs introduce little spoon frozen pudding. This new frozen dessert concept comes in five varieties. Four are made with dairy cream. They are: Brown Sugar Vanilla (gluten-free, smooth vanilla pudding mixed with brown sugar) Campfire Chocolate (chocolate pudding with handmade graham crackers and baby marshmallows) Caramel Latte (coffee pudding with thick ribbons of caramel and crunchy pieces of handmade biscotti) Nana Banana (grandma’s southern banana pudding with handmade vanilla wafers and real bananas) The non-dairy variety is Coconut Cream Pie. This vegan and gluten-free option is coconut pudding dotted with oatmeal pie crust pieces. According to the company, the product is a thicker, richer, creamier version of ice cream that doesn’t melt. When it thaws, it just goes right back to being pudding. The 3.8-ounce single-serve cups retail for $4.50 to $5.00. Each serving contains 4 grams of protein, as well as 190 to 270 calories, 8 to 15 grams of fat, and 17 to 27 grams of sugar. Product is available for shipment within the continental U.S. For more information, link HERE.

	FIBER AND PROBIOTIC ICE CREAM DEBUTS (posted April 28, 2016) New-comer Suffield Foods rolls out Fiber One Ice Cream. Licensing the Fiber One brand from General Mills, Suffield Foods is developing a line of high-fiber, probiotic ice cream products. The initial rollout is in pints and is exclusive to Hy-Vee Grocers. There are five flavors. They are: Coffee & Donut Dough, Creamy Vanilla, Fudge Brownie, Mint Chocolate Chip and Salted Caramel & Truffle. A half-cup serving contains 150 calories, 3 grams of fat, 5 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein and probiotic cultures. The fiber comes from chicory root extract. The suggested retail price is $4.88 to $4.99. According to pint packages, ice cream sandwiches and ice cream granola bars are in the works.

	ICE CREAM COATED PRETZEL STICK CONCEPT GROWS WITH NEW FLAVORS (posted April 18, 2016) SaltiSweet adds flavored ice creams to its frozen novelty line. About a year ago, SaltiSweet Ice Cream Factory of Littleton, CO, introduced a line of creamy organic vanilla ice cream and dark chocolate coating enrobed salted pretzel rods at Expo West. Read more HERE. The organic pretzel rod functions as the hand-held novelty’s stick. The original line used only vanilla ice cream with various extras such as chopped nuts or rainbow sprinkles. The four new additions made their debut at this year’s Expo West. The ice cream flavor are: Black Diamond Raspberry, Golden Salted Caramel, Galloway Cookies & Cream and Mile High Mint varieties. Each novelty has the top part of the pretzel rod coated in chocolate, then covered in ice cream, followed by another chocolate coating. Each novelty contains 4 grams of protein, as well as 250 to 270 calories and 16 to 17 grams of fat, depending on variety. They are sold in boxes of three individually wrapped novelties, as well as an individual impulse item. For more info, link HERE.

	GELATO GETS SWIRLED WITH RIBBONS OF CONFECTIONS (posted April 13, 2016) Turkey Hill introduces Gelato Swirls. The new frozen dessert comes in 32-ounce round tubs in five varieties. They are: Brownie Fudge: milk chocolate gelato with brownie pieces and a fudge swirl Caramel Cookie: vanilla gelato with chocolate cookie pieces and a caramel swirl Caramel Peanut Butter: caramel gelato with a caramel peanut butter swirl Mint Cookie Crunch: mint gelato with chocolate cookie swirl and crunchies Raspberry Chocolate: raspberry gelato with melt-in-your-mouth chocolaty slivers A half-cup serving contains 170 to 200 calories and 6 to 10 grams fat, depending on variety. A serving also contains 4 grams of protein. For more information, link HERE.

	Read more about this product in the April 8, 2016, blog entitled "Ice Cream Trends: Consumers Crave Complexity, Yet Want Simple, Too. What’s an ice cream maker to do?" by linking HERE.

	Read more about this product in the April 8, 2016, blog entitled "Ice Cream Trends: Consumers Crave Complexity, Yet Want Simple, Too. What’s an ice cream maker to do?" by linking HERE.

	Read more about this product in the April 8, 2016, blog entitled "Ice Cream Trends: Consumers Crave Complexity, Yet Want Simple, Too. What’s an ice cream maker to do?" by linking HERE.

	Read more about this product in the April 8, 2016, blog entitled "Ice Cream Trends: Consumers Crave Complexity, Yet Want Simple, Too. What’s an ice cream maker to do?" by linking HERE.

	Read more about this product in the April 8 2016, blog entitled "Ice Cream Trends: Consumers Crave Complexity, Yet Want Simple, Too. What’s an ice cream maker to do?" by linking HERE.

	ORGANIC ICE CREAM MADE WITH REAL CALIFORNIA MILK GOES NATIONAL (posted April 6, 2016) Humboldt Creamery enters the national U.S. dairy market with the launch of superpremium organic ice cream. “We’re excited to begin offering superpremium organic ice cream products to consumers across the nation through our national deal with Walmart,” says Frank Otis, CEO. “Our mission through this new product launch is to make organic ice cream accessible to a wider variety of consumers. Humboldt County is one of the most pristine places on the earth for grazing dairy cows and our company has a long history of making organic dairy products. Our goal is to make Humboldt Creamery one of the leading organic dairy producers in the U.S. The launch of our ice cream line in Walmart represents just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting year for us.” The line is launching in five flavors: Chocolate, Coffee, Mint Chip, Strawberry and Vanilla. The ice cream comes in 40-ounce multi-serve squrounds. At Walmart, the product sells for $5.84. It’s making its way into Whole Foods and other retailers, carrying a suggested retail of $6.99. Humboldt uses “real California milk,” as it communicates with the licensed seal. “We are very excited about the emerging consumer shift back to full fat dairy products. We also believe the younger shopper is looking for products that are as simple as possible," says Otis. "This presents an opportunity to deliver more delicious flavor profiles, with cleaner ingredient statements. In general, our product development philosophy is to keep things simple, so this is a welcome return to basics.” Founded in 1929 and owned by the Foster family since 2009, Humboldt Creamery, based in Fortuna, California, produces a variety of premium organic dairy products using cows milk from family-owned farms in Humboldt County. For more information, link HERE.

	Read more about this product in the April 1, 2016, blog entitled "Ice Cream Trends: Create Inviting Formulations" by linking HERE.

	Read more about this product in the April 1, 2016, blog entitled "Ice Cream Trends: Create Inviting Formulations" by linking HERE.

	Read more about this product in the April 1, 2016, blog entitled "Ice Cream Trends: Create Inviting Formulations" by linking HERE.

	Read more about this product in the April 1, 2016, blog entitled "Ice Cream Trends: Create Inviting Formulations" by linking HERE.

	Read more about this product in the April 1, 2016, blog entitled "Ice Cream Trends: Create Inviting Formulations" by linking HERE.

	Read more about this product in the April 1, 2016, blog entitled "Ice Cream Trends: Create Inviting Formulations" by linking HERE.

	Read more about this product in the April 1, 2016, blog entitled "Ice Cream Trends: Create Inviting Formulations" by linking HERE.

	Read more about this product in the April 1, 2016, blog entitled "Ice Cream Trends: Create Inviting Formulations" by linking HERE.

	FARMSTYLE GELATO, ICE CREAM AND FROZEN CUSTARD PINTS (posted March 29, 2016) Tillamook grows its frozen desserts business with pints, a format consumers have been requesting from Tillamook for quite some time, according to the company. Since 1947, the farmer-owners of Tillamook have packed ice cream with extra cream, not extra air, ensuring each scoop is really smooth and creamy. And it’s made the Tillamook way; with no artificial preservatives, flavors, colors, sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup. The gelato line includes: Authentic Sweet Cream (made with buttermilk), Chocolate-Covered Strawberry, Oregon Hazelnut Chocolate, Salted Caramel Toffee, TCHO Double Dark Chocolate and Toasted Coconut Fudge. The Extra Creamy ice cream line includes: Dark Chocolate Mint, Double Peanut Butter, Speculoos Cookie Caramel and Stumptown Cold Brew Coffee. The frozen custard line includes: California Peach Cobbler, California Pistachio, Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Oregon Marionberry Cheesecake. All varieties are made with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, which are often called out on packages. Stumptown is a popular Portland, Ore.-based coffee roaster. TCHO is a craft chocolate make in Berkeley, Calif. The TCHO chocolate used in the gelato is 70% dark chocolate made with sustainably sourced cocoa. For more information, link HERE.

	Read more about this product in the March 25, 2016, blog entitled "Ice Cream Trends: Meet Caramel’s New Best Friends" by linking HERE.

	Read more about this product in the March 25, 2016, blog entitled "Ice Cream Trends: Meet Caramel’s New Best Friends" by linking HERE.

	Read more about this product in the March 25, 2016, blog entitled "Ice Cream Trends: Meet Caramel’s New Best Friends" by linking HERE.

	Read more about this product in the March 25, 2016, blog entitled "Ice Cream Trends: Meet Caramel’s New Best Friends" by linking HERE.

	FIRST-TO-MARKET ORGANIC SUNDAE CONES (posted March 24, 2016) Three Twins Ice Cream shows that 2016 is the year of the cone. The Bay Area-based pioneer of organic ice cream unveiled three new cone creations at this year’s Expo West. The new Sundae Cones are a chocolate-coated cone packed with classic Madagascar vanilla ice cream, and decorated with a drizzle of chocolate and chopped peanuts. There are also two organic cone products—the cake cone and the sugar cone—now available and ready for a scoop of Three Twins’ ice cream. Each box of frozen Organic Sundae Cones includes three individually wrapped cones and has a suggested retail price of $5.99. Each box of shelf-stable Organic Cake Cones and Sugar Cones includes 12 cones each and has a suggested retail price of $3.19 and $4.19, respectively. For more information, link HERE.

	ORGANIC ICE CREAM NOVELTY LINE (posted March 14, 2016) Alden’s Organic Ice Cream launches a new look, a new take on classic ice cream flavors and a new line of ice cream novelties. The new products will hit retail shelves on April 1, 2016. The new products are: Chocolate, Coffee Chip, Vanilla & Chocolate Swirl and Vanilla Chocolate Chip premium organic ice cream in Alden’s standard 1.5 quart family size carton Chocolate Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel and Vanilla Fudge organic ice cream bars Mint Fudge and Vanilla Bean organic ice cream sandwiches As with all of Alden’s desserts, the new flavors and novelties are free of artificial and genetically modified ingredients, antibiotics, carrageenan and high fructose corn syrup. Eric Eddings, Alden’s CEO, says the company is committed to clean ingredient panels that people can feel good about serving to their families. “Our commitment to family runs throughout our company, from the over 30 organic family farms we source our products from, to the families who buy our desserts,” Eddings says. “We hope Alden’s lets adults and kids alike take a break from their busy lives and share a simple, happy moment together.” For more information, link HERE.

	Read more about this product in the March 11, 2016, blog entitled "Less Sugar, More Fiber: A Recurring Theme at RCA and Expo West...and how OODA can get you there," by linking HERE.

	ICE CREAM TO MAKE KIDS BETTER, AND SMILE BIGGER (posted March 9, 2016) Schwan grows its philanthropic Jack Nicklaus Ice Cream line. One year after the successful launch of premium, affordable ice cream intended to put smiles on children’s faces, golf icon Jack Nicklaus and the subsidiaries of The Schwan Food Co., have teamed up with Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals to make those smiles a little bigger. Jack Nicklaus Ice Cream is celebrating its first year with a commitment to contribute to this national non-profit organization that raises funds and awareness for 170 children’s hospitals across North America. To read about the original ice cream line, link HERE. As the charitable support of Jack Nicklaus Ice Cream expands after year one, so does its offering of flavors, as the line will expand from seven to 14 flavors in 2016. In addition, retail distribution of the ice cream will expand to new markets nationwide. The new flavors are: Black Cherry, Blueberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Cookies & Cream, Mango Crisp, Mint & Chip and Pineapple Upside Down Cake. The original seven flavors are: Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl, Coffee and Donuts, Homemade Vanilla, Salted Caramel Toffee, Strawberry Lemonade, Triple Chocolate and Warm Spiced Butter Pecan. Several of the new flavors were inspired by recipes from Barbara Nicklaus, who just released a cookbook, Well Done!, with all proceeds benefitting the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. “I’m extremely proud of the work we’ve done together with Schwan over the past year,” said Jack Nicklaus. “My wife Barbara and I have a passion for philanthropy and, especially, supporting pediatric care through our work in South Florida and nationally with our Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Our family has enjoyed a wonderful relationship with CMN Hospitals in recent years, and because Schwan shares our passion for helping children, together we now look forward to advancing the mission of CMN Hospitals nationwide through the sales of our ice cream.” Since 1983, CMN Hospitals has been focused on generating funds and awareness for the benefit of children served by its member hospitals in North America. The 2015 trial of the ice cream in select markets throughout Florida and Central Ohio was such a success, that Jack Nicklaus Ice Cream has expanded its retail distribution. Further, consumers across the U.S. can also have a select assortment of the ice cream delivered conveniently to their homes by ordering online. “When we began developing the line back in 2014, it was truly a collaborative effort between Schwan, our family and our company, and Schwan has continued to be fantastic partners,” said Jack Nicklaus. “The team at Schwan has a world-class product development center. Together, we have created a variety of flavors—all with real ingredients—for a quality, premium ice cream at a value price. For more information, link HERE.

	CHILDHOOD TREATS IN ICE CREAM FORMAT (posted March 1, 2016) Phin and Phebes rolls out three childhood dessert-inspired ice cream flavors. The company’s goal with each of the new flavors is to bring the consumer back to the pure, delicious joy felt when you first ate ice cream as a kid. Each flavor has its own story and source of inspiration. Further, each of the new flavors includes an ingredient made by friends at fellow women-owned, New York-based businesses: Goodie Girl Mint Slim Cookies, Ovenly Honey Blondies and Sweet Loren’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Each new flavor incorporates the work of local businesses committed to making quality ingredients, with a healthy dose of girl power added for good measure, according to Phin and Phebes, a.k.a. Jess and Crista. Cookie Butter Blondie is cookie butter ice cream with dark chocolate pecan blondies. The cookie butter in the ice cream is made from the original Biscoff speculoos cookies from Belgium. Vanilla Malt Cookie Dough is vanilla malt ice cream with chunks of chocolate chip cookie dough. According to Phin and Phebes, vanilla and malt are two ingredients meant to be together. “We went way back for the inspiration for this flavor. Malt, a classic ingredient from the soda fountain days, makes a delicious comeback in this creamy, nutty and magically malty ice cream. Milky malt flavor pairs perfectly with rich, double-fold Organic Fair Trade Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla. And as if that wasn’t enough, we’ve thrown in a heavenly dose decadent, all-natural chocolate chip cookie dough.” The Full Minty is mint ice cream with gluten-free chocolate mint slim cookies. Underwhelmed by the diluted mint flavor in so many mint ice creams, Phin and Phebes decided to go “full minty” by taking standard mint ice cream to refreshing new heights through the addition of peppermint and double-fold Madagascar Bourbon vanilla extract to create a flavor that’s creamy, cool, sweet, and full of minty flavor. The extra special touch are the minty-fresh chocolate wafers covered in dark chocolate. For more information, link HERE.

	NOSTALGIC FOUNTAIN-STYLE ICE CREAM TO ENJOY AT HOME (posted February 16, 2016) Sanders candy grows its super-premium ice cream line. In early 2015, Sanders, a classic national brand of premium chocolates, dessert toppings and baked goods with recipes dating as far back as 1875, entered the packaged super-premium ice cream business with Fountain-Style Ice Cream. The line debuted in classic flavors such as Chocolate, Butter Pecan, Strawberry and Vanilla, as well as Bumpy Cake, which is made with real pieces of the signature Sanders cake and hot fudge that is swirled with real Sanders milk chocolate hot fudge gourmet dessert topping. The company is now growing the line with six new flavors: Blueberry Pie, Caramel Latte, Lemon Twist*Tea (lemon and green tea), Loaded Peanut Butter Cookie, Mint Chocolate Chip and Sea Salt Caramel. “During the development process, we stayed committed to relying on original recipes that would allow our customers to experience a bit of nostalgia, as if they were sitting on a barstool enjoying ice cream at a local parlor,” says Brian Jefferson, chairman and CEO of Sanders & Morley Candy Makers. “This new line also closes the gap; along with our cakes and deep dish brownies, we now offer the opportunity to enjoy a real hot fudge cream puff at home using the same ice cream, toppings and cream puffs as our stores.” Sanders’ ice creams contain 14% milkfat and 85% overrun, allowing for the super-premium designation. “We took great care to source a supplier that would be able to meet our unique small-batch requirements, while also being sure they have large enough production capabilities to handle our national sales needs,” says Jefferson. “With its Michigan roots and award winning dairy products, Guernsey Farms Dairy is the perfect manufacturing partner.” The 1.5-quart cartons have a modern design with nostalgic touches, like an image of ice cream in an old-fashioned fountain glass. The suggested retail price is $6.99. For more information, link HERE.

	To read more about the new foxy's thoughtful ice cream line, link to the February 12, 2016, blog entitled "Millennials, Functional Foods and Ice Cream: Packaging and Product Considerations" HERE.

	BUILDING MORE HAND-PACKED ICE CREAM PINTS (posted February 11, 2016) Coolhaus introduces two new artisan ice cream varieties. Salty S’mores is salted Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream, graham cracker cookie butter marshmallow swirl and dark chocolate squares. Sundae Funday is Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate hazelnut swirl with salted and roasted almonds. The company entered the pint business in early 2014 and was featured as a Daily Dose of Dairy on April 1, 2014. You can read about the original pint line HERE. The California-based company is known for its architecturally inspired gourmet desserts. The original Coolhaus retail product is a line of ice cream sandwiches that were featured as a Daily Dose of Dairy on March 19, 2013. Read about them HERE. The suggested retail price for a pint is $5.99 to $6.49. For more information, link HERE.

	CARAMEL AND CINNAMON COMBINE AGAIN (posted February 4, 2016) When Velvet Ice Cream created Elephant Ear Ice Cream exclusively for the week-long Ohio State Fair in August 2015, the company never dreamed it would be so popular. Demand for more inspired the company to re-launch the flavor, adding Elephant Ear Ice Cream to its permanent lineup of flavors. This one-of-a-kind frozen confection starts with Velvet’s creamy traditional vanilla recipe, to which swirls of rich caramel sauce and crispy nuggets of fried, cinnamon-coated elephant ears are added. “Our ‘new’ Elephant Ear flavor was originally inspired last summer by the classic fair and festival foods that travelers enjoy each year,” said Luconda Dager, president. “It was offered only for the first week in August, the duration of the Ohio State Fair. But the Elephant Ear was such a hit that we were moved to add it to our collection of flavors.” This year marks 102 years of business for Velvet Ice Cream. Founded in 1914 by Joseph Dager, four generations of Dagers have since run the company, which is located in Utica, Ohio, on 25 acres of wooded countryside and rolling, pastoral farmland. Still family-owned and operated, Velvet produces and distributes more than five million gallons of ice cream every year from its headquarters on the grounds of Ye Olde Mill. Ye Olde Mill also houses an ice cream and milling museum, a restaurant, playground, picnic area and catch-and-release fish pond. For more information, link HERE.

	BUFFALO, N.Y., CELEBRATES WITH ICE CREAM (posted January 26, 2016) Perry’s Ice Cream introduces retail quarts of One Buffalo Premium Ice Cream, an indulgent flavor crafted in partnership with Pegula Sports & Entertainment (PSE). Fans first got a taste of the rich, creamy vanilla ice cream loaded with swirls of sea salt caramel, sponge candy pieces and fudge-coated pretzels in October when One Buffalo was released to select local sports arenas and sports bars. Sponge candy is a local confection that Buffalonians love and now comes in ice cream. One Buffalo Premium Ice Cream is the first food product to be part of PSE’s One Buffalo campaign, which represents teamwork, a unified passion and pride of being part of the Buffalo community. “We are proud to be associated with the ‘One Buffalo’ movement by providing a product that unifies and energizes the community,” said Robert Denning, president and CEO of Perry’s Ice Cream. “In terms of the packaging graphic design, we chose to illustrate the Buffalo skyline on the carton to express our excitement for the resurgence and major reinvestments in the city of Buffalo and Western New York community.” Brian Perry, executive vice president and chairman of Perry’s Ice Cream, said, “One Buffalo represents our pride and enthusiasm in Buffalo and its culture. It signifies the feeling of being part of a bigger picture, whether that’s cheering with thousands of other fans at a Buffalo Sabres game, or swaying in a crowd at a Canalside concert. Our fans will feel that same sense of community when they enjoy a scoop of One Buffalo.” Pride in Buffalo is nothing new for Perry’s. The Buffalo, N.Y.-based company, who has been crafting premium ice cream for 97 years, supports local suppliers and farmers whenever possible, as 100% of their milk comes from farms within 50 miles. One Buffalo is part of Perry’s newly launched line of quarts. This product line is composed of new flavors and familiar favorites, all sporting the classic black Perry’s packaging. The other new quart flavors are: Bourbon Caramel Pecan--bourbon pecan-flavored ice cream with bourbon caramel swirls and pecans Chocolate Hazelnut--chocolate hazelnut-flavored ice cream with chocolate flavored hazelnut swirls To view “The Story Behind the Flavor” video, link HERE. For more information, link HERE.

	FIT FROZEN DESSERTS GET INDULGENT (posted January 21, 2016) Arctic Zero, the pioneer of “Fit Frozen Desserts” without all the fat and calories, adds seven new varieties to its family of zero-guilt treats. The Chunky Pints line now includes Banana Pudding, Brownie Blast and Snickerdoodle Dandy. Like other Chunky Pints, the new flavors are loaded with chunks of goodies. Each pint contains 12 grams of protein and fiber with only 300 calories per pint. The Creamy Pints line now includes Cake Batter and Poppin’ Pomegranate. A single pint of these smooth, blended desserts contains 12 grams of protein, 8 grams of fiber and 150 calories. The Chocolate-Dipped Bars line, which is composed of a creamy base enrobed in dark chocolate liqueur, now includes Mint and Salted Caramel varieties. Each bar provides 3 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber and a mere 80 calories. “From the beginning, our mission was to bring frozen dessert favorites to consumers in fresh and exciting ways that they could actually feel good about,” said Greg Holtman, founder. “We were inspired by the recent throwback to traditional desserts as well as culinary trends like salted caramel, which we witnessed in the marketplace and in direct feedback from our fans. The result is a fresh batch of low-calorie, clean, yet indulgent desserts that hit on the satisfying flavor profiles consumers crave in ways they haven’t experienced before.” Like all other Arctic Zero products, the new flavors provide guilt-free indulgence through the creative use of whey protein, chicory root fiber and monk fruit without any artificial flavors, sweeteners or colors. The frozen desserts are low glycemic, lactose free and gluten free. For more information, link HERE.

	ON-TREND COFFEE ICE CREAM DEBUTS (posted January 12, 2016) Hudsonville adds new bold flavor to its all-season lineup. The ice cream is made using premium brewed coffee and includes ground coffee beans for added flavor and visual appeal. Sold in a 1.75-quart container, a half-cup serving contains 130 calories, 6 grams of fat, 12 grams of sugar, 3 grams of protein and a natural caffeine kick. The product is on trend with the forecast entitled “Ice Cream Trends 2016: Five Flavor Platforms to Consider in Product Development.” You can read it HERE. For more information, link HERE.

	You can read more about this product and other frozen desserts by linking to the January 8, 2016, blog entitled “Ice Cream Trends 2016: Five Flavor Platforms to Consider in Product Development.” Link HERE.

	You can read more about this product and other frozen desserts by linking to the January 8, 2016, blog entitled “Ice Cream Trends 2016: Five Flavor Platforms to Consider in Product Development.” Link HERE.

	You can read more about this product and other frozen desserts by linking to the January 8, 2016, blog entitled “Ice Cream Trends 2016: Five Flavor Platforms to Consider in Product Development.” Link HERE.

	You can read more about this product and other frozen desserts by linking to the January 8, 2016, blog entitled “Ice Cream Trends 2016: Five Flavor Platforms to Consider in Product Development.” Link HERE.

	You can read more about this product and other frozen desserts by linking to the January 8, 2016, blog entitled “Ice Cream Trends 2016: Five Flavor Platforms to Consider in Product Development.” Link HERE.

	MOVE OVER ICE CREAM SANDWICH FOR THE NEW GELATO BUN (posted January 7, 2016) New York City-based Popbar, the maker of customizable popGelato, popSorbetto and YogurtPops, introduces a first-of-its-kind: the popBun. The new popBun consists of a warm roll filled with rich and creamy chocolate and Popbar’s signature popGelato. Each customer can choose to have their popBun filled with their favorite popGelato. The popBun sells at $5.99 and is currently available only at Popbar’s original and flagship location at 5 Carmine Street (between 6th Avenue and Bleecker Street) in New York City’s West Village. Popbar was founded in New York City in 2010 by Reuben BenJehuda, who has sweet memories of eating gelato with his friends in his hometown of Milan, Italy, and Daniel Yaghoubi, who acquired pop-making skills when growing up in Hamburg, Germany. Both brought together their love for authentic, all-natural, gluten-free frozen treats that are low in sugar. They created a brand that not only offers 40 rotational flavors of popbars, but a customizable experience, where each pop is dipped and topped according to the customer’s request. Popbar is scheduled to open 10 new locations by the middle of 2016, and most recently opened locations in California and Florida. For more information, link HERE.

	SINGLE-SERVE ICE CREAM TARTS (posted December 29, 2015) Rich Products introduces Farm Rich Sweet Shop Decadent Desserts. These mini ice cream tarts are sold in packs of four and come in two varieties. Chocolate Caramel Tarts are creamy chocolate ice cream topped with a caramel sauce and crisped rice, placed on a chocolate cookie base and covered with a rich milk chocolate-flavored coating. Each tart is 85 grams and contains 270 calories, 13 grams of fat, 25 grams of sugar and 4 grams of protein. Lemon Tarts are a zesty lemon Italian-style ice cream, placed on a vanilla cookie base with a tangy lemon-flavored center, covered in a white confectionary coating. Each tart is 74 grams and contains 230 calories, 12 grams of fat, 21 grams of sugar and 3 grams of protein. The four-packs sells for $5.99.

	SEASONAL PEPPERMINT ICE CREAM CONES (posted December 30, 2015) Nestle introduces limited-edition Drumstick cones. The variety pack of eight premium, individually wrapped cones comes in three varieties: Peppermint, Peppermint Fudge and Chocolate Peppermint. All three have the ice cream dipped in a chocolatey coating. Peppermint Fudge has a gooey fudge center. A single cone contains 270 calories and 13 grams of fat. The Drumstick’s origins date back to the 1904 World’s Fair, which was held in St. Louis, Missouri. At the fair, an ice cream maker ran out of bowls. He asked the nearby waffle vendor to roll waffles into cones, turning it into a finger food. In 1928 the Parker brothers (Bruce and twins I.C. and J.T. “Stubby”) took this great invention even further by adding chocolate coating topped with nuts. One of the brothers’ wives said it looked like a fried chicken leg, thus the “Drumstick” novelty was born.

	ICE CREAM FIT FOR A THANKSGIVING FEAST (posted November 23, 2015) Jeni’s Splendid gets back in business with new fall flavors. It’s been less than a month that Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, the Columbus, Ohio-area artisan ice cream manufacturer started putting pints back in supermarket freezer cases and in all 23 Jeni’s scoop shops nationwide. The company has been working closely with two co-packers—Smith Dairy and the Chocolate Shoppe—to get back into the pints business. The company has not sold any pints since April 23, when the first of two Listeria outbreaks was identified. The shops reopened in June, but have only been serving scoops. With the pint rollout comes a packaging change. The pint containers are now made of paper instead of plastic, as paper is more versatile for design and production than plastic and can be printed in lower minimum orders, which is important in maintaining flexibility, according to Jeni Britton Bauer, founder, in an article in the Columbus Business First. The graphics are also different, with the product name and ingredient label larger. Just in time for the holiday season, Jeni’s is introducing cinnamon-infused Churro and Sweet Potato Pecan Praline. They join the Jeni’s perennial favorites: Dark Chocolate Peppermint and Buttercup Pumpkin with Amaretti Cookies. “These flavors bring me back to a classic holiday celebration, from sweet potato casserole to pumpkin pie,” says Britton Bauer. “I want people to enjoy them as they would a Thanksgiving or holiday feast, passing a pint of ice cream to their neighbor at the table.” For more information, link HERE.

	SMALL-BATCH ICE CREAM IN UNIQUE FLAVORS AND PACKAGE (posted November 10, 2015) Little Baby’s Ice Cream, a small-batch ice cream company based in Philadelphia, has expanded distribution with a new line of pints, featuring both dairy and non-dairy options, in an innovative new package. The company, founded in 2011, has become well-known throughout the Greater Philadelphia area for its hand-made, super-premium frozen desserts. The Philadelphia-style dairy offerings are made with grass-fed, artificial growth hormone-free, 16% butterfat milk from Trickling Springs Creamery in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Once limited to small-scale distribution primarily in the Philadelphia city limits, an enhanced partnership with Trickling Springs is making it possible to expand distribution to retailers throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Trickling Springs Creamery has been producing fresh dairy products from grass fed cows including milk, cream, yogurt smoothies, egg nog and more since 2001. The four Philadelphia-style ice cream flavors are: Chocolate Salt Malt, Earl Grey Sriracha, Smoked Cinnamon and Vanilla Cardamom Cream. The two non-dairy options are: Chocolate Salt Malt and Speculoos. A half-cup serving contains 270 to 280 calories and 15 to 17 grams of fat, depending on variety. The unique pint package, which has some resemblance to a Chinese takeout container, is 100% recyclable and contains no plastic. The specialty coating that’s been utilized contains no polyethylene and thus is fully recyclable, repulpable and can be accepted and processed as mixed paper waste. The suggested retail price for a pint is $7.99. For more information, link HERE.

	NATIONAL BAKERY CHAIN-BRANDED RETAIL ICE CREAM (posted November 4, 2015) Mr. Green Tea introduces Crumbs Bakes Shop Ice Cream. The new Crumbs Bake Shop Ice Cream products are part of the anticipated brand restructuring of the popular U.S. bakery chain, Crumbs Bake Shop, which closed its doors this past July. Plans are to reopen Crumbs stores under new direction and rebrand the bake shop to offer a wider variety of dessert products. “Mr. Green Tea introducing the new Crumbs Bake Shop Ice Cream product line is the first of many plans to expand the Crumbs offerings beyond cupcakes,” says Marcus Lemonis, an entrepreneur, investor, television personality, and chairman and CEO of Camping World and Good Sam Enterprises, and now overseeing Crumbs Bake Shop. “Broadening the Crumbs brand into a sweets and snacks shop allows us to create new ways for our customers to enjoy timeless favorites.” Mr. Green Tea is distributing the new Crumbs Bake Shop Ice Cream in individual servings and pints sold in grocery and convenience stores across the country. The Crumbs Ice Cream line features popular Crumbs Cupcake flavors, such as Apple Cobbler, Double Devil’s Food Cake and Red Velvet, as part of a continuously growing selection of unique flavors. “We’re excited to offer our guests a mix of the Crumbs Bake Shop flavors incorporated into our premium ice cream products,” says Rich Emanuele, president of Mr. Green Tea. “This will be a hit for cupcake and ice cream lovers across the country.” Lemonis initially partnered with the family-run Mr. Green Tea Ice Cream Company on the hit CNBC reality series, The Profit, where Lemonis stepped in to assist with the expansion of their business facility and product offering. This fall, an update episode of The Profit will air highlighting the success and growth of Mr. Green Tea since the collaboration began in 2013. Founded in 1968, Mr. Green Tea is a premium ice cream company specializing in exotic flavors typically only available at high-end restaurants, including Green Tea, Red Bean, Ginger and Chai Latte. For more information, link HERE.

	BEER-INSPIRED ICE CREAM (posted October 29, 2015) If there’s one thing that socially responsible businesses have learned, it’s that they can’t go at it alone. Whether it’s implementing responsible sourcing initiatives or creating a positive corporate model to make an impact on sustainability, there is strength in numbers. So where did Ben & Jerry’s turn for help and inspiration for its latest ice cream flavor? Colorado-based New Belgium Brewing. Never has the phrase “polishing off a pint” been so perfectly poised in any partnership for a delicious double-entendre. The two companies are introducing Salted Caramel Brown-ie Ale ice cream, which will be featured in Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops as well as in pints across the country as a Limited Batch flavor this fall. The concoction consists of brown ale-flavored ice cream with swirls of salted caramel and chunks of fudge brownies. A pint has a suggested retail price of $4.89. The two companies first combined forces earlier this year to produce a Ben & Jerry’s-inspired beer: New Belgium’s Salted Caramel Brown-ie Brown Ale. This limited special release is laden with dark roasted malts, chocolaty tones and hints of vanilla. Both the beer and ice cream are available now through the holiday season, while supplies last. A portion of the proceeds from both will benefit Protect Our Winters, an organization dedicated to reducing climate change’s effects on outdoor winter sports.

	Read about this product by linking to the October, 23, 2015 Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October, 23, 2015 Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October, 23, 2015 Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October, 23, 2015 Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October, 23, 2015 Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October, 23, 2015 Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October, 23, 2015 Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October, 23, 2015 Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October, 23, 2015 Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	CHICKEN MEETS GELATO (posted October 13, 2015) Swiss-based meat processor Micarna combines chicken with ice cream for innovative snack food. Chicken Gelati comes in three varieties: Caramel, Curry with Pineapple and Tarragon. Sold frozen in three packs in clear plastic parfaits, the gelato is approximately 20% ground chicken and 80% ice cream mix. Chicken Gelati received a Taste 15 award, which recognizes the top new products from this year’s Anuga. For more information, link HERE.

	FORTUNE COOKIE ICE CREAM (posted October 6, 2015) Founded in 1968, Mr. Green Tea is a premium ice cream company specializing in the manufacture of all-natural, Asian-inspired exotic ice cream flavors. The company’s products are served in thousands of fine restaurants across the U.S., and found in select supermarkets, primarily those focused on specialty and Asian cuisine. The new Fortune Cookie flavor starts with a base of all-natural vanilla ice cream made with pure Madagascar bourbon vanilla. The ice cream comes loaded with pieces of real fortune cookies. Like all fortune cookies, the fortune cookie flavor comes with a unique fortune that can be seen by tweeting @MrGreen_Tea and using #myfortune. This is newest flavor for Mr. Green Tea in its retail pint line. The original line consists of Ginger, Green Tea and Read Bean. In recent years, Black Sesame and Chai Latte joined the lineup. The retail product comes in pints and sells for about $5.00. For more information, link HERE.

	NO-SUGAR-ADDED ICE CREAM BARS AND PINTS (posted September 30, 2015) ISKREAM markets culinary-inspired, better-for-you frozen desserts. Starting with farm-fresh milk from grass-fed cows, Iskream contains no added sugar. It’s sweetened with a blend of erythritol, inulin and stevia. The milk chocolate-dipped bars comes in Banana and Vanilla Bean flavors. A 3.5-ounce bar (sold four to a box) contains 150 calories, 10 grams of fat, 4 grams of sugar (from lactose), 3 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. There are seven pints varieties. They are: Banana, BerryGood, Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Cherry Chip, Java Chip, Peanut Butter & Jelly and Vanilla. A half-cup serving contains 90 to 130 calories, 2.5 to 7 grams of fat, 4 to 8 grams of sugar (from lactose), 3 to 4 grams of protein and 2 to 3 grams of fiber, depending on variety. Pints retail for about $5.99 For more information, link HERE.

	SALTY SUNDAE ON A STICK (posted September 15, 2015) Casper’s Ice Cream introduces a new Fat Boy. New Sea Salt Caramel Pretzel is caramel ice cream dipped in milk chocolate and crushed pretzels. Each 4-ounce serving contains 270 calories, 3 grams of protein and 18 grams of both fat and sugar. The stick novelties are sold in packs of four for about $4.49. For more information, link HERE.

	C-STORE PRIVATE-LABEL PREMIUM ICE CREAM COMES IN PINTS (posted September 9, 2015) 7-Eleven introduces 7-Select GO!Yum Ice Cream. The 7-Select GO!Yum premium ice cream line features seven flavors: Banana Cream Pie, Double Cookie Dough, Fudge Marshmallow, Oh Thank Heaven for Chocolate, Sea Salt Caramel Truffle, Toasted S’mores and Vanilla Bean. Product descriptions focus on the simple, high-quality ingredients. For example, Banana Cream Pie is made with real bananas, pie crust pieces and fresh milk and cream. Double Cookie Dough is vanilla bean ice cream with brown sugar and chocolate cookie dough, both loaded with chocolate flavored chips Earlier this year, the company embarked on a store-wide effort to ensure the quality of its 7-Select line exceeds that of national brands. “We set out to surpass customer expectations with products exclusively available at 7 Eleven stores. We are confident that we are exceeding the quality standards of leading national brands with our 7-Select brand,” says Sean Thompson, senior director of private brands. “7-Select GO!Yum introduces an indulgent assortment of savory and sweet snacks, with a level of quality more likely found at a specialty store than in a convenience store. Each product is made with premium ingredients curated for imaginative taste combinations and an out-of-the-ordinary sensory experience.” “When we develop an item we start with a clear benchmark. Sometimes this is a top-selling national brand and sometimes it is a premium brand or restaurant brand standards. We don’t launch the item until we are confident we have exceeded the quality of our benchmark. This way we position our franchisees with products that will create loyalty with their customers and drive repeat visits,” he says. Today, the 7-Select private-label product lineup includes approximately 350 items cutting across all categories. Another 100 are expected to roll out before the end of the year. “Our private brands set 7 Eleven apart from the competition,” Thompson says. “This may be the largest pipeline of innovation in 7 Eleven history. My goal is to build a best-in-class selection. Creating, and then meeting, quality expectations is what increases brand loyalty.” 7 Eleven Inc., operates, franchises or licenses nearly 10,500 7 Eleven stores in North America. Globally, there are more than 56,200 7 Eleven stores in 16 countries. For more information, link HERE.

	SINGLE-SERVE ICE CREAM CUPS FOR CALORIE CONTROL (posted August 27, 2015) The Weight Watchers brand expands its frozen dairy dessert offerings. Manufactured under a licensing agreement by Wells’ Enterprises Inc., the new Weight Watchers 6-ounce single-serve cups come in six varieties: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Cookies & Cream, Mint Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Delight and Turtle Sundae. Each container has a PointsPlus Value of five. A serving provides 140 to 180 calories, 1.5 to 5 grams of fat and 4 to 5 grams of protein, depending on variety.

	LOW-GLYCEMIC ICE CREAM (posted August 11, 2015) Graeters repositions its lower-sugar ice cream and offered limited-edition flavor this summer. This product line originally debuted in early 2014 under the “A Little Less Indulgent” tagline. Read more about the original line HERE. The original line of Chocolate Chip, Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean and Mint Chocolate Chip was joined by Butter Pecan this summer for a limited time. The formulation contains 50% less sugar than Graeter’s traditional ice cream. This is achieved through the use of soluble corn fiber, fructose and monk fruit extract. At 180 to 230 calories, 10 to 12 grams of fat, 6 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein per half-cup serving, Graeter’s Low Glycemic ice creams have 25% less fat and 25% fewer calories. The ice cream line recently earned a Low Glycemic Certification from the Glycemic Research Institute. “Every person deserves to enjoy Graeter’s Ice Cream, and now they have even more ways to do so with the addition of Butter Pecan to our low-glycemic line of ice cream flavors,” says Richard Graeter, fourth-generation owner of Graeter’s Ice Cream. “We enlisted the help of medical professionals to understand the struggles people with dietary restrictions face, and found that professionals in the health industry overwhelmingly support this product as a means to empower individuals to make smarter decisions about the treats in which they indulge.” “We take great care to develop and test new products that meet the very high standards our customers enjoy, and this product line was no exception,” he said. “We were not content to put a product on the shelves until we were confident that it tasted as good as our full-sugar line of premium ice cream flavors, and this definitely does.” As the only commercial ice cream manufacturer in the world to use a French pot process, Graeter’s Ice Cream’s two-and-half gallon batches are the smallest in the industry and help to maintain the quality for which Graeter’s has come to be known. For more information, link HERE.

	PO’BOY SANDWICHES FOR DESSERT (posted August 6, 2015) Big Easy Ice Cream Company introduces New Orleans Ice Cream Company Po’Boy Ice C ream Sandwiches. The company takes inspiration from the food-crazed cultures and local tastes of the Crescent City and Louisiana to make its pint line of handcrafted, ultra-premium ice creams. Pints come in unique flavors such as Café au Lait & Beignets, Coffee & Chicory, Mardi Gras Pie and Praline Crunch. The new 4.5-ounce Po’Boy sandwiches come in two varieties: Creole Cream Cheese and Vanilla Bean. They are made using two fresh-baked chocolate cookies stuffed with handcrafted ice cream and hand-dipped in premium milk chocolate. The individually wrapped novelties debuted as an impulse item for the retail convenience channel in June. For more information, link HERE.

	LATTE FROZEN GREEK YOGURT (posted July 30, 2015) Serendipity Ice Cream collaborates with local businesses. This St. Louis, MO-based ice cream shop chain that also sells its specialties through local retail outlets, wanted to give its customers a special treat this summer. Teaming up with nearby Stringbean Coffee and Windcrest Dairy, the company created Serendipity Latte Frozen Greek Yogurt. The product showcases the best of all the companies in one unique frozen treat. The yogurt on its own is an existing collaboration between Stringbean Coffee and Windcrest Dairy and has been selling in local markets. Serendipity took that product, enhanced it and made a frozen dessert out of it. The Frozen Latte Greek Yogurt is currently available in quarts for $6.49 and in various scoop sizes. Pints will roll out soon. For more information, link HERE.

	REAL-STRAINED GREEK YOGURT GETS FROZEN (posted July 23, 2015) Kayak Greek Frozen Yogurt made its debut about a year ago in Greece. In October 2014, it received a SIAL Innovation Award at SIAL in Paris. Most recently the product line was showcased at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York, as this frozen dessert is available for export. It is currently available in 500-milliliter pots for the retail channel. There are also 3-kilogram packs for foodservice. Made from 100% real Greek strained yogurt and fresh fruits, without any artificial ingredients, the low-fat frozen yogurts come in eight varieties. They are: BIO Quinoa (quinoa contributes extra protein and provides texture), Chocolate, Digestive Cookies, Honey & Sesame, Madagascar Vanilla, Mango Passion Fruit & Jasmine, Pure with Stevia sweetener (plain Greek sugar with a touch of no-calorie natural sweetness) and Red Berries & Basil. There are also 120-milliliter stick novelties in Mango and Vanilla flavors. Kayak Greek Frozen Yogurt has two times the protein of regular frozen yogurt. All of the products contain live and active cultures. For more information, link HERE.

	CHEESE-FLAVORED ICE CREAM LAUNCHES IN THE U.K. (posted July 13, 2015) Pilgrim’s Choice puts tangy cheddar in ice cream. In celebration of July being National Ice Cream Month, U.K. cheesemaker Pilgrim’s Choice teamed up with nearby Snugbury’s Ice Cream to launch a frozen dessert line in three cheesy flavors: Branston Ripple, Cheddar and Cheddar & Chutney. Branston Ripple combines cheddar cheese with ice cream and Branston Original Pickles as the inclusion. Cheddar & Chutney uses Branston Orchard Chutney as the inclusion. These limited-edition ice cream flavors invite consumers to try something different, the lifeblood of the very flat frozen dessert category.

	CELEBRATE SUMMER WITH S’MORES ICE CREAM (posted July 7, 2015) Friendly’s Ice Cream LLC, the operator of Friendly’s restaurants and a manufacturer of ice cream products distributed in more than 8,000 U.S. retail outlets, introduces a new limited-edition ice cream flavor. New Friendly’s S’mores features toasted marshmallow ice cream with dark chocolate flakes and a graham cracker swirl in a 48-ounce carton. Friendly’s will be donating a portion of proceeds from every S’mores ice cream carton purchased to the non-profit, Easter Seals, the nation’s leading provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For the past 34 years, Friendly’s has supported Easter Seals with its in-restaurant “Cones for Kids” campaign, but this new limited-edition ice cream flavor is the first time the brand has created a retail product that gives back to the organization. “Friendly’s is proud to support Easter Seals through the creation of our new S’mores ice cream flavor and we encourage ice cream enthusiasts and fans of this classic summertime treat to enjoy this new product throughout the season,” says John Maguire, CEO and president of Friendly’s. “We look forward to kicking off the summer of 2015 and Friendly’s 80th year in business with a new flavor that gives back to a wonderful non-profit organization.” For more information, link HERE.

	CINNAMON HORCHATA ICE CREAM AND MORE (posted June 23, 2015) Tillamook celebrates July as National Ice Cream Month with three new comforting and classic ice cream flavors. They are: Cinnamon Horchata—a smooth, refreshing horchata ice cream with the sweet spice of cinnamon. Malted Moo Shake—a rich, creamy malted ice cream with Madagascar vanilla and crunchy bits of milk chocolate. Salted Butterscotch—a creamy butterscotch ice cream with a dash of sea salt and a butterscotch swirl. “We’re very pleased with the consumer response to new Tillamook Ice Cream flavors, in particular the Cinnamon Horchata,” says Sibel Candemir, ice cream category manager. “The beloved Mexican rice beverage inspired us to translate these unique flavors into creamy ice cream form, which we were confident our customers would love.” In addition to new flavors, Tillamook recently expanded distribution from the Pacific Northwest into select markets in Texas. The suggested retail price is $4.99 to $5.99 per 56-ounce container. For more information, link HERE.

	PREMIUM GELATO NOW IN QUARTS AND HALF-GALLONS…AND NEW PINT FLAVORS DEBUT (posted June 4, 2015) Acquired by Unilever Ice Cream in December 2014, Talenti Gelato operates independently yet has the necessary big business support to grow…in flavors, package sizes and distribution. Just in time for summer and as a result of increased consumer demand, Talenti announces that several of its top-selling flavors are now available in quarts and half-gallon sizes. This development comes on the heels of an exciting flavor expansion unveiled earlier this year. The new, larger offerings include quarts of Caramel Apple Pie, Caramel Cookie Crunch, Coffee Chocolate Chip, Double Dark Chocolate, Peppermint Bark (seasonal) and Southern Butter Pecan gelatos. Sea Salt Caramel and Tahitian Vanilla Bean are available in both quarts and half-gallons. All remain available in the brand’s signature see-thru plastic container with screw on lid. “We’ve heard it time and time again from our fans: by the time they get to the bottom of the pint, they’re still craving one last bite,” says Steve Gill, CEO of Talenti. “Our response: let’s give them more of what they love, the same premium ingredients, in sizes large enough for the whole gang to enjoy.” Consumers can find Talenti’s quarts and half-gallons at major retailers nationwide at a suggested retail price of $8.99 to $9.99 and $14.99 to $16.99, respectively. Pints are sold at a suggested retail price of $4.99 to $5.99. The new pint flavors introduced earlier this year are: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Coffee Toffee, Hazelnut Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, Raspberry Cheesecake, Salted Peanut Caramel and Tiramisu. “We know our fans love the timelessness of classic desserts, so we wanted to honor these all-time favorites by adding our own special Talenti twist,” says Josh Hochschuler, founder of Talenti. “We’re thrilled to create modern sweets that offer consumers the best of both worlds: their favorite dessert reimagined into a delicious pint of gelato.” For more information, link HERE.

	CANDY? ICE CREAM? OR BOTH? (posted May 19, 2015) Sweet treat Airheads is now in ice cream and frozen novelties. Confectionery manufacturer Perfetti Van Melle unveils its first-ever Airheads ice cream and cream-based frozen novelties. Airheads partnered with Koldwave Foods LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Spring Creek Holdings LLC, to create an assortment of frozen treats that capture the unique, tangy fruit flavor of Airheads candy. Airheads was introduced in 1986 and has become a favorite non-chocolate candy for people of all ages known for its chewy texture, tangy fruit flavors and bright colors. Over one billion pieces of the popular candy are consumed annually. Airheads ice creams and cream-based frozen novelties started rolling out to U.S. grocery, club, convenience, drug and mass retailers in February. “Airheads is a candy brand with a recognizable flavor profile that is translatable to the ice cream category,” says Jerry Isaacson, CEO of Spring Creek Holdings LLC. “And our retail partners are embracing this. Virtually every buyer that we have met with has been impressed with the innovation that the new offering brings to the ice cream case. The bold and exciting look of the products and packaging, and our ability to capture the special and unique flavors of Airheads candy in our ice cream and novelty products will offer consumers a new experience in the frozen dessert aisle.” Airheads ice cream is available in eight flavors: Blue Raspberry, Cherry, Grape, Green Apple, Orange, Pink Lemonade, Strawberry and Watermelon. The ice cream incorporates ribbons of Airheads taffy, creating an innovative, never-before-seen combination. In addition to ice cream, Airheads’ line of frozen desserts includes the following cream-based frozen novelties: cups of DitZ ice cream mini bites, sundae cups, tri-flavored ice cream sandwiches and 2-in-1 flavor ice cream squeeze-up tubes. “This is a natural extension of the Airheads brand. We can now offer our consumers the same unique and delicious Airheads flavors they know and love in a full assortment of ice cream products,” says Jen Redmond, associate brand manager at Perfetti Van Melle USA. “Our partnership with Koldwave Foods enables us to engage with both loyal and new consumers in a unique and innovative way.”

	HIGH-PROTEIN GELATO ADDS FLAVORS, GETS REDESIGNED (posted May 12, 2015) Figo Brands markets Forte, an authentic creamy gelato that is also the first ever high-protein, low-fat gelato. Each 4-fluid-ounce single-serve portioned cup provides 15 grams of protein, 2.5 grams of fat and only 160 calories. The protein boost comes from added milk proteins. The chocolate and vanilla varieties debuted about three years ago and were posted as a Daily Dose of Dairy HERE. The two new flavors are Espresso and Ginger. Forte uses premium ingredients including pure organic Madagascar Bourbon vanilla, brewed and invigorating espresso, refreshing organic ginger and its own select blend of deep rich cocoa from Holland. Forte is crafted with rBST-free skim milk, rBST-free cream, cage-free egg yolks and organic agave nectar. For more information, link HERE.

	FROZEN GREEK YOGURT CANDY BARS DEBUT (posted April 30, 2015) Vibrant new packaging complements new products, highlighting Yasso's energetic brand persona. Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt, the pioneers of frozen Greek yogurt, is redefining the frozen dessert aisle once again. The company adds two new flavors to its stick-bar lineup: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Coffee Chocolate Chip. The company is also introducing the first-ever frozen Greek yogurt candy bar in Sea Salt Caramel and Toffee Crunch varieties. The new package design builds up appetite appeal with more powerful product images. The brand’s personality also shines through with brighter colors and fun text. As advertising trends are moving away from subdued colors and black and white, Yasso added pops of color that will attract eyes and taste buds. “At Yasso, we love dessert and are passionate about crafting solutions that allow consumers to have a little bit of indulgence every day,” says Drew Harrington, co-founder. “The new products and updated packaging speak to the brand’s commitment to taste, quality and nutrition, and the flavors are amazing; everyone loves Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and at only 100 calories, you can’t go wrong!” Yasso’s new products make it even easier to “Take Back Dessert,” the brand’s 2015 campaign that encourages fans to eat more dessert and to “resolve to indulge.” For more information, link HERE.

	A NEW WAY TO EAT ICE CREAM (posted April 28, 2015) Ben & Jerry’s rolls out a new way to eat ice cream. On April 20, the company introduced scoop shop patrons to BRRR-ito. To see the BRRR-ito in action, link HERE. For first-timers, Ben & Jerry’s suggests the Half Baked BRRR-ito, with one scoop each of Cookie Dough and Chocolate Fudge Brownie drizzled with chocolate fudge, topped with a crunchy cookie crumble and rolled to perfection in a chewy crepe-like wrap. Patrons can also personalize their BRRR-ito by choosing two scoops of any favorite flavor combo. “Building on our understanding of how much people love our homemade waffle cones, we have created a wrap that has all the ridgey goodness of their more crispy cousins, yet are slightly less sweet and provide the chewy satisfaction of the BRRR-ito eating experience,” says Alison Gilbert, senior brand manager-scoop shops.

	ESCAPE WITH ICE CREAM (posted April 20, 2015) Perry’s Ice Cream is launching a premium ice cream line branded Escapes. These pint- and quart-sized treats are designed to take you on a journey, a flavorful one, according to the company. There are 20 flavors in total, all targeting adult palates. The eight pint options are: Almond Amaretto (amaretto and coffee liqueur ice cream with roasted almonds) Caribbean Coconut (coconut rum ice cream with coconut shreds) Fireball (hot cinnamon ice cream with cinnamon-flavored swirls and cinnamonette candies) French Vanilla (French vanilla ice cream) German Chocolate Cake (chocolate cake ice cream with caramel swirls, coconut shreds and pecans) Movie Time (popcorn-flavored ice cream with salty caramel swirls and caramel truffles) Peanut Butter Cookie (sugar cookie ice cream with peanut butter swirls and peanut butter cookie dough pieces) Queen of Hearts (dark chocolate ice cream with raspberry swirls and fudge-filled hearts) There are a dozen quarts. They are: Banana Cream Pie (banana ice cream with vanilla-flavored cream swirls and vanilla-flavored wafers) Cocoa-Nut Bliss (coconut ice cream with fudge swirls, fudge-coated almonds, fudge chunks and coconut shreds) French Toast (French toast ice cream with maple syrup swirls) Grasshopper Pie (mint ice cream with fudge swirls and chocolate-crème-filled cookies) Mexican Chocolate (chocolate ice cream with a hint of cinnamon and spice) Nutty Pistachio (pistachio ice cream with roasted almonds) Peanut Butter S’mores (toasted marshmallow ice cream with graham cracker and peanut butter swirls and fudge chunks) Piece of Cake (yellow cake-flavored ice cream with chocolate frosting swirls and pound cake pieces) Rocky Mountain Raspberry (white chocolate ice cream with raspberry swirls and almond raspberry fudge chunks) Sponge Candy (caramel ice cream with caramelized sugar swirls and sponge candy pieces) Toffee Coffee (cappuccino ice cream with fudge swirls and almond toffee pieces) White Lightning (dark chocolate ice cream with white mint fudge swirls) These flavors might be an adventure, but the ingredients remain as local as possible. Each carton prominently displays “Made in New York” around the rim of the lid and features an attractive photographic trail of the key flavor components. “The majority of our consumers prefer ice cream flavors that are loaded with inclusions; the more, the better,” says Eva Balazs, director of marketing and contract sales. “The trick is finding the right ingredients that complement each other for distinct and indulgent flavor combinations. Sometimes it takes several attempts before we identify that perfect cookie, fruit or nut piece and the right fudge, caramel or fruit swirl for a new flavor.” To read more about ice cream inclusions, link HERE. For more information, link HERE.

	ICE CREAM COATED PRETZEL STICK (posted April 7, 2015) SaltiSweet introduces RockiRoll. RockiRoll is a creamy, crunchy combo of a salted pretzel rod and Boulder Organic Ice Cream. The pretzel rod functions as the hand-held novelty’s stick. The top part gets coated in chocolate, then covered in ice cream, followed by another chocolate coating. That’s the Original version. There’s also a With Nuts variety that is covered in chopped peanuts and a With Sprinkles variety covered in rainbow jimmies. Each novelty contains 290 to 340 calories, 19 to 25 grams of fat and 3 to 6 grams of protein, depending on variety. They are sold in boxes of three individually wrapped novelties. For more info, link HERE.

	COWLIFORNIA-MADE ORGANIC ICE CREAM LINE DEBUTS (posted March 30, 2015) Third-generation family-owned and operated Clover Stornetta Farms enters the craft ice cream category. Each premium ice cream is made with organic milk from happy, humane-certified Clover cows living on family-owned California dairy farms. Every decadent scoop is blended with best-quality ingredients from brands based in the company’s community. There are 12 flavors. They are: Chocolate Nirvana (made with premium TCHO fair-trade chocolate from the namesake company based in Berkeley, CA) Cowlifornia Sweet Cream (made with farm-fresh eggs for frozen custard quality) Creamy PB&C (made with 100% natural creamy roasted peanut butter and pieces of dark chocolate) Eat Your Milk & Cookies (made with nostalgic cream-filled chocolate cookie sandwiches) French Press (made with hand-brewed dark roast coffee) Hoppy Hour (made with Bear Republic Brewing’s distinctive artisan Racer 5 IPA) Mint to Be (made with fresh mint leaves and dark chocolate chips) Petaluma Pothole (made with milk chocolate ice cream, roasted almonds and marshmallows.) Pistachio Perfecto (made with roasted and buttered California pistachios) Straight Up Vanilla (made with 100% Madagascar vanilla) Strawberry Shindig (made with Watsonville strawberries) Tempt Me Toffee (made with crunchy, buttery English toffee from Charles Chocolates in San Francisco) The line is debuting in April with an exclusive six-month placement with Whole Foods Market and select independent retailers. “Giving Whole Foods Market an exclusive, along with our independent stores, serves our mission to support businesses with like-minded philosophies,” says Marcus Benedetti, president and CEO. “Craft ice cream is booming. The farming principles behind our nutritious milk coupled with interesting ice cream flavors and partnerships will put Clover’s best dairy foot forward.” Clover Senior Marketing Manager Molly Locke notes that animal welfare is a growing concern in the marketplace. “Consumers want organic products, but they want humanely raised product even more,” she says. “We answer both needs while setting the bar for quality and taste.” For more information, link HERE.

	FIT FROZEN DESSERTS GET CHUNKY (posted March 25, 2015) Arctic Zero adds inclusions to its first-of-a-kind, better-for-you frozen dairy desserts line. Founded in 2010, Arctic Zero is the pioneer of Fit Frozen Desserts, which is also the brand’s trade-marked tagline. Handcrafted from premium ingredients, Arctic Zero is low glycemic, lactose free, gluten free and GMO free. It’s a guilt-free pleasure with only 300 calories in each pint of the new Chunky varieties. The Creamy varieties contain only 150 calories per pint. Chocolate-Dipped Bars are the lowest, at only 80 calories per bar. The new Chunky Pints come in five varieties: A Lil’ Bit Chippy, Buttery Pecan, Cookie Dough Chip, Cool Mint Chip and Key Lime Pie. “Our new Chunky Pints represent a culmination of years of development at Arctic Zero and there is nothing else like them on the market,” says Greg Holtman, founder. “We wanted to bring traditional ice cream favorites to customers in a fresh and exciting, health-conscious way. With the addition of our Chunky Pints to the Arctic Zero lineup, we have a complete range of products to suit every taste, with even more options for those seeking nutritious indulgences that still satisfy.” All Arctic Zero products use a base made of reconstituted whey protein concentrate, the source of the 3 grams of protein in every half-cup serving. A serving of any Chunky variety contains 3 grams of fiber from chicory root and sugarcane fiber. Sugars are kept low—8 grams per serving—through a sweetener combination of organic cane sugar and monk fruit concentrate. For more information, link HERE.

	GELATO ICE CREAM SANDWICHES (posted March 17, 2015) Tillamook County Creamery introduces Tillamookies. Tillamookies are ice cream sandwiches that feature superpremium Tillamook ice cream or Italian-style gelato sandwiched between two crispy waffle cone cookies made with real butter and brown sugar. The sandwiches are then coated with a rich layer of dark chocolate. The Oregon Strawberry Tillamookies contain real pieces of sweet, ripe Oregon strawberries. The Chocolate Hazelnut features a velvety smooth chocolate and hazelnut gelato made with real Oregon hazelnuts. The Mint Chocolate Chip flavor contains refreshing mint ice cream with sweet chocolate chip morsels. Madagascar vanilla beans are the star of the Vanilla Bean variety. “Tillamookies tap into the growing demand for handheld treats and deliver a dose of delicious nostalgia with waffle cone cookies, just like a waffle cone you’d find in an ice cream shop,” says Sibel Candemir, category manager. “We take pride in being able to offer indulgences made with real ingredients that consumers can feel good about taking home to their families.” Tillamookies are sold in packs of four individually wrapped 3.5-ounce sandwiches at a suggested retail price of $4.99. For more information, link HERE.

	PIE POPS WITH A TWIST (posted March 10, 2015) The Pie People LLC, continue to create excitement in retail freezers with new JC’s Nudies. The new product makes its debut after a highly successful launch of the company’s original frozen novelty, JC’s Pie Pops, which has been in the market for less than two years. Both products are named after Founder and President Jennifer Constantine (super cool lady!), who created the frozen dairy pie-on-stick concept by accident in her home kitchen. It now includes eight flavors: Banana Cream, Caramel Apple Crumble, Caramel Turtle, Chocolate Silk, Key Lime, Mint Chocolate Cookie, Strawberry Cream and Vanilla Cream. New JC’s Nudies are like “naked” Pie Pops with a swirl. They come in four varieties: Cookies & Cream, Mint Chocolate, Peanut Butter & Fudge and Salted Caramel. Each individually wrapped bar is 2.25-ounces and they are sold in boxes of four. Front panels state that the bars are made with non-GMO ingredients and milk containing no artificial growth hormones. Boxes of the Salted Caramel variety also sport the Hungry Girl logo. Hungry Girl is a free daily e-mail subscription service about healthy eating that launched in May 2004. There are approximately one million subscribers. Each bar is 110 to 130 calories, depending on flavor. For more information, link HERE.

	A HOLE-IN-ONE FOR THE ICE CREAM FREEZER (posted March 5, 2015) Schwan’s teamed up with golf pro Jack Nicklaus for new ice cream line. Fans and competitors of Nicklaus knew he had very few weaknesses in his legendary, record-setting golf career. There is, however, one weakness he confesses to off the course—ice cream—and now he’s giving into it and sharing it with the public. Manufactured and distributed by Schwan’s Global Supply Chain Inc., the ice cream comes in seven flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl, Coffee and Donuts, Homemade Vanilla, Salted Caramel Toffee, Strawberry Lemonade, Triple Chocolate and Warm Spiced Butter Pecan. The Nicklaus and Schwan’s partnership includes a shared commitment to philanthropy: the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, which has the goal to provide families access to world-class pediatric healthcare. Between Jack, his wife Barbara and Schwan, there was a detailed collaboration to perfect the line. “It’s no secret that I love ice cream,” Nicklaus confessed. “Needless to say, I have never had so much fun in the research and development of a product. The team at Schwan has a world-class product development center. Together, we have created a variety of flavors—all with real ingredients—for a quality, premium ice cream at a value price.” The new Jack Nicklaus pint-sized ice cream line is available in select market at a suggested retail price of $1.99. For more information, link HERE.

	THE JOYS OF FROZEN CUSTARD COME TO U.S. HOMES (posted February 25, 2015) Nestlé becomes first national U.S. marketer to launch a frozen custard line available at retail. Next time consumers visit the freezer aisle, a new, unique, extra-thick and creamy dessert will be available courtesy of Dreyer’s Ice Cream and Edy’s Ice Cream, both brands of Nestlé USA. In an innovative move for the brands, known for nearly 90 years as traditional premium ice cream brands, comes the national launch of a classic American treat: frozen custard. Frozen custard, a historically Midwestern foodservice treat sold in a cup or cone, is best known for its extra creaminess and thickness. Nestlé is launching six flavors, which are representative of the classic flavors and mix-in offerings found in popular frozen custard stands and pay homage to consumer favorites. They are: Chocolate Malt (chocolate malt frozen custard) Mint Cookies N’ Cream (mint frozen custard with crumbles of chocolate cookies) Old Fashioned Vanilla (vanilla frozen custard) Peanut Butter Pie (sweet cream frozen custard with chocolate cookie pieces and peanut butter swirls) Salted Caramel Pretzel (sweet cream frozen custard, chocolaty covered pretzel pieces and a swirl of salted caramel) Snickerdoodle (vanilla frozen custard with snickerdoodle cookie pieces and cinnamon graham swirls). “Frozen custard is traditionally viewed as a treat that families would leave their homes to enjoy. We’re thrilled to be able to bring this beloved dessert into freezers across the country for families to enjoy in the comfort of their homes,” said Jason Merideth, brand manager. “The innovation that went into creating the perfect experience of classic custard flavors and high-quality, wholesome ingredients with no artificial colors or flavors is something our brands are proud to stand by.” A half-cup serving contains 210 to 250 calories, 10 to 13 grams of fat, 4 to 5 grams of protein and 17 to 22 grams of sugar, depending on variety. The frozen custard comes in 32-ounce cartons at a suggested retail price of $4.99 to $5.49 For more information, link HERE.

	PENNSYLVANIA FAMILY DAIRY GIVES LOCALS THE FLAVORS THEY WANT (posted February 18, 2015) Yuengling Dairy Products began making ice cream in 1920 during Prohibition to help support the family brewery. It ceased operations in 1985 and started production back up in 2014. Now known as Yuengling’s Ice Cream, the company is adding four on-trend flavors to its premium ice cream line. These flavors-- Caramel Popcorn, Orange Cream, Original Sea Salt Caramel Swirl and Peanut Butter Cup-- join the company’s roster of 10 year-round flavors and two seasonal ice creams. All the flavors come in quart rounds. Caramel Popcorn puts a twist on sweet and salty as it combines sweet caramel swirls with a creamy buttered popcorn ice cream. Orange Cream is bringing the summer to all seasons with sweet Madagascar vanilla ice cream swirled with orange cream. Original Sea Salt Caramel Swirl--the most requested new flavor--was a fan favorite before it even hit retail freezers, as it combines the company’s creamy sea salt caramel ice cream--already found in its signature Black & Tan flavor--with rich caramel swirls. Peanut Butter Cup is a peanut butter lover’s dream with rich Belgian chocolate and creamy peanut butter ice creams swirled together with peanut butter and chunks of peanut butter cup. “We loved coming up with these four new flavors and we’re really excited to have our customers try them,” says David Yuengling, president. “The ideas came from a mix of our imaginations, popular trends in the food industry and customer requests. And, of course, our taste-testing panel comprised of 19 fans helped us choose which new flavors would be sold this year.” For more information, link HERE.

	Read about Häagen-Dazs' Artisan Collection ice cream line by linking to the Febraury 13, 2015 blog HERE.

	THE ICE CREAM CLUB GETS INTO PINTS AND MAIL ORDER (posted February 4, 2015) Boynton Beach, FL-based The Ice Cream Club Inc., enters its 33rd year of distributing three-gallon containers of ice cream and other frozen dairy desserts throughout the Eastern and Southeastern U.S. foodservice channels with the rollout of retail pints. More than 175 flavors are available for retail and home delivery anywhere in the U.S., as well as nearby islands. In fact, the first retail delivery ships very soon to the Bahamas. For fans who cannot wait for their supermarket to stock their favorite flavor of Ice Cream Club ice cream, there’s the Pints By Mail program. Consumers can order any six pints by visiting www.icecreamclub.com. Though you will find chocolate and vanilla in that menu of 175-plus flavors, what the husband and wife-owned company is best known for is its inclusion-laden offerings, most notably Garbage Can. This trademarked flavor contains generous chunks of seven brand name candy bars (real candy bars, broken into pieces on site) and granulated peanuts in vanilla ice cream. The candy bars are: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Baby Ruth, Snickers, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, 3 Musketeers, Heath English Toffee and Nestle Crunch. The company prides itself on hand-filling each container with ice cream base and manually loading it up with inclusions. Skilled employees have the hand-ladling process down to a science. In addition to the overly indulgent parlor-style offerings, there are better-for-you options including Probiotic Hard-Packed Yogurt and No-Sugar-Added Reduced Fat Ice Cream. More than 135 of the varieties are wheat/gluten free. For more information, link HERE.

	DIRECT FROM ITALY, ALL-NATURAL GELATO-FILLED FRUIT ARRIVES IN THE U.S. (posted January 26, 3015) One year ago, Divino arrived from Europe with a mission: bring all-natural, artisanal, gelato-filled fruits directly from Italy to the U.S. A year later, Divino presented its Indulgenza line at the 2015 Winter Fancy Food Show. At Divino’s factory on the Amalfi Coast, the company harvests fresh fruits at the peak of season from within a few hundred miles of the factory. The fruit’s pulp is scooped out and crafted into gelato, which is then hand-placed back into the original shell of the fruit and packaged individually. The Indulgenza line includes five flavors named for the region where the fruit is harvested: Amalfi Lemon, Apulian Peach, Black Diamond Plum, Ciaculli Tangerine and Roman Kiwi. Divino uses only natural ingredients to create a fat-free, gluten-free, frozen dessert with a 24-month frozen shelf life. The products recently attained Non-GMO Project Verified status. Each box of Divino contains a serving tray and a spoon. A box contains a single filled fruit and has a suggested retail price of $3.99. For more information, link HERE.

	DEBUTED AT THE FANCY FOOD: ICE CREAM WITH A JOLT (posted January 22, 2015) Magnolia Ice Cream adds Kona Coffee to its line of tropical ice cream flavors. The company knows the new caffeinated flavor will be the jolt its fans have been asking for, as the flavor was selected by a social media fan vote. Kona Coffee beat out Jackfruit and Tropical Banana in Magnolia Ice Cream’s “Discover Our Next Flavor” Facebook contest. The Kona Ice Cream Flavor, made with ultra-premium Kona coffee beans from Hawaii, is modeled off Magnolia Ice Cream’s popular and flavorful Thai Tea Ice Cream. Magnolia Ice Cream is produced by Ramar Foods. Other Magnolia Ice Cream flavors include Avocado, Coconut, Guava, Lychee, Mango, Purple Yam, and Thai Tea. The pints retail for about $3.99.

	CHEF-CREATED ARTISANAL GELATOS AND SORBETTOS DEBUT AT FANCY FOOD SHOW (posted January 15, 2015) Two-time James Beard Award-winning chef and author Nancy Silverton is behind a new line of premium artisanal gelati and sorbetti. Created from recipes inspired by the well-loved desserts served at her acclaimed restaurants, Nancy’s Fancy is the chef’s first-ever product line in her distinguished career. Nancy Silverton, often called “the Queen of the L.A. restaurant scene,” has earned her crown. The founder of the famed Campanile and Mozza restaurants and of the seminal La Brea Bakery, Silverton has received dozens of awards in a career that has spanned three decades and is widely acknowledged for setting culinary standards in the U.S. “True Italian gelato is not about an infinite variety of over-the-top, crazy flavors; it is about balance and mouthfeel, creamy, voluptuous texture and pure, honest flavor,” she says. “That is what we are creating with Nancy’s Fancy. Delicious, familiar tastes created with the finest all-natural ingredients and perhaps, a distinctive twist or two.” The Nancy’s Fancy collection is churned in Southern California and is made with only the freshest, locally sourced, natural ingredients and pasteurized, artificial growth hormone-free milk, according to the company. The line contains no added preservatives, artificial flavors, colors or high fructose corn syrup. Nancy’s Fancy is launching with seven flavors and will debut special new varieties quarterly. Flavors are: Butterscotch Budino with Salted Caramel Swirl Chunky Salted Peanut Butter with Crunchy Chocolate Roasted Banana with Bourbon & Pecan Praline Coconut Stracciatella with Bittersweet Chocolate Strands Chocolate Rum Fondente with Dark Rum and Chocolate Chips Stumptown Spiced Coffee with Cracked Cocoa Nibs Frutti di Bosco (Greek Yogurt and Mixed Berries) Nancy’s Fancy will be available across the U.S. in spring 2015 and will retail for $10.99 per pint.

	TRENDING ICE CREAM FLAVORS: DONUT, CINNAMON AND MORE (posted January 6, 2015) HP Hood’s 2015 ice cream flavor lineup is right on target with BerryOnDairy’s flavor forecasts and ice cream trends. The new lineup includes Limited-Edition Jelly Donut Ice Cream, which is vanilla ice cream swirled with raspberry, rainbow sprinkles and donut pieces; and Limited-Edition Fried Ice Cream, which is cinnamon caramel ice cream swirled with caramel and cinnamon crust pieces. Read the flavor forecast HERE. Many of Hood’s new innovations emphasize chocolate. The lineup includes Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Ice Cream (chocolate ice cream swirled with marshmallow), New England Creamery Nantucket Nutty Cone Sundae Ice Cream (vanilla ice cream swirled with caramel and chocolate-covered peanuts and chocolate-covered waffle cone pieces) and Low-fat Chocolate Hazelnut Chip Frozen Yogurt (chocolate hazelnut low-fat frozen yogurt with chocolate chips). Read how chocolate—with all types of inclusions—is trending HERE. The most current Flavor Forecast can be viewed HERE. Two additional new products that Hood will be rolling out this spring are: Low-fat Raspberry Crunch Frozen Yogurt, which is low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt with raspberry swirl and granola crunch; and Limited-Edition Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich, which is a hand-held novelty composed of mint chocolate chip ice cream layered between chocolate wafers.

	ULTRA SUPER-PREMIUM ICE CREAM (posted December 23, 2014) David’s Famous Gourmet Frozen Custard contains more than 23% milkfat. Manufactured by Gott Ice Cream LLC, the pint line debuted earlier this year in five flavors: Coffee, Dark Chocolate, Lemon, Sea Salt Caramel and Vanilla. Seven new flavors recently joined the lineup. They are: Black Walnut, Blueberry, Buttermint, Ginger, Pistachio, Pumpkin and Rhubarb. The frozen custard is based on a Gott family recipe and is made with all-natural ingredients in the company’s brand new ice cream manufacturing facility in Iowa. The standard of identity for frozen custard requires a minimum of 1.4% egg yolk solids. David’s Famous contains 4%. With cream listed first on the ingredient statement, a half-cup serving contains 250 to 270 calories and 20 to 21 grams of fat, depending on variety. For more information, visit www.davidsfamous.com.

	ICY SNO BALLS COMBINE WITH DAIRY (posted December 11, 2014) Sno Balls To Go introduces a new multi-texture stick novelty. Sno Balls are a popular New Orleans frozen treat that is a cup of finely shaved ice topped with fruit syrup. The shavings resemble snowflakes, which is how sno balls differ from snow cones, an ice and syrup treat made with crushed ice. The new frozen novelty--Stuffed Sno Balls--enrobes a creamy low-fat vanilla-flavored frozen dairy dessert center with a colorful, sweet, soft ice shell that resembles the texture of sno balls. The single serve, individually wrapped 4-ounce bars come in three shell flavors: Bubble Gum, Strawberry and Wedding Cake. The novelties will debut nationally in February 2015, just in time for Mardi Gras. For further information, visit www.snoballstogo.com

	NEW ICE CREAM FLAVORS ARE HOT AND SMOKIN’ (posted December 4, 2014) Pierre’s Ice Cream has partnered with Cleveland celebrity chef Steve Schimoler, chef and owner of Crop Bistro & Bar and Crop Kitchen, to create two new flavors for its Pierre’s Chef’s Signature Ultimate Ice Cream Pints line. The two tasty dessert creations were invented and served by Schimoler at his Crop Bistro restaurant. The two flavors are: Croppy Road, which features chocolate ice cream, chocolate-covered marshmallow cups, almonds and a smoky salted caramel swirl; and Holé Molé, which is cinnamon ice cream blended with chili choco chips, chocolate-covered toffee pieces and molé fudge swirl. “We are teaming up with the area’s most prominent chefs to display their exceptional culinary talents and expertise,” says Shelley Roth, president and CEO of Pierre’. “Steve’s amazing flavors kick off the collection of creamy and delicious creations, made from the finest and freshest ingredients, and we have even more celebrity-chef flavors planned for early 2015.” Schimoler adds, “Crop is known for its tasty, whimsical cuisine and inventive desserts. Bringing these creations to an ultimate, super-premium ice cream that can be enjoyed at home…rocks, just like Cleveland!” Pierre’s Chef’s Signature Ultimate Ice Cream Pints are packaged in 16-ounce containers featuring eye-catching graphics, along with a QR code for more information. The Chef’s Signature line and original Signature Ultimate Ice Cream line can be found in most stores where Pierre’s is sold and retails for approximately $4.99 per pint. To roll out the new flavors, there is a free tasting on Friday, December 5th, at Crop Kitchen, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. For more information, visit www.pierres.com.

	PREMIUM, STEVIA-SWEETENED GELATO COMES IN SOME MAGICAL FLAVORS (posted November 26, 2014) Corte Diletto Ltd., introduces Coppa della Maga. This Bulgarian frozen dessert manufacturer uses an old-fashioned recipe of real milk and cream to make its premium all-natural gelato. The modern twist is the use of stevia instead of sugar. This reduces sugar and calorie content. In addition to traditional flavors such as Classic Vanilla, Double Chocolate, Pistachio and Strawberry, the gelato comes in creative flavors such as Amaretto, Cherry & Cream, Coconut Flakes, Crispy Caramel and Crunchy Nougat, as well as provocative, exotic flavors such as Grapefruit & Bergamot, Sesame & Honey and Yogurt & Rose Petals. The company’s gelato master takes care to select the best of only natural ingredients from around Europe and the whole world, including bourbon vanilla from Madagascar, Piemonte hazelnuts and bergamot oil from Italy, the highest-quality cacao from Brazil and Africa, precious roses petals from Bulgaria and, of course, fresh milk and cream sourced from near its factory to preserve their natural and intense taste. The product has been around for about a year in Bulgaria and Romania, and recently was exported to the U.S. and U.K. for the first time. The product comes in 3- and 11.6-ounce containers. A half-cup serving contains, on average, 190 calories, 15 grams of fat and 10 grams of sugar. For more information, visit www.coppadellamaga.com.

	AND THE WINNING ICE CREAM FLAVOR IS… (posted November 18, 2014) Hudsonville Ice Cream rolls out a limited-edition flavor chosen by its fans. The company once again teamed up with the state’s tourism office--Pure Michigan--to create a Pure Michigan flavor for every season around the Great Lakes. To determine this winter’s special flavor, the partnership reached out to the public with an online voting contest. The winner is Winter Campfire, which is vanilla ice cream with a marshmallow swirl, graham cracker pieces and milk chocolate flakes. Winter Campfire beat Cabin Fever (blueberry-coated granola clusters and chopped Michigan cherries in vanilla ice cream) and Lake Superior Thaw (hot chocolate-flavored ice cream with cool mint chocolate candies). All Pure Michigan flavors help promote the bounty of food and agricultural products available to Michigan visitors and residents alike. “Creating a Pure Michigan flavor each year has become a tradition,” says Caryn Beatty, marketing and branding representative for Hudsonville. “Fans love it and it gives us a chance to hear what flavors they are looking for. We want to make sure we have great ice cream flavors to enjoy year round and the Pure Michigan flavors help us highlight the tastes that accompany each season.” The contest registered more than 7,000 votes, including one from Michigan’s Governor Rick Snyder, who did not vote for the ultimate winner. Check out his taste test HERE.

	PEPPERMINT BARK ICE CREAM FOR THE HOLIDAYS (posted November 11, 2014) With the holiday season upon us, Blue Bell Ice Cream is introducing a new flavor that is inspired by a popular Christmastime treat: peppermint bark. Peppermint Bark Ice Cream is a smooth mint ice cream loaded with dark and white chocolate chunks and crushed peppermint candies. “Our new ice cream flavor was created to taste just like the peppermint bark many of us enjoy making and eating during the holiday season,” says Brenda Valera, director of research and development. “Traditional peppermint bark is very simple to make and consists of a dark chocolate bottom, a layer of white chocolate and a topping of crushed peppermint candies. Those are all of the same ingredients you will find in our Peppermint Bark Ice Cream.” Peppermint Bark is a new addition to the popular Holiday Favorites line Blue Bell introduced in 2011. The line also includes Christmas Cookies Ice Cream, Fudge Divinity Ice Cream, Peppermint Ice Cream and Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Ice Cream. Christmas Cookies is a combination of your favorite holiday cookies--chocolate chip, snickerdoodle and sugar--in a tasty sugar cookie ice cream with red candy cane-shaped sprinkles and a green icing swirl throughout. Fudge Divinity, introduced in 2013, is a rich marshmallow ice cream mixed with crunchy chopped pecans and a swirl of milk chocolate sauce. Peppermint, a long-time favorite ice cream flavor during the holiday season, is a cool, refreshing peppermint ice cream sprinkled with peppermint candy pieces. Spiced Pumpkin Pecan is spiced pumpkin ice cream combined with tasty sugar-coated pecans and a rich cinnamon-honey-praline sauce. For more information, visit www.bluebell.com.

	ICE CREAM AND BROWNIE PIZZA (posted November 5, 2014) Royal Ice Cream introduces a pizza-designed ice cream dessert. The Royal Ice Cream-branded product has a chocolate brownie crust and a layer of premium vanilla ice cream. The ice cream is first topped with chocolate drizzle and then with chocolate candy bites, cookie dough pieces, marshmallows and red cherries. It is finished with a white chocolate drizzle. Each dessert pizza is a total of 54 ounces and can feed up to 14 people. It is over wrapped and individually packaged in a printed pizza box, simulating a home-delivered pizza. For more information, visit www.royalicecream.com.

	RECREATING A CLASSIC AUSTRALIAN DESSERT (posted October 30, 2014) Bulla now offers lamington frozen novelties. Just in time for summer Down Under, Australia’s Bulla Dairy Foods is rolling out Lamington Ice Cream. Lamington is a classic Australian dessert consisting of squares of sponge cake coated in a chocolate sauce and then layered with shredded coconut. Bulla has recreated the dessert in the form of an ice cream novelty, with the center being vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with coconut pieces. Bulla is one of Australia’s oldest family-owned dairies, with a history dating back six generations to 1910. The novelty bars come in eight packs.

	MINTY-FRESH BREATH FOR UNDER THE MISTLETOE (posted October 16, 2014) Ciao Bella introduces Mistletoe Mint for this holiday season. Ciao Bella, maker of premium, artisan gelato and sorbetto, is sharing an unforgettable dessert experience this holiday season with the launch of its limited-time only gelatos, available exclusively at Whole Foods Market. Inspired by a passion for delicious food, Ciao Bella’s Master Gelato Maker, Chef Danilo Zecchin, used unique flavor interpretations to hand-craft two palate-pleasing flavors that get you in the holiday spirit one spoonful at a time. Returning this year is Pumpkin Sea Salt Caramel, which is a mixture of savory made sweet, with a creamy pumpkin puree base, swirls of sweet and salty caramel and a touch of cinnamon. Brand new this season is Mistletoe Mint, a flavor arrangement of crème de menthe gelato paired with Ciao Bella’s own rich, Fair Trade and organic South American Dark Chocolate. “Here at Ciao Bella, we take pride in our flavor innovations and are committed to sharing our passion for food and meticulously sourced, high-quality ingredients with consumers through our gelatos and sorbettos,” says Carlos Canals, CEO of Ciao Bella. “We’re excited that we are able to provide consumers with a pleasurable tasting experience, especially during the holiday season, so families and friends everywhere can delight in the festive flavors and in each other.” For more information, visit www.ciaobellagelato.com.

	ICE CREAM INSPIRED BY HISTORICAL CHARACTERS (posted October 8, 2014) Australia’s Connoisseur specializes in sophisticated and creative ingredient combinations, delivering an exciting and luxurious eating experience for true ice cream lovers. The company says its product developers have travelled to some of the most exotic locations on earth in search of the highest quality inclusions that they then combine with fresh cream from Australian pastures. The new Connoisseur Empire Collection includes four unique flavor combinations inspired by four historical characters, each of whom had a connection to the origins of ice cream. Emperor Nero is coffee hazelnut-flavored ice cream with chocolate-coated hazelnuts and hazelnut liqueur sauce. King Louis XIV is French vanilla-flavored ice cream with chocolate flakes and Armagnac sauce. Emperor Jing Zong is red bean-flavored ice cream with coconut. King Cyrus of Persia is pistachio-flavored swirled with a sauce made from cinnamon, honey and dates. For more information, visit www.connoisseuricecream.com.au.

	SINGLE-SERVE FROZEN SMOOTHIES AND SHAKES IN UNIQUE PACKAGE (posted September 9, 2014) Part of the Prairie Farms Dairy family, Ice Cream Specialties Inc., introduces North Star Solos. Solos is a line of frozen smoothies and shakes in innovative single-serve packages that take the mess out of distributing, merchandising and consuming frozen dairy treats. The unique cartridge design provides consumers with ready-to-eat, prepackaged and portion-controlled products without having to deal with long lines or service time and messy equipment. There’s no mess because the product stays contained in the cartridge until consumed, even when melted. They are designed to deliver all the benefits of hand-blended smoothies and shakes, without the hassle. Just remove product from freezer 5 to 10 minutes before consuming, or microwave for approximately 15 seconds. The “made from 100% recyclable plastic” packages make this product extra unique. There are two formats. The 4.5-ounce pull-tab cartridge system has a mouthpiece for consuming the product. The protective shrink-wrapped units are designed to allow consumers to simply pull the tab and slurp the contents just like using a straw. The 10-ounce straw cartridge system contains a built-in straw. The consumer twists the red and white striped portion of the protective film and removes it to expose straw. The tamper-proof seal on the straw top is removed to access product. The Solos Frozen Smoothies come in Mango Peach, Mixed Berry (blueberry, raspberry and strawberry) and Strawberry Banana varieties. The product combines fruit purees and juice with low-fat yogurt. The 4.5-ounce units contain 90 calories, 1.5 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein. The 10-ounce units contain 200 calories, 3 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein. The Solos Frozen Shakes come in Chocolate Fudge, Strawberry and Vanilla varieties. The 4.5-ounce units contain 110 calories, 1.5 to 2 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein. The 10-ounce units contain 210 to 250 calories, 3 to 4 grams of fat and 4 to 7 grams of protein. For more information, visit www.sipsolos.com.

	EMERALD NECKLACE PREMIUM ICE CREAM DEBUTS (posted September 3, 2014) Pierre’s Ice Cream Company teams up with Cleveland Metroparks for new ice cream concept. A most majestic setting surrounds Northeast Ohio…a treasure so beautiful and magical, it is called the Emerald Necklace. The Emerald Necklace is Cleveland Metroparks’ breathtaking network of parks, beaches, trails, picnic and fishing areas, golf courses and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Pierre’s Ice Cream Company chose to celebrate and promote the beauty of this regional gem with a unique flavor creation called Emerald Necklace Premium Ice Cream. Pierre’s new Emerald Necklace features mint ice cream, chocolate cream cookies and trails of thick fudge. The new flavor will benefit Cleveland Metroparks Trails Fund. “Cleveland Metroparks is excited to partner with Pierre’s Ice Cream Company on a tasty new project. The collaboration of these two local business resulted in the launching of a delicious new ice cream flavor honoring Cleveland Metroparks,” said Brian Zimmerman, Cleveland Metroparks CEO. “Not only did Pierre’s find a way to capture the essence of Cleveland Metroparks in a new ice cream flavor, they found a flavorful way to support Cleveland Metroparks Trails Fund.” Pierre’s is proud of its Cleveland heritage and is eager to salute all of the great work performed over the past 97 years by Cleveland Metroparks Park Board, employees and volunteers. This flavor will not only help share the story of this natural treasure, but gives Clevelanders the chance to boast about one of their finest attractions. “Pierre’s and Cleveland Metroparks share similar traditions with Northeast Ohioans. Both evoke fond memories, celebrations and fun times with family and friends, and we hope the new Emerald Necklace Ice Cream will encourage more of those special moments,” explains Pierre’s president, Shelley Roth. Pierre’s Emerald Necklace Premium Ice Cream is packaged in red 1.5 quart containers featuring eye-catching graphics. For more information, visit www.pierres.com.

	ASIAN ICE CREAM SNACKS DEBUT IN U.S. (posted August 28, 2014) Ezaki Glico, maker of the Pocky (chocolate-coated pretzel sticks) brand of snack products, is kicking off the school season with the release of their Pattyna brand of ice cream treats. The new ice cream sticks come in Choco/Coffee, Grape, Green Tea and Vanilla flavors. They also come in two shapes: flowers and hearts. “The new Pattyna flavors mirror our popular Pocky flavors,” says Shunsuke Nakai, president of Glico USA. “There’s nothing like a frozen treat when you get home from school during those first few weeks of going back to school. It’ll help keep that carefree feeling of summer alive!” Pattyna will be sold in Asian grocery stores nationwide. Ezaki Glico promises several more new ice cream flavors as well as other frozen snack items in the near future. For more information, visit www.glicousa.com.

	FOUR-COMPONENT ICE CREAM CONCEPT IN ONE CONVENIENT PACKAGE (posted August 21, 2014) Ledo, a leading ice cream producer in Croatia, has rolled out a new clear plastic package for its Quattro line of frozen desserts, which features four varieties side by side. With the new package comes new flavors, including: Banana Split has four ice creams in the flavors of banana, chocolate, vanilla and sponge cake. All four are topped with nougat and chocolate sauce and sprinkled with dark chocolate pieces. Chocomania is four flavors of chocolate ice cream: dark, milk, white and chocorum. The latter is designed to taste like the namesake hot chocolate and rum beverage. They all are drizzled with chocolate sauce and chocolate flakes. Citrus is two ice cream flavors—blueberry and vanilla—paired with two sorbet flavors—lemon and orange—for a refreshing combination. The sorbets are topped with a sweet orange variegate while the ice creams get blueberry variegate. All four are decorated with pieces of orange-flavored chocolate. Dalmicaja has four ice creams in the flavors of almond, crème caramel, lavender and mandarin, which are traditional flavors and aromas of Dalmatia, a Mediterranean region in Croatia. Malina Cake (Raspberry Cake) has four ice creams in the flavors of raspberry, sponge cake, whipped cream and yellow cream. All four are topped with a raspberry variegate and sprinkled with cookie pieces. Pancake is pancake/crêpe-flavored ice cream with three crepe-filling-flavored ice creams: coconut, hazelnut chocolate and whipped cream. All four are topped with a nougat variegate and sprinkles of ground hazelnuts. The pack comes in two sizes, 990 and 1,650 milliliters--and has round corners and a lid that is easy to open and reclose. For more information, visit www.ledo.hr.

	NOURISHING INDULGENCE COMES IN FIVE FLAVORS (posted August 11, 2014) Ice cream got a healthy makeover with new Brio Frozen Dairy Dessert, a nutritious treat rich in 24 vitamins and minerals, and protein. Twin brothers and entrepreneurs Ron and Arnie Koss are introducing Brio after 10 years in development, working closely with leading registered dietitians and renowned ice cream product developers who once led the way for Ben & Jerry’s. The duo previously founded Earth’s Best, the first organic baby food in the United States. “Brio’s mission is to help people of all ages and activity levels live with ‘brio’ in the truest sense of the word--with vigor, energy and vitality,” says Arnie Koss, co-founder of Brio. “It is the ‘have it all’ treat that offers the satisfaction of a creamy, rich indulgence that aligns with a health and wellness-oriented lifestyle.” Brio comes in five flavors: Coffee Latte, Mellow Dark Chocolate, Spring Strawberry, Tropical Mango and Vanilla Caramel. Compared to the leading superpremium ice cream brands, Brio packs a more nutritious punch for an anytime snack or dessert and has approximately 25% fewer calories per 4-ounce serving, half the total fat, 65% less saturated fat, 75% less cholesterol and 10% less sugar. Each 4-ounce serving of Brio is an excellent source of 24 essential vitamins and minerals, including antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and selenium. Brio also offers an excellent source of calcium, magnesium and vitamin D. It is a good source of protein with 6 grams per 4-ounce serving. The company explains that through the use of organic virgin coconut oil and ghee, Brio has a balanced profile of omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, with just 6 to 7 grams of total fat per serving and only 3 grams of saturated fat. Brio contains no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners. A 4-ounce serving contains 160 to 170 calories, depending on variety. Brio is now available exclusively for Chicagoans at specialty retailers and outlets around the city. Brio is available in convenient 4-fluid-ounce single-serve packages ($1.79 to $1.99) and 14-ounce multi-serve containers ($4.99 to $5.99). For more information, visit www.brioicecream.com.

	S’MORES CAN COME FROM THE FREEZER, TOO (posted August 4, 2014) Kemps offers consumers a new way to enjoy the popular layered campfire creation. Available through select Costco club stores, Kemps Layered Creations Ice Cream Sandwiches combine marshmallow-flavored ice cream with a rich chocolate layer sandwiched between graham wafers to make the campfire favorite: s’mores. The frozen ice cream novelty comes in boxes of 36. Each sandwich is 3.5-fluid-ounce and contains 210 calories and 9-grams of fat. The club store pack sells for $6.97. For more information, visit www.kemps.com.

	VEGGIE-FLAVORED ICE CREAM (posted July 30, 2014) Haagen-Dazs shows us that ice cream flavors know no boundaries. This summer, consumers in Japan were introduced to a new concept from Haagen-Dazs: Spoon Vege. This line of vegetable-flavored ice cream debuted with two options: Orange Carrot and Tomato Cherry. According to a translated press release, Tomato Cherry combines the natural sweetness of tomato with the fruity flavor of cherry, which should accentuate the rich taste of the tomato. Orange Carrot takes the gentle flavor of carrot and adds to it the fresh citrus taste and scent of orange, giving the carrot a sophisticated and refreshing twist. According to Japan’s Rocketnews24, the new line contains only 8.5% milkfat, which is slightly higher than half the milkfat content of most traditionally flavored Haagen-Dazs ice creams. For more information, visit www.haagen-dazs.co.jp.

	THE ICONIC MOON PIE IS NOW A FROZEN NOVELTY (posted July 21, 2014) America’s beloved Moon Pie Marshmallow Sandwich makes its debut as a frozen treat. Ice Cream Specialties rolls out North Star Moon Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches in two flavors: banana and chocolate. Licensed under the authority of MD Enterprises Inc., through a licensing agreement with Chattanooga Bakery, manufacturers of the original Moon Pie, the new frozen novelties closely resemble the hand-hand snack cake. The North Star Chocolate Moon Pie Ice Cream Sandwich is made with real marshmallow-flavored ice cream nestled between two graham cracker wafers and topped with rich milk chocolate. The North Star Banana Moon Pie Sandwich is made with real banana-flavored ice cream nestled between two graham cracker wafers and topped with banana-flavored coating. The 4-ounce sandwiches are sold in six-pack cartons. Ice Cream Specialties is the frozen novelty division of Prairie Farms Dairy Inc., one of the largest farmer-owned dairy cooperatives in the Midwest U.S. For more information, visit www.northstarfrozentreats.com.

	FROZEN PROTEIN ICE CREAM BARS (posted July 16, 2014) Booozah LLC introduces two flavors of ice cream bars fortified with protein. Marketed under the StrongBody brand, these creamy, milk-based bars are ideal for snacks, dessert and after a workout or strenuous exertion. The 4-ounce bars are available in vanilla and chocolate flavors, both as grab-and-go singles and 3-pack multipacks. The bars are enrobed in a 72% dark chocolate for added eating pleasure. Milk is the number-one ingredient, providing 25% of the Daily Value for calcium Each bar comes packed with 10 grams of whey protein and 3 grams of L-Glutamine. No sugar is added to ice cream. The bars are sweetened with stevia for a total of 4 grams of sugar (from inherent lactose) per serving. With only 3 grams of fat and 130 calories per bar, StrongBody bars provide all the indulgence of ice cream without the guilt. The suggested retail prices are $2.99 for the singles and $7.99 for the multipacks. For more information, visit www.StrongBodyBars.com.

	MADAGASCAR VANILLA ICE CREAM SANDWICH DEBUTS (posted July 7, 2014) Three Twins Ice Cream ushers in summer with a new rich organic ice cream wafer sandwich. The new frozen novelty features Three Twins’ signature Madagascar Vanilla Ice Cream, sandwiched between two rich chocolate wafers made with black cocoa. Priced at $1.99 to $2.49 per single sandwich and $5.79 to $6.29 per six-pack, Three Twins Madagascar Vanilla Ice Cream Wafer Sandwiches are available throughout the U.S. in select independent corner stores, natural food stores and all Three Twins scoop shops. “Our ultimate goal was to bring a better ice cream sandwich to the market, with a perfect complement of texture and taste to balance our smooth, strong signature Madagascar vanilla,” says Founder Neal Gottlieb. “Our final product features delicious chocolate wafers made with rich black cocoa that hits the mark and then some. The ice cream wafer sandwich is an American classic, and we’re proud to offer an affordable organic alternative that by no means sacrifices flavor.” In line with Three Twins’ sustainability initiatives, the sandwiches are packaged in paper, which is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic packaging. Each purchase also will benefit the company’s Ice Cream for Acres land conservation program, which protects land populated by threatened species. The Madagascar Vanilla Ice Cream Wafer Sandwich is the third ice cream sandwich novelty in Three Twins’ roster. Last year the company debuted a Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Sandwich and Sea Salted Caramel Ice Cream Sandwich, which quickly became fan favorites. Also new for 2014 is the first ever organic Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough flavor, alongside Brownie Batter Chunk and Land of Milk and Honey. Founding Twin, Neal Gottlieb, started Three Twins Ice Cream in 2005. He was the company’s only employee and had no previous ice cream-making experience. Armed with $70,000 of personal savings and a $25,000 loan from The Bank of Mom and Dad, Gottlieb worked 90 hours a week in a remote storefront in San Rafael, Calif. In 2010, Three Twins opened a 4,200-square-foot ice cream factory in Petaluma—the largest dedicated organic ice cream factory in the United States—and rapidly increased distribution from 50 to thousands of locations. Three Twins will open a second ice cream factory in Sheboygan, Wis., later this year to fulfill increasing demand nationwide. Today, Three Twins also operates five scoop shops in and around San Francisco, and the company currently employs approximately 100 people. For more information, visit www.threetwinsicecream.com.

	PROTEIN-RICH LOW-FAT ICE CREAM DEBUTS (posted July 1, 2014) Derinice is a new concept in frozen dairy desserts. Earlier this year, Jambo Production LLC introduced Derinice Protein Rich Low Fat Ice Cream. Just a few weeks ago, the product was named winner of the 2014 World Dairy Innovation Award for Best Dairy Dessert. Available in four flavors—Chi Energy Coffee, Dragon Green Tea, Midnight Chocolate Bliss, Strawberry Chill and Vanilla Bean—Derinice is a unique combination of butter, milk protein concentrate, maltitol, erythritol, agave inulin and other natural ingredients. The product contains no added sugar, no artificial ingredients and no gluten, plus it is enhanced with vitamins. A half-cup serving contains 90 to 100 calories (depending on variety), 2.5 grams of fat, 3 grams of fiber and 10 grams of protein. For more information, visit www.derinice.com.

	BETTER-FOR-YOU FROZEN DESSERTS MADE USING LOW-FAT MILK (posted June 24, 2014) Dean Foods extends its popular TruMoo milk brand to the freezer. Based on the feedback from TruMoo consumers, the company decided to extend the brand into the ice cream and frozen novelties category. It was a natural transition to transform the company’s already nutritious and delicious TruMoo milk into better-for-you ice cream and frozen treats. TruMoo ice cream and frozen treats are made with TruMoo milk and contain no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial growth hormones, and no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, according to the company. A serving of any new TruMoo ice cream or frozen treat contains only 150 calories or less per serving. There are eight products and they are currently being test marketed in five markets. The markets are: Omaha, NE, Salt Lake City, UT, Grand Rapids, MI, Pittsburgh, PA and Knoxville, TN. There are eight products: They are: Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches (6-pack) Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches (6-pack) S’mores Bars (6-pack; Frozen Chocolate Milk Core, Marshmallow Ice Cream, Chocolate Shell & Graham Pieces ) Chocolate Vanilla Swirl Cups (10-pack) Chocolate Milk Bars (6-pack) Vanilla Cowza! (48 oz; vanilla ice cream with TruMoo chocolate cows) Chocolate Cowza! (48 oz; chocolate ice cream with TruMoo chocolate cows) Chocolate Milk Scoops (48 oz; scoopable frozen chocolate milk)

	SUNDAES FOR SHARING (posted June 16, 2014) Chapman’s Ice Cream adds four new flavors to its Sundae line, bringing the line to a total of 10 varieties. The multi-serving sundaes come in see-through 1-liter plastic containers so that consumers can view the ice cream or frozen yogurt swirled and layered with sauces and toppings, much like a hand-scooped sundae. The four new flavors are: Blueberry Cheesecake Yogurt: cheesecake frozen yogurt with blueberry sauce and cheesecake pieces Cherry, Queen of Hearts Yogurt: black cherry frozen yogurt with cherry sauce and chocolate and cherry flavored hearts Cup Cake: white cake ice cream with pink icing and confetti candy Salty Dawg: pretzel ice cream with a salty caramel sauce and chocolatey covered pretzel pieces A half-cup serving contains 130 to 160 calories and 3 to 7 grams of fat, depending on variety. The sundaes are described as being made with 100% Canadian milk. For more information, visit www.chapmans.ca.

	PREMIUM, INDIVIDUAL ICE CREAM DESSERTS (posted June 11, 2014) Rich Products introduced an array of multi-packs of individual frozen dessert concepts at the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) meeting in Denver in early June. The concepts include Jon Donaire Ice Cream Cupcakes, Ice Cream Tarts and Ice Cream Truffles. In late 2013, the company had introduced Frozen Yogurt Cupcakes in three varieties: Chocolate Cake, Mixed Berry Cupcake and Strawberry Granola Cake. The new offerings now use ice cream and include: Confetti (confetti cake filled with cake batter-flavored ice cream and cake batter-flavored whipped topping) Red Velvet (red velvet cake filled with cream cheese-flavored ice cream and cream cheese-flavored whipped topping) Yellow (yellow cake filled with creamy vanilla-flavored ice cream and whipped topping) The 2.3-ounce cupcakes are sold frozen in a six-pack clamshell. The 4.25-ounce Chocolate Ice Cream Truffles come in packs of four. They are described as a thick layer of decadent chocolate ice cream surrounded by a European cream-flavored ice cream then coated in a fine Dutch cocoa. There’s also 3.4-ounce Ice Cream Tarts that come in four packs. The Lemon variety is described as zesty lemon Italian-style ice cream placed on a vanilla cookie base with a tangy lemon-flavored center covered in a white confectionery coating. The Chocolate Caramel variety is described as creamy chocolate ice cream topped with caramel sauce and crisped rice, placed on a chocolate cookie base and covered with a rich milk chocolate-flavored coating. For more information, visit www.richsisb.com.

	FROZEN CHOCOLATE INDULGENCE REACHES NEW HEIGHTS (posted May 28, 2014) Magnum Ice Cream, Unilever’s superpremium ice cream brand known around the world for chocolate pleasure, announces the U.S. arrival of Magnum Infinity ice cream bars--the brand’s most decadent chocolate indulgence yet. “Since Magnum Ice Cream stepped on the U.S. scene in 2011, we’ve brought our chocolate expertise to ice cream lovers across the country through a variety of flavors and sizes,” says Nick Soukas, director of ice cream at Unilever. “And, now we’re excited to deliver our most indulgent chocolate experience yet with the addition of our new Magnum Infinity ice cream bar.” The new bars come in two varieties: Magnum Chocolate Infinity bars feature dark chocolate ice cream with a rich chocolate swirl, dipped in dark chocolate and cocoa bean nibs. Magnum Chocolate Infinity & Raspberry bars feature dark chocolate ice cream with a raspberry swirl, dipped in dark chocolate and cocoa bean nibs. Each 82-gram bar contains 260 calories, and depending on variety, 17 to 18 grams of fat and 18 to 22 grams of sugar. The new bars are available in three-count multipacks at grocery stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $3.99. For more information, visit www.magnumicecream.com.

	PEEL-A-POP FROZEN TREATS (posted May 20, 2014) Nestle USA introduces Wonka Peel-a-Pop frozen treats. The dessert pops look like and peel like bananas, but in true Wonka form, the peels are deliciously edible. Now available in freezer aisles throughout the U.S., the dessert pops are available in two scrummdiddlyumptious flavors: Vanilla Banana and Vanilla Grape. Timed with the 50th anniversary of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the release of these whipple-scrumptious dessert pops continues Mr. Willy Wonka’s grand legacy. With a never-ending stockpile of normalness in the world, the newest Wonka frozen creation will bring a much-needed dose of playfulness to dessert time, or anytime. Like two desserts in one, Peel-a-Pop frozen treats are as fun to peel as they are to eat. Whether enjoyed peel-first or all at once, there’s no wrong way to enjoy the imaginative dessert. To celebrate the launch of Peel-a-Pop frozen treats, the Wonka brand transported its whimsical inspiration to the heart of New York City with a Winter Wonka-land pop-up. At the three-day event, dessert dreamers got a playful glimpse into the mind of Willy Wonka as they enjoyed complimentary Peel-a-Pop frozen treats in a frozen funderland complete with Oompa Loompas. The treats come eight to carton and have a suggested retail price of $4.29. For more information, visit www.wonkaicecream.com.

	FROZEN YOGURT IN EDIBLE PACKAGING (posted May 12, 2014) Stonyfield’s new frozen concept resembles a snowball served in an edible cup. The New Hampshire-based yogurt maker collaborated with WikiFoods Inc., a company determined to develop edible food and beverage packaging solutions. According to Stonyfield, the Frozen Yogurt Pearls’ natural skins are crafted with organic fruit. The ingredients in the skin interact with each other in a way that creates a solid outer layer that’s less permeable to air than something like a simple chocolate layer. This allows them to be washed, carried and handled without being damaged all while keeping the frozen yogurt safe inside. These certified organic bites of dessert are the next step toward what Stonyfield’s co-founder and chairman Gary Hirshberg calls the “edible cup.” “We’ve long dreamed of the day that after you eat the yogurt, you eat the cup too. Stonyfield Frozen Yogurt Pearls are the next step in our evolution. No spoon needed, just a delicious bite of beautifully crafted organic frozen yogurt served without any container. Re-imagine all the ways you can eat your favorite organic dessert--in the car, on the beach, with the kids at the park--no spoon, no waste, no limits,” says Hirshberg. Stonyfield Frozen Yogurt Pearls are so groundbreaking, the company says, that retail spaces are not yet equipped to sell them completely package free. So, they will initially be sold in small, biodegradable cellulose bags located in the freezer section. In the future they will be sold over the counter where they can be placed directly in shoppers’ bags, egg cartons or in any container people bring in, for a plastic-free, waste-free treat. Initial distribution is through select Whole Foods Markets in the Boston area. Pearls come in such flavors as Banana & Chocolate, Banana & Vanilla, Coconut & Chocolate, Peach & Vanilla, Strawberry & Chocolate and Strawberry & Vanilla. Want to learn more and hear Gary talk about how Pearls came to be? Link HERE.

	BASKIN-ROBBINS INTRODUCES ITS FIRST FROZEN GREEK YOGURT (posted May 6, 2014) Summer is right around the corner and Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, is rolling out its first-ever Greek frozen yogurt, Super Yumberry Greek Frozen Yogurt. As the latest addition to Baskin-Robbins’ BRight Choices lineup, Super Yumberry Greek Frozen Yogurt is a refreshing blend of yumberry-flavored Greek frozen yogurt swirled with a super-fruit triple berry ribbon. The flavor has 130 calories per 2.5-ounce scoop and includes beneficial live and active cultures. Baskin-Robbins is also offering guests a trio of Super Yumberry Greek Frozen Yogurt Smoothies in exotic flavors such as Mango Yumberry, Strawberry Yumberry and Tropical Yumberry. Baskin-Robbins’ current lineup of BRight Choices flavors includes: Fat Free Vanilla Frozen Yogurt, Premium Churned Reduced-Fat No Sugar Added Caramel Turtle Truffle, Premium Churned Reduced-Fat No Sugar Added Pineapple Coconut and a longtime favorite among the calorie-conscious: Daiquiri Ice. “We’re excited to introduce our first-ever Greek frozen yogurt flavor to give our guests yet another better-for-you option to enjoy as we head into the summer season,” says Jeff Miller, executive chef and vice president of culinary innovation at Dunkin’ Brands. “At Baskin-Robbins, we’re committed to offering our guests a wide variety of frozen treat options to fit their individual lifestyle needs, and our Super Yumberry Greek Frozen Yogurt is a delicious, better-for-you addition to our flavor lineup.” For more information, visit www.BaskinRobbins.com.

	BRING THE TASTE OF MACKINAC ISLAND HOME (posted April 29, 2014) Hudsonville rolls out new summer limited-edition ice cream flavor. Inspired by the famous dessert of Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MI, Hudsonville Ice Cream welcomes warmer weather with Grand Hotel Pecan Ball ice cream. The new flavor combines Grand Hotel fudge swirls and premium pecans into Hudsonville Ice Cream’s original vanilla ice cream. The new flavor will be available in grocery stores that carry Hudsonville Ice Cream just in time for the hotel’s summer opening. “My family and I are extremely honored that Hudsonville Ice Cream would develop and create a Grand Hotel Pecan Ball flavored ice cream in honor of our famous dessert,” says R.D. (Dan) Musser III, president of Grand Hotel. “It has been our privilege to work with another family-owned Michigan business in creating and opening our Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor. For years we have thought about a way to bring the Grand Pecan Ball to guests even when they are not on Mackinac Island. Thanks to Hudsonville’s creative and meticulous team, we are very proud that this new ice cream flavor will allow people to enjoy a taste of Grand Hotel in their homes.” Hudsonville Ice Cream partnered with Grand Hotel in 2013 for the grand opening of Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor, and is the exclusive ice cream sold at Grand Hotel, as well as its dining rooms and five restaurants located on Mackinac Island. “We are extremely excited to continue our partnership with Grand Hotel. Their team has been amazing to work with, and the partnership fits so naturally: summer, family and relaxation,” says Caryn Beatty from Hudsonville Ice Cream. “A visit to Grand Hotel is an incredible experience and we are so excited to bring a scoop of that experience into families’ homes. This is an ice cream flavor that can only be matched by your own visit to Grand Hotel and Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor.” Hudsonville Ice Cream has been made in Holland, MI, for more than 80 years and is a family favorite throughout the Midwest. For more information, visit www.hudsonvilleicecream.com.

	SINGLE-SERVE, SOFT-SERVE ICE CREAM FOR THE HOME FREEZER (posted April 22, 2104) Home-delivery leader Schwan’s uses pouch packaging to create a new concept in ice cream. New Schwan’s Soft-Serve Reduced-Fat Ice Cream makes it possible for consumers to enjoy soft-serve ice cream without leaving the house. The 8-ounce pouches are sold in boxes of six for $13.98. Delivered frozen and stored frozen, the pouch should be slightly tempered before consumed. Because the pouch is shaped like an ice cream cone, the soft-serve can be consumed directly from the pouch. Just hold, squeeze and enjoy. The other option is to dispense the ice cream into a cup a cone. The specially engineered fitment allows the consumer to have the soft-serve swirl experience. The new product comes in chocolate and vanilla flavors, with a single pouch containing 140 and 130 calories, respectively. For more information, visit www.schwans.com.

	ALL-NATURAL ICE CREAM, THE WAY GRANDPA MADE IT (posted April 14, 2014) Velvet Ice Cream releases four new all-natural flavors in honor of its 100th Anniversary that takes place May 1. The Utica, Ohio-based ice cream manufacturer just released Original Vanilla, Salted Chocolate Fudge, Vanilla Chocolate Duo and Bourbon Pecan this week. Family-owned Velvet is returning to the way founder Joseph Dager first made ice cream back in 1914. For its All-Natural recipe, Velvet starts with farm-fresh local cream, adds pure cane sugar and the finest flavorings and ingredients, such as pure vanilla in the Original Vanilla flavor; flaky sea salt and sustainably grown Callebaut Belgian chocolate for Salted Chocolate Fudge; real bourbon and slow, butter-roasted Southern pecans for its new Bourbon Pecan; and pure vanilla and Callebaut Belgian chocolate in the Vanilla Chocolate Duo. “We make our ice cream in small batches, using the highest quality ingredients, skipping artificial ingredients you can’t pronounce,” says Velvet President Luconda Dager, the fourth generation of the Dager family to operate Velvet Ice Cream. “We’re staying true to the simple-but-tested family recipes that have made Velvet a favorite for millions of customers over 100 years.” Velvet produces and distributes more than five million gallons of ice cream every year from its headquarters on the grounds of Ye Olde Mill. Ye Olde Mill also houses an ice cream and milling museum, a restaurant, playground, picnic area and catch-and-release fish pond. Named by Frommer’s as one of America’s 10 Best Ice Cream Factory Tours, Velvet’s Ye Olde Mill welcomes 150,000 visitors each year for tours, tastings and events. The summer-long celebration of Velvet’s 100th Anniversary includes the launch of a Velvet Ice Cream cookbook featuring recipes, history, fascinating facts and more. Velvet will officially commemorate its 100th birthday with a celebration on Sunday, May 26, during the annual Utica Ice Cream Festival (May 24 to 26). For more information visit www.VelvetIceCream.com.

	A CORE COMEBACK IN THE FROZEN CATEGORY (posted April 9, 2014) Ben & Jerry’s brings back a concept that debuted 12 years ago. The Core ice cream line is being reported as a brand new concept making its way into U.S. freezers this month. However, this product line was initially introduced to the U.S. market in 2002. It went to Ben & Jerry’s graveyard a year later. During the past two years, the Core line was introduced to select European countries and is now making its return to the States. The concept includes a core center down the middle of each pint of ice cream. The flavor is said to complement the super-premium ice cream flavors on either side of the core. The four varieties are: Hazed & Confused--chocolate and hazelnut ice creams with fudge chips and a hazelnut fudge core Peanut Butter Fudge—chocolate and peanut butter ice creams with mini peanut butter cups and a peanut butter fudge core Salted Caramel—sweet cream ice cream with blonde brownies and a salted caramel core That’s My Jam--chocolate and raspberry ice creams with fudge chips and a thick raspberry jam core It’s been reported that the cores are pumped into the pint container with a sausage-filling machine. A pint has a suggested retail price of $4.39. For more information, visit www.benjerry.com.

	Read about this product in the Powerful Proteins Come from Milk blog posted April 3, 2014. Link HERE.

	Read about this product in the Powerful Proteins Come from Milk blog posted April 3, 2014. Link HERE.

	HAND-PACKED ICE CREAM PINTS FROM COOLHAUS (posted April 1, 2014) The California-based company is known for its architecturally inspired gourmet desserts. The original COOLHAUS retail product is a line of ice cream sandwiches that were featured as a Daily Dose of Dairy on March 19, 2013. Read about them HERE. The company’s most famous ice cream flavors—as scooped and served from its trucks, kiosks and store fronts--are now available in retail hand-packed pints. The varieties are: Balsamic Fig & Mascarpone, Bananas Foster, Chocolate Molten Cake, Dirty Mint Chip and Salted Caramel. A half-cup serving contains 170 to 190 calories and 8 to 10 grams of fat, depending on variety. The product line made its debut in February 2014 on the West Coast and distribution is quickly expanding across the country. The suggested retail price is $5.99 to $6.49. For more information, visit www.eatcoolhaus.com.

	PIE POPS…A NEW TWIST ON AMERICAN CLASSICS (posted March 24, 2014) Smooth and creamy frozen dairy dessert is on the inside; sweet and crunchy is on the outside. Chatsworth, CA-based We The Pie People LLC, is less than one year old and is already creating excitement in retail freezers. The company’s JC’s Pie Pops, named after Founder and President Jennifer Constantine, who created the frozen dairy pie-on-stick concept by accident in her home kitchen, now includes eight flavors. They are: Banana Cream, Caramel Apple Crumble, Caramel Turtle, Chocolate Silk, Key Lime, Mint Chocolate Cookie, Strawberry Cream and Vanilla Cream. The company is already shipping to more than 1,000 stores in the natural channel in the western half of the U.S., and is expanding to the East Coast for summer-time fun. The 4.3-ounce decadent pops range in calorie content from 290 to 340. They are sold in boxes of two for a suggested retail price of $4.99. For more information, visit www.piepops.com

	90-CALORIE FROZEN GREEK YOGURT BARS (posted March 18, 2014) Luvo, a new company in the premium frozen foods sector, includes frozen yogurt in its culinary lineup. The namesake brand sports the tagline “Be good to you.” The company believes that if you change how you eat, you can change how you feel. And that’s a good thing! The Atlanta-based company made its official national debut at Natural Products Expo West with plans to reinvigorate the frozen category. All products are free of artificial ingredients and trans-fatty acids. They claim to be lower in sodium than their traditional counterparts, while still big on flavor. The three frozen Greek yogurt varieties are: Blueberry, Fudge and Strawberry. Each bar contains 1 gram of fat, 1 gram of fiber and 5 grams of protein. Milk protein concentrate and whey protein concentrate contribute to the boost of protein. The bars also boast the inclusion of live and active yogurt and probiotic cultures, six in total. The 3-ounce bars are sold in four packs for a suggested retail price of $4.99. Link HERE for a comprehensive overview of the company entitled “Luvo: A small company with big plans,” as published by Food Business News. For more information, visit www.luvoinc.com

	NEW GELATO FLAVORS REINVENT CLASSIC AMERICAN DESSERTS (posted March 12, 2014) Talenti introduced three new gelato flavors at Natural Products Expo West. The new flavors reinvent classic American desserts. Caramel Apple Pie is made with real cinnamon sticks, pieces of Red Delicious apples, sweet flakey piecrust and a caramel swirl for a unique yet familiar flavor experience. Fudge Brownie combines Talenti’s extra dark chocolate gelato with chewy chunks of baked brownie and a swirl of rich dark fudge for a decadent treat that’s sure to delight chocoholics and brownie fans. Raspberries & Cream blends Talenti’s sweet cream gelato with pieces of fresh raspberries and a tart raspberry and balsamic ripple for a sophisticated twist on a favorite flavor combination. “We know our fans love the comforting flavors of classic American desserts, so we wanted to give them a new way to enjoy their favorite classics with a special Talenti twist,” says Josh Hochschuler, founder of Talenti. “With the introduction of these new gelato flavors, we continue to uphold our commitment to making the best-quality and best-tasting gelatos in the freezer aisle.” With about 30% less fat than regular ice cream, gelato is a better-for-you option. The suggested retail price for a pint is $4.99 to $5.99. For more information, visit www.talentigelato.com.

	NO-ADDED-SUGAR ICE CREAM (posted March 3, 2014) Belgian company introduces stevia-sweetened ice cream. New “Ice Crime” comes in four flavors: Chocolate, Mocha, Strawberry and Vanilla. The product is said to contain 30% to 40% fewer calories than regular ice cream. Package sizes are 1-liter tubs and 120-milliliter single-serve containers. Packages carry the tagline: “wow, they killed the sugar.” The product line debuted in 2013 in Belgium and Norway, and will soon appear in retail freezers in Finland and Hong Kong, followed by other European and Asian markets. The company also markets an “adults only” frozen dessert—Filliers--that contain 3.25% alcohol by volume. Filliers is a famous Belgian liquor producer. Varieties are Chocolate and Vanilla. For more information, visit www.just-ice.be.

	MONK FRUIT-SWEETENED ICE CREAM (posted February 24, 2014) Graeter’s is launching its first significant new product expansion in the ice cream manufacturer’s 144-year history with the introduction of Gelato and A Little Less Indulgent ice cream. “Graeter’s has focused solely on hand-crafting our superpremium ice cream for four generations and we’ll certainly continue to serve to our tried and true fans, but we’re excited to open the door to new customers and experiences with our gelato and reduced-sugar lines,” says Richard Graeter, CEO of the 4th generation, family-owned company. “A Little Less Indulgent and our gelato will still be made by hand, two gallons at a time through our French pot process, but they’ll have a few differences that make them unique.” According to Graeter’s, the “A Little Less Indulgent” line stands apart from other reduced-sugar ice cream varieties thanks to the sweetness provided by a natural sugar substitute made from monk fruit extract. The sweetener is 150 times sweeter than regular sugar and releases slowly into the body, so blood sugar will not spike. The new line has 50% less sugar and also has roughly 25% less fat and 25% fewer calories than Graeter’s regular ice cream, making it just a little less indulgent while retaining all the flavor of Graeter’s traditional ice cream, according to the company. “Everyone deserves dessert, and while our original Graeter’s ice cream may be a bigger splurge than some want to make on a daily basis, we felt that the reduced-sugar frozen dessert options currently available just do not suffice for our customers,” says Graeter. “Graeter’s ‘A Little Less Indulgent’ line has all of the flavor of original Graeter’s, but with a less sugar and fat. It’s not diet or any more nutritious than a typical bowl of ice cream. It’s just truly ‘A Little Less Indulgent’ for those who need to watch their sugar consumption.” Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Chip and Mint Chocolate Chip are the first three flavors to roll out in the new line. Also new is the gelato line, which the company describes as being the most authentic gelato available in the United States, resembling that found in Italy. The secret to its authenticity is Graeter’s French pot process, which uses the same old-world freezing process used by Italian gelato machines. The method prevents air from being whipped into the product and also restricts the producer to make it in small batches. Gelato traditionally has significantly less air than typical American ice creams and only half the butterfat content of superpremium ice creams. Graeter’s gelato flavors are: Caramel Truffle, Hazelnut Truffle, Vanilla with Milk Chocolate Truffles and Vanilla with Dark Chocolate Truffle. For more information, visit www.graeters.com.

	SINGLE-ORIGIN CHOCOLATE AND VANILLA ICE CREAM (posted February 17, 2014) Choctál Inc., Pasadena, California, began operations in 2006 and established itself as a prominent player among gourmet ice cream brands nationwide. The brand went on hiatus in 2010 until being acquired in 2012 by current CEO Michael Leb and is now being reinvigorated in order to better tell its story. That story is being a line of indulgent, ultra-premium ice creams made with the world’s finest single-origin, sustainably sourced vanilla and chocolate ingredients. The brand’s official relaunch was at the Fancy Food Show in San Francisco in January 2014. Choctál ice cream products are made using chocolates and vanillas grown around the world, allowing consumers to experience unique and distinct flavor profiles. Much like how estate-grown wines vary greatly depending on the characteristics of the different climates and soils that they grow in, the same is true of chocolates and vanillas grown in different countries. Each of the eight flavors made by Choctál is unique in both color and taste. The four chocolate varieties are: Costa Rican Chocolate: Lively, well-balanced coffee and caramel flavors; a hint of butterscotch adds a subtle back note. Dominican Chocolate: Aromatic, dark chocolate; hints of mocha, nutmeg and cloves balance out its long finish. Ghana Chocolate: Rich and full-bodied hints of tropical fruit and the sweet essence of fudge. Kalimantan Chocolate: Dark and intense; finished with the slightest touch of caramel. The four vanilla varieties are: Indonesian Vanilla: Classic bourbon vanilla; luscious woody floral notes enhance its creamy sweetness. Madagascar Vanilla: Pure bourbon vanilla and flakes of vanilla beans; utterly seductive rich, complex and classic flavor. Mexican Vanilla: Complex, rich vanilla; wisps of cinnamon unlock hidden coconut flavor. Papua New Guinea Vanilla: A fruity vanilla; floral notes of cherry that linger during a long, lush finish. The products come in pints and 4-fluid-ounce single-serve containers. A half-cup serving contains 230 to 300 calories and 16 to 19 grams of fat, depending on variety. All the formulations are gluten free and egg free without any artificial additives, according to the company. For more information, visit www.choctal.com.

	GREEK FROZEN YOGURT NOVELTIES IN NEW INDULGENT FLAVORS (posted February 10, 2014) Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt, the pioneers of frozen Greek yogurt, adds five new flavors to its line of bar novelties. The flavors are: Chocolate Fudge, Dark Chocolate Raspberry, Mint Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Cup and Sea Salt Caramel. The new bars join Yasso’s six existing flavors to create a robust line of 11 frozen Greek yogurt bars available at more than 14,000 grocery stores nationwide. “We listen closely to our fans. They don’t want to sacrifice flavor, but they still aim to maintain a healthy lifestyle every day,” says Yasso Co-Founder Drew Harrington. “This led us to five new traditional ice cream flavors that are made the Yasso way with only natural ingredients and real Greek yogurt.” Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt bars are offered in 3 and 3.5-fluid-ounces and are offered in packs of four and in larger packs at select club stores. For more information, visit www.yasso.com.

	THERE’S A NEW PLAYER IN THE U.S. SUPER-PREMIUM ICE CREAM NOVELTY CATEGORY (posted February 4, 2014) Pacific Northwest Tillamook County Creamery Association debuted Tillabars at the Winter Fancy Food Show. The 3-ounce bars come in four varieties: Lemonilla: vanilla ice cream envelops a tart lemon sorbet center all dipped in white chocolate Mooocha Latte: creamy coffee ice cream with a chocolate center all dipped in rich, dark chocolate Old-Fashioned Vanilla: vanilla ice cream dipped in milk chocolate Salted Caramel Swirl: vanilla-caramel ice cream mixed with salty caramel swirls all dipped in milk chocolate Tillabars contain no artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup. A single bar contains 230 to 250 calories and 14 to 17 grams of fat, depending on variety. The suggested retail price for a box of three bars is $4.99. For more information, visit www.tillamook.com.

	CUPCAKE ICE CREAM (posted January 27, 2014) Perry’s Ice Cream introduces Otto’s Cupcake ice cream, a flavor inspired by Syracuse University’s team mascot. This flavor was originally launched in fall 2013 and was available only at the Syracuse University Dome and at the few ice cream stands that are open during the winter months. Now it is in select regional supermarkets. The flavor named after the S.U. team mascot, Otto, was developed by Eilish Mitchell ‘12, a Syracuse University graduate who works for Perry’s Ice Cream in the quality assurance and research & development department. Avid supporter of the Orange, Eilish was thrilled when she heard that there was a need to develop a flavor for S.U. Athletics. “I knew that the flavor would have to have orange in it, but orange ice cream isn’t really a popular flavor,” she says. After many tries, she struck gold: chocolate cupcakes with orange frosting. This chocolate cupcake ice cream with orange-colored frosting swirls and chocolate cupcake pieces not only delights all the senses, but it is also proof of the Perry family’s long-standing commitment to supporting college sports and the communities it serves. For more on information, visit www.perrysicecream.com.

	ICONIC ICE CREAM BRAND RETURNS EARLIER THAN ANTICIPATED (posted January 22, 2014) Following a 28-year hiatus, Pennsylvania’s Yuengling’s Ice Cream began production in mid-January 2014. Although production was originally slated to start in March, the family-owned company bumped up its schedule following consumer demand that the iconic brand hit shelves sooner. “It’s a very exciting time for us,” says David Yuengling, president. “We originally expected production to begin in March, but when we announced in September that we were bringing back Yuengling’s Ice Cream, the response was so enthusiastic that we pushed up production.” Leiby’s Dairy in Tamaqua, PA, is producing the ice cream. The initial run consisted of 100,000 quarts in 10 flavors. The flavors are: Black and Tan (chocolate and caramel ice cream), Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Chocolate Marshmallow, Espresso Chocolate Chip, Mint Chocolate Chip, Root Beer Float, Vanilla and Vanilla Fudge Chunk with Pretzels. The Yuengling family commitment to brand quality means that the ice cream is made using only all-natural ingredients. The milk and cream are locally sourced in Pennsylvania. The ice cream is expected to be available in grocery stores by mid-February. It initially will be sold at Acme, Weis and select independent grocery stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia. A searchable store locator will be available on its website later this month. The quarts have a suggested retail price of $5.49 to $5.99. For more information, visit www.yuenglingsicecream.com.

	GREEK DESSERT FLAVORS IN FROZEN YOGURT (posted January 15, 2014) Turkey Hill Dairy is going Greek in 2014 with the rollout of four limited-edition flavors of Greek Frozen Yogurt. Baklava will be offered January through March, and contains vanilla Greek frozen yogurt with crunchy baklava pieces and a honey cinnamon swirl. Lemoni Biskoti will be offered April through June, and includes lemon cream Greek frozen yogurt with a lemon shortbread swirl. Raspberry Chokolata will be offered July through September, and contains raspberry Greek frozen yogurt with melt-in-your-mouth chocolaty slivers. Sea Salt Caramel Truffle will be offered October through December, and boasts caramel Greek frozen yogurt with sea salted caramel truffles. “At Turkey Hill, our products are inspired by simple, wholesome and delicious flavors, as well as by listening to what our consumers want,” says John Cox, president. “We offered our Baklava Greek Frozen Yogurt for a limited time last year as our first-ever Greek frozen yogurt, and it was extremely popular. We wanted to expand our flavors and provide our consumers these unique and delicious Greek frozen yogurt flavors.” A half-cup serving of any Turkey Hill Limited Edition Greek Frozen Yogurt contains 130 to 160 calories and 2.5 to 6 grams of fat. A serving also contains 5 grams of protein, which is 67% more protein than Turkey Hill’s regular frozen yogurt. For more information, visit www.turkeyhill.com.

	DRUMSTICK CELEBRATES SUMMERTIME IN AUSTRALIA (posted January 6, 2014) To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Peters Ice Cream’s iconic Australian ice cream cone brand, Drumstick, the company is introducing three new flavors. The new premium Drumstick flavors are Banana Lounge (banana and honey), Cherry Sunset (chocolate cherry with coconut) and Toffee Tanlines (toffee with biscuit crumbs). “Drumstick is Australia’s original ice cream cone and has been synonymous with Australian summer for five decades,” says Emma Jane Collins, head of marketing. “Celebrating Drumstick’s 50th anniversary is an exciting milestone for us, and it’s great to see 50 years on, it’s still a favorite for Aussies young and old.” Peters Ice Cream has been owned by Pacific Equity Partners (PEP), a leading Australasian private-equity firm since June 2012, when it was acquired from Nestlé Australia Ltd. PEP acquired numerous brands during the sale, as well as a long-term license to market and sell in Australia certain global Nestlé ice cream brands, including Drumstick and Skinny Cow. Drumstick was first launched in Australia in 1963 and remains a popular choice for Australians. According to Nielsen data, the Drumstick brand held 15.2% value share and 13.2% volume share of the AUD $486.5 million multi-pack ice cream segment in 2012. The Drumstick Summer Celebrations range is available in supermarkets and convenience stores across Australia for a suggested retail price of AUD $3.60 each or AUD $7.49 for a four-pack. For more information, visit www.peters.com.au/brands/drumstick.

	DESSERT-INSPIRED HOLIDAY GELATO (posted December 30, 2013) Ciao Bella offers its first-ever collection of limited-edition seasonal gelato and sorbetto flavors this holiday season. Three new frozen desserts stem from the creative inspiration of Italian Executive Chef Danilo Zecchin and the spirit of celebration. They are: Cranberry Prosecco Sorbet: tart cranberry with crisp Prosecco Montebianco Gelato: silky chestnut cream with rich dark chocolate Pumpkin Sea Salt Caramel Gelato: cinnamon-spiced pumpkin with sweet and salty caramel “Here at Ciao Bella we love food and really enjoy sharing it with family and friends during the holidays,” says Carlos Canals, CEO of Ciao Bella. “Chef Danilo was inspired by both Italian and American Holiday traditions when he created these three incredible flavors for the 2013 season.” Ciao Bella’s Seasonal Batch flavors are available in Whole Foods Market locations nationwide for the 2013 holiday season. The 14-ounce containers sell for about $5.69. For more information, visit www.ciaobellagelato.com.

	A FROZEN CANDY CANE LANE (posted December 24, 2013) Baskin-Robbins keeps up its tradition of creating ice cream cakes for holiday dessert menus. Christmas has arrived and Baskin-Robbins is once again offering consumers festive ice cream cakes. The holly jolly Snowman Cake is a friendly dessert with a whimsical smile. The cake serves 6 to 8 people and has a suggested retail price of $26.99. The Candy Lane Cottage ice cream cake features a holiday house decorated with M&M’s and mini candy canes and has a suggested retail price of $29.99. Guests can also customize each cake with a favorite ice cream flavor, including December’s Flavor of the Month, Peppermint Bark in the Dark, a new flavor combining crunchy peppermint bark and creamy chocolate ice cream wrapped together with a peppermint candy and white-chocolate flavored ribbon, to feature in the ice cream cake. These cakes are a fun, unique addition to the holiday table and a “cool” house-warming or host gift as well. For more information, visit www.baskinrobbins.com.

	MAIL ORDER CRAFT ICE CREAM GROWS WITH BIG-KID FLAVORS (posted December 18, 2013) High Road Craft Ice Cream adds more chef-inspired flavors to its product lineup. It’s a fascinating road that led Chef Keith Schroeder to create High Road Craft Ice Cream (about which Alton Brown of Iron Chef America and Good Eats fame praised “this is the best ice cream made in America right now”). The company offers more than 90 chef-inspired flavors, including unique ice cream innovations such as Bourbon Burnt Sugar, Fig & Balsamic, Gen Mai Cha (Green Tea & Roasted Rice), Hibiscus Ginger and Pistachio Honey Ricotta, as well as elevated classics like their hugely popular Vanilla Fleur de Sel and Chocolat Noir. The four new flavors that debuted for fall 2013 are: Honey Black Pepper Praline Chocolate Tart Pumpkin Bread Pudding Smoked Sugar Most recently, the company introduced the online-exclusive Big Kid Collection, which includes: Bake Sale (vanilla ice cream, chocolate chip cookies and pecan brownies) The Jokester (malt ice cream, milk chocolate chunks, handmade nougat, caramel and salted peanuts) Mr. Butterpants (milk chocolate ice cream, dark chocolate chunk and peanut butter ganache) Six pints (two of each flavor) sell for $99, and a dozen (four of each flavor) for $175. This includes shipping for delivery within the continental U.S. Originally a foodservice-only product, High Road products are now available through a growing number of Whole Foods stores along the East Coast, the South, Texas and California, as well as online. “Just as chefs don’t make core menu ingredients like cheese, wine, spirits or chocolate from scratch, they’re seeing the value of getting exceptional ice cream from craft producers,” says Schroeder. For more information, visit www.highroadcraft.com.

	NEW HIGH-PROTEIN, HIGH-FIBER FROZEN DAIRY DESSERT (posted December 11, 2013) Healthy Ninja Strazzleberry is targeted to athletes, children, and health and fitness fans. Developed in collaboration with chefs from the famous Berkeley, CA-based restaurant Chez Panisse, Healthy Ninja is described as a high-performance gourmet frozen dairy dessert by its namesake marketers. The first variety to debut—Strazzleberry—combines strawberries and raspberries with cane sugar, dried milk powder, dried bean flour, lemon juice, almond paste, chia seeds, ascorbic acid, guar gum, milk and tree nuts. Healthy Ninja combines the power of beans for protein and fiber with chia seed, which absorbs nine times its weight in water making one feel fuller longer to assist in weight management. The soluble fiber found in the beans may help lower total blood cholesterol levels by lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol levels. A 2/3-cup (170 grams) serving contains 180 calories, 2 grams of fat, 7 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. The product made its debut at select natural foods retailers in California, with plans to expand nationally. A pint has a suggested retail price of $7.99. For more information, visit www.healthyninja.net.

	PRIVATE-LABEL PURPLE COW CREAMERY PACKAGED ICE CREAM HITS FREEZERS JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS (posted December 2, 2013) Supercenter retail giant Meijer debuts private-label ice cream under the company’s infamous Purple Cow insignia. The product line has been something in the works since March 2012, when the Grand Rapids, MI-based retailer acquired the plant operations of Bareman’s Dairy, a family-owned company based in Holland, MI. With this acquisition, Meijer entered the dairy production business. The retailer previously relied on Dean Foods to co-pack its private-label fluid milk products, and other co-packers for its other private-label dairy foods. “As Meijer continues to grow, it’s crucial we invest in the operations that will help us keep our promise of higher standards and lower prices to our customers,” said Hank Meijer, co-chairman and CEO. “Expanding into dairy operations will do just that.” The new Purple Cow Creamery, named after the ice cream shops inside many Meijer stores and the famous Purple Cow cards frequently handed out by Founder Fred Meijer, started with the production of white and chocolate milk in gallon and half-gallon sizes for the 101 Meijer stores located in Michigan. “The creation of the Purple Cow Creamery is an important step forward as we continue to expand our manufacturing operations,” said Rick Keyes, executive vice president of supply chain and manufacturing. “Producing our own Meijer brand milk allows us to continue to focus on keeping prices low for our customers, while also reducing the number of food miles for a very important product.” Now the creamery is churning out ice cream under the Purple Cow Creamery brand. Prior to this, the retailer’s private-label ice cream was simply sold under the Meijer banner. Limit-edition Peppermint and Pumpkin Pie are now available in 48-ounce containers and 8-ounce cups. Year-long flavors will include vanilla, butter pecan, chocolate, cookie dough, Moose Tracks and the company’s famous Scooperman flavor, which is a rainbow concept consisting of vanilla, blue moon and black cherry ice cream flavors. For more information, visit www.meijer.com

	PRIVATE-LABEL SEASONAL ICE CREAM LINE GETS CARAMEL EDITION (posted November 27, 2013) Publix rolls out its limited-edition holiday ice cream line, which is now up to six flavors. The most recent entry is Caramel Mountain Tracks, which is toffee ice cream with ribbons of caramel, dotted with praline pecans and milk chocolate caramel turtles. A half-cup serving contains 160 calories and 9 grams of fat. The other flavors in this seasonal line are: Deep Dish Apple Pie: Apple-flavored ice cream with apple chunks, sugar-rolled pie crust pieces, and a rich cinnamon and brown sugar sauce. Egg Nog: Creamy, rich premium egg nog ice cream with a touch of nutmeg. Peppermint Stick: Premium vanilla ice cream enhanced with peppermint candy. Pumpkin Pie: Pumpkin-pie-flavored ice cream with swirls of whipped cream and buttery pie crust pieces. Santa’s White Christmas: Barnie’s Santa’s White Christmas coffee-flavored ice cream sprinkled with choco-espresso flakes. For more information, visit www.publix.com.

	PEPPERMINT BARK GELATO PINTS DEBUT (posted November 18, 2013) This holiday season, Talenti Gelato & Sorbetto captures the holiday spirit in a pint with a hint of tradition in its newest holiday flavor, Peppermint Bark Gelato. Available nationally for a limited time only, Peppermint Bark combines crunchy morsels of semisweet Belgian chocolate with a rich, creamy peppermint gelato. And, back by popular demand, also for a limited time, Talenti is re-introducing its festive Old World Eggnog. This gelato is made with fresh egg yolks, pure vanilla extract, fragrant nutmeg and no alcohol, making it a family-friendly treat. “This season, we wanted to create a memorable gelato that would instantly evoke holiday cheer with just one bite,” says Josh Hochschuler, founder of Talenti Gelato & Sorbetto. “Our new Peppermint Bark does the trick with its winning blend of classic peppermint and decadent chocolate. And as with all Talenti flavors, it’s crafted with great care, using the best ingredients we can find. We hope our fans will enjoy it as much as we do.” With about 30% less fat than regular ice cream, Talenti gelatos are a treat that won’t challenge a New Year’s resolution, according to the company. Consumers will find Peppermint Bark and Old World Eggnog, along with other Talenti gelato and sorbetto flavors, in major food retailers nationwide from November 11 through December 31, at a suggested retail price of $4.99 to $5.99. For more information, visit www.talentigelato.com.

	“MADE IN GERMANY” PREMIUM FROZEN YOGURT (posted November 13, 2013) fresh five premiumfood GmbH introduces the first frozen yogurt range that is “made in Germany.” The new premium frozen yogurt branded “kissyo” contains only 1.5% fat. Not only are the five varieties—Chocolate, Mango & Passion Fruit, Natural, Natural Lactose Free and Vanilla--extremely low in calories, they also contain the highest proportion of yogurt--up to 80%. The brand new selection is the only organic-quality yogurt range to be manufactured entirely in Germany. The company works in partnership with Germany’s largest Demeter dairy, the Schrozberg dairy, to guarantee the consistent organic quality of kissyo products. In addition to natural yogurt that has been fermented for a long period, the Schrozberg dairy uses only natural ingredients in the production process, forgoing artificial colorings and preservatives completely. The product comes in 500-milliliter tubs and has a suggested retail price of 3.99 Euros. Taster-sized 125 milliliter cups are also available for the convenience channel. In addition to Germany, kissyo products are rolling out in France, Austria, Switzerland and the Benelux countries. For more information, visit www.fresh-five.de.

	HOLIDAY ICE CREAM IS LOADED WITH GOODIES (posted November 6, 2013) Blue Bell introduces Fudge Divinity Ice Cream. Blue Bell is once again releasing its popular Holiday Favorites line of ice cream and this year is adding a delectable creation to the mix. Fudge Divinity is a rich marshmallow ice cream mixed with crunchy chopped pecans and a swirl of milk chocolate sauce. “You could say this is an old family recipe we have kept tucked away for more than a decade now,” says Paul Kruse, CEO and president. “We first produced this flavor in 1975, but retired it a few years later. We brought it back a few more times over the years, but it has not been sold in stores since 2000. Those fans who remember Fudge Divinity will agree that it is the perfect addition this holiday season.” In addition to Fudge Divinity, the Holiday Favorites line includes Christmas Cookies Ice Cream, Peppermint Ice Cream and Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Ice Cream. Christmas Cookies is a combination of favorite holiday cookies--chocolate chip, snickerdoodle and sugar--in a tasty sugar cookie ice cream with red candy cane-shaped sprinkles and a green icing swirl throughout. Spiced Pumpkin Pecan is spiced pumpkin ice cream combined with tasty sugar-coated pecans and a rich cinnamon-honey-praline sauce. Peppermint, a long-time favorite ice cream flavor during the holiday season, is a cool, refreshing peppermint ice cream sprinkled with peppermint candy pieces. For more information, visit www.bluebell.com.

	LIMITED-EDITION BUTTERSCOTCH ICE CREAM IS FROZEN ENTERTAINMENT (posted October 30, 2013) Ben & Jerry’s is rolling out a new limited-edition ice cream flavor called “Scotchy Scotch Scotch,” which is tied to the December release of Paramount Pictures’ Will Ferrell film “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.” Created in honor of beloved Ron Burgundy, the TV news anchor with a penchant for all things scotch, the flavor is a creamy concoction of butterscotch ice cream with ribbons of butterscotch swirl. “Scotchy, Scotch, Scotch is a delicious ice cream and I hope Ben and Jerry consider my other suggestions: malt liquor marshmallow, well liquor bourbon peanut butter and cheap white wine sherbet” said the Ron Burgundy character at a press conference this past week. The flavor was officially unveiled at New York City’s Pier 36 where members of the press attended and witnessed the announcement first-hand. True to the iconic ice cream company’s untraditional style, the event kicked off with--what else?--a performance by Nutty The Waterskiing Squirrel, as seen in the first Anchorman film. Nutty’s amazing performance was immediately followed by the appearance of a Ben & Jerry’s scoop-truck-turned-Channel 4 News-truck, which rolled onto the scene transporting a legion of blazer-wearing Ron Burgundy look-alikes. After “Scotchy Scotch Scotch” was officially unveiled, attending media and fans were treated to free scoops of the new Ron Burgundy-inspired flavor. Scotchy Scotch Scotch is available now at participating scoop shops across the country. Pints of the flavor will arrive on store shelves over the next few weeks. For more information, visit www.benjerry.com.

	AUTHENTIC TIRAMISU IN THE FORM OF ICE CREAM (posted October 24, 2013) Limited-edition Ambach-branded Tiramisu Kaffee Eiscreme is the real deal. Each 900-milliliter clear plastic tub of Tiramisu Kaffee Eiscreme shows the consumer exactly what’s inside. And that is (starting from the bottom up): a layer of tiramisu-flavored ice cream, lady finger biscuits, tiramisu-flavored sauce, coffee-flavored ice cream and cocoa-covered cake pieces. This spectacular creation is finished with a drizzle of marsala wine. The limited-edition product debuted at Anuga in early October and is ready for this holiday season…and next. The container comes with a decorative cardboard wrap that showcases a very festive bow, positioning the dessert as the perfect hostess gift for holiday parties. The suggested retail price for the 900-milliliter container is Euro 3,99. For more information, visit www.ambach-eis.de

	Impulse Ice Cream—Make These Products More Craveable with Innovative Flavors and Eye-Catching Packaging. Read this blog HERE.

	Impulse Ice Cream—Make These Products More Craveable with Innovative Flavors and Eye-Catching Packaging. Read this blog HERE.

	Impulse Ice Cream—Make These Products More Craveable with Innovative Flavors and Eye-Catching Packaging. Readthis blog HERE.

	Impulse Ice Cream—Make These Products More Craveable with Innovative Flavors and Eye-Catching Packaging. Read this blog HERE.

	Impulse Ice Cream—Make These Products More Craveable with Innovative Flavors and Eye-Catching Packaging: Read this blog HERE.

	HISPANIC-INSPIRED FLAVORED ICE CREAM (posted October 16, 2013) Wells Enterprises showcased a south-of-the-border line of flavored ice creams at NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores) in Atlanta. There are four flavors that will be available in March 2014 under the Blue Bunny brand. They are: Coconut Mango Swirl: Coconut ice cream with mango sorbet Cuatro Leches: Homemade vanilla ice cream with tres leches cake pieces and swirls of dulce de leche Flan: Flan-flavored ice cream with swirls of caramelized sugar Hot Chocolate con Churros: Cinnamon spiced chocolate ice cream with cinnamon sugar churro pieces. These new flavors come in pint and 1.75-quart containers. They are very much on target with today’s ice cream flavor trends. Read “Flavor Trends for Frozen and Refrigerated Dairy Desserts” HERE. Facts about the U.S. Hispanic population (according to Wells, per statistics from Datamonitor): There are more than 50 million people, which represents 17% of the population. There was 43% growth from 2000 to 2010. This demographic has more than $1 trillion buying power. U.S. Hispanic will account for more than 25% of the overall U.S. food market by 2015. Almost two-thirds are bi-cultural, embracing the elements of mainstream, U.S. culture in combination with their culture of ancestry. The Blue Bunny brand is the first to introduce a platform of Hispanic-inspired ice cream flavors.

	FROZEN GREEK YOGURT CAKES AND CUPCAKES (posted October 1, 2013) Rich Products introduces Jon Donaire Greek Frozen Yogurt Cakes and Cupcakes. Infused with thick and creamy Greek frozen yogurt, the new cakes and cupcakes are designed to appeal to a youthful audience seeking indulgent flavors, more-healthful ingredients and everyday luxuries. Rich’s is first to the marketplace with a novel portfolio of three offerings: Chocolate Cake, Strawberry Granola Cake and Mixed Berry Cupcake. The Jon Donaire Strawberry Granola Greek Frozen Yogurt Cake consists of creamy strawberry Greek frozen yogurt with low-fat granola, strawberry-flavored puree, crunchies and whipped icing. The Jon Donaire Chocolate Greek Frozen Yogurt Cake boasts creamy chocolate Greek frozen yogurt with chocolate chunks, crunchies, curls and whipped icing. Both cakes contain six servings, with a serving containing 340 to 370 calories and 12 to 13 grams of fat, depending on variety. A serving also boasts 12 grams of protein. The new Jon Donaire Mixed Berry Frozen Greek Yogurt Cupcakes, sold in a six-pack clamshell, are moist, white cupcakes filled with mixed-berry-flavored Greek frozen yogurt and berry-flavored whipped topping. One cupcake contains 200 calories, 8 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein. For more information, visit http://www.richsisb.com.

	EXOTICALLY-FLAVORED FROZEN DESSERTS (posted September 24, 2013) Mikawaya introduces frozen desserts inspired by authentic Asian cuisine and fruits. Mikawaya USA, the creator of Mochi Ice Cream, launches Mikawaya Exottics. Mikawaya Exottics come in 14 flavors (13 are ice cream, one is sorbet), all of which are available in retail pints, as well as 5-quart pails and 3-gallon tubs for foodservice. Novelty forms—bars, cups and sandwiches—are available in select flavors. The flavors are: Black Sesame Chocolate Ginger Green Tea Matcha (also in 3.6-ounce single-serve cups) Green Tea Original (also in bars, sandwiches and 3.6-ounce single-serve cups) Kona Coffee Lychee Mango Plum Wine Red Bean (also in bars, sandwiches and 3.6-ounce single-serve cups) Strawberry Taro Vanilla Yuzu Sorbet (also in bars) The product line is making its initial debut to Asian markets and restaurants in the Los Angeles area and can be purchased through the company’s website. For more information, visit www.exottics.com.

	PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE CREAM ICE DEBUTS (posted Sept. 19, 2013) Rita’s Italian Ice, the U.S.’s largest Italian ice concept with more than 600 outlets in 21 states, introduces Pumpkin Cheesecake Cream Ice. This limited-edition seasonal flavor combines the best of two Rita’s flavors: Cheesecake and Pumpkin Pie. “Our new Pumpkin Cheesecake Cream is the most refreshing way possible to enjoy the flavor of the holidays,” said Jeff Moody, CEO. “It’s sure to be a fall favorite!” The new flavor has that smooth and velvety texture that only cheesecake has, while at the same time, having the subtle flavor of pumpkin and its complementary spices. The product is made with real pumpkin puree and cream cheese. A 340-gram serving (regular cup size) contains 340 calories and 4 grams of fat. For more information, visit www.ritasice.com.

	A FROZEN BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION…IN A SINGLE-SERVE NOVELTY STICK FORM (posted September 16, 2013) Good Humor is all about the celebration. Unilever takes the iconic Good Humor brand to the party level with The Birthday Cake bars. These single-serve novelties are made up of a cake crunch-coated light vanilla ice cream and vanilla cake flavored center. Think Chocolate Éclair and Strawberry Shortcake bars…but double the cake-flavored component and add lots of color. One 47-gram bar contains 130 calories and 5 grams of fat. This product is sold in six packs for about $4.25. For more information, visit www.goodhumor.com.

	CINNAMON GRAHAM FROZEN NOVELTIES (posted September 9, 2013) Nestlé Dreyer’s Ice Cream Company is offering two limited-edition frozen dairy dessert novelties that feature the flavors of cinnamon, graham and chocolate. These new novelties are not ice cream, as the formulation does not conform to the standard of identity. In fact, whey is the first ingredient. The Nestle CinnaMunch Bars feature cinnamon-flavored dairy dessert covered in a chocolatey coating that contains crunchy cinnamon graham cracker pieces. Sold in six-pack boxes and as individual bars, a single 49-gram bar contains 160 calories, 11 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of protein. The Nestle Drumstick CinnaMunch Cones are a bit different. Besides the obvious use of a sugar cone rather than a wooden stick, the cones also have a sweet and creamy cinnamon caramel center. The sugar cone has a chocolatey lining and the base has a sweet chocolatey nugget. The chocolatey shell contains cinnamon graham cracker pieces. Sold in four-pack boxes and as individual cones, a single cone contains 290 calories, 13 grams of fat, 41 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of protein. For more information, visit www.drumstick.com.

	CHRISTMAS MILK LAUNCHES ICE CREAM LINE (posted August 28, 2013) Christmas Milk recently introduced an ice cream line to complement its premium ultra-pasteurized eggnog. Inspired by its namesake’s eggnog (read more about the eggnog HERE), which is reminiscent of melted French vanilla ice cream, Christmas Milk is entering the frozen treat market with three flavors: Original French Vanilla Eggnog, Caramel Swirl and Chocolate Swirl. “Our passion for creating Christmas Milk originated with our eldest son and allowed us the opportunity as parents to show our children that they should never hesitate to go after a dream,” says Christmas Milk founder Heidi Fausel. “It’s truly been a labor of love for us creating this product and we’re dedicated to perfecting it while keeping our primary mission in focus. By expanding the brand to include products families can enjoy year-round, we can continue our donation efforts well beyond the holiday season.” Christmas Milk was first conceptualized in 2009 after Heidi lost her job of nine years. Together with her husband Shane, the couple decided to embark on a new business adventure to create their newly adopted son’s favorite drink, and something he had enjoyed while in foster care, eggnog. In the spirit of the holiday, and a testament to a cause that is near and dear to their hearts, the Fausels donate a portion of Christmas Milk sales each year to groups that help children in state care programs find their forever home. For more information, visit www.ChristmasMilk.com.

	THE NOVELTY BAR CONSUMERS CRAVE (posted August 19, 2013) The Crave Bar combines gourmet pretzels, artisanal chocolate and super-premium ice cream to create the quintessential frozen novelty experience that consumers crave. After working tirelessly to create the perfect combination of salty, crunchy and sweet, long-time pretzel connoisseurs--Kim and Scott Holstein--introduce The Crave Bar. “The Crave Bar transforms the traditional ice cream bar into a unique salty, sweet, creamy, crunchy experience,” says Kim Holstein, chief inspiration officer of The Crave Bar. “We promise The Crave Bar will change the way you think of the ice cream bar. One fan even called us ‘Heaven on a pretzel stick.’” This all-natural, frozen, handmade frozen ice cream novelty come in three flavors. They are: Cappuccino Dark Chocolate—Fresh-ground, fire-roasted South American coffee beans mixed into all-natural, super-premium ice cream, dipped into real semi- sweet dark chocolate and crushed chocolate-covered pretzels, dusted with fine-ground coffee on a crunchy caramel-dipped pretzel stick Malted Milk Chocolate—All-natural, super-premium chocolate-malted milk ice cream, hand dipped in real milk chocolate and crushed chocolate-covered pretzels on a crunchy caramel-dipped pretzel stick Original Dark Chocolate--All-natural super-premium classic vanilla ice cream hand dipped in real semi-sweet dark chocolate and crushed chocolate-covered pretzels, dusted with sea salt on a crunchy caramel-dipped pretzel stick. The handmade Crave Bar is currently available at entertainment and foodservice venues throughout the Chicago area. In addition, The Crave Bar cart is available for hire at special events. For more information, visit www.thecravebar.com.

	GELATO GETS POPPED (posted August 14, 2013) Talenti introduces its first-ever line of gelato pops. In an ongoing effort to offer consumers new ways to enjoy its products, Talenti Gelato & Sorbetto has expanded into the novelty category with the launch of Talenti Gelato Pops. This innovative product began rolling out to retailers nationwide in May 2013. The new line of Talenti Gelato Pops features eight of Talenti’s best-selling gelato flavors all dipped in rich, dark chocolate for a decadent on-the-go treat. The 3-ounce stick novelties come in a sleekly designed three-bar pack inspired by the brand’s distinctive clear pints. “This is an exciting time for Talenti. On the heels of our recent re-branding, we’re thrilled to be expanding our premium gelato line into the novelty category and affording gelato lovers yet another fun and delicious way to enjoy Talenti,” says Josh Hochschuler, founder. The eight flavors are: Banana Swirl--Rich banana gelato blended with a golden Argentine caramel swirl and dipped in dark chocolate creates a bold banana flavor reminiscent of banana flambe. Black Raspberry--The pleasantly tart, floral flavor of farm-fresh black raspberries combined with crunchy dark chocolate makes for a unique and elegant flavor pairing. Caribbean Coconut--Tender shredded coconut imported from the Philippines is the perfect pairing for rich, dark chocolate. Coffee--Assertive Italian espresso blends with dark chocolate to create an enticingly rich mocha flavor. Double Dark Chocolate--Dark chocolate gelato dipped in more dark chocolate is the chocolate lover’s dream. Mediterranean Mint--Smooth, refreshing mint gelato dipped in dark chocolate upgrades a favorite flavor combination. Sea Salt Caramel--A rich, golden Argentine caramel gelato is brought to life with Fleur De Sel sea salt and dipped in dark chocolate. Tahitian Vanilla Bean--Tahitian vanilla beans imported from Papua New Guinea produce a classic vanilla gelato that’s dipped in dark chocolate for the ultimate flavor pairing. Three-packs have a suggested retail price of $4.99 to $5.99. For more information, visit ww.talentigelato.com.

	SUPERPREMIUM CHAI ICE CREAM (posted August 7, 2013) Boulder Ice Cream Company and Bhakti Chai have teamed up to produce a unique new ice cream. These nearby companies have embarked on a business venture to create Bhakti Chai Chip Ice Cream. This decadent treat blends organic fresh-pressed ginger juice, freshly milled organic cardamom, a signature chai spice blend and chocolate morsels. A half-cup serving contains 218 calories and 13 grams of fat. The product comes in pint containers that sell for $5.99. For more information, visit www.bhaktichai.com.

	SAY HOLA TO SNACK-SIZE FROZEN FRUIT BARS (posted August 1, 2013) Pierre’s Ice Cream introduces a brand new line of refreshing fruit bars under its popular sherbet brand name of ¡Hola Fruta! Pierre’s Ice Cream, the company that has delighted ice cream lovers with indulgent treats for more than 80 years, has launched a brand new line of refreshing fruit bars under its popular sherbet brand name of ¡Hola Fruta!. Pierre’s ¡Hola Fruta! Fruit Bars are available in stores throughout northeast Ohio. The new snack-size (1.65 fluid ounces) frozen fruit bars come in three flavors: Raspberry Blueberry, Pomegranate Raspberry and Strawberry. Made with real fruit, Pierre’s ¡Hola Fruta! Fruit Bars are naturally free of fat and cholesterol. Each bar contains 50 to 56 calories, depending on the flavor, and is a good source of vitamin C. “¡Hola Fruta!, which is Spanish for ‘Hello Fruit!’, is famous for delighting frozen treat lovers with fun, bold and delicious fruit flavors and combinations,” says Shelley Roth, president. “¡Hola Fruta!® Fruit Bars offer a refreshingly cool, portion-control treat making them a perfect quick and delicious frozen snack.” The frozen novelty is sold in packages of eight at a suggested retail price of $3.49 to $3.79. For more information, visit www.holafruta.com.

	CELEBRITY APPRENTICE ICE CREAMS (posted July 31, 2013) Star-studded private-label Good & DeLish premium ice cream makes Walgreens a frozen treat destination. As part of drug store chain Walgreens’ sponsorship of All-Star Celebrity Apprentice, the two finalists— country music superstar Trace Adkins and Las Vegas magician and mastermind Penn Jillette--created their own signature Good & DeLish premium ice cream flavors for the show’s finale that aired on May 19, 2013. Maple Macadamia Mash-Up was created by Trace Adkins. It is creamy maple ice cream with roasted macadamia nuts. Vanilla & Chocolate Magic Swirtle was created by Penn Jillette. It is a rich vanilla ice cream with a sea salt chocolate swirl and fudge caramel candy pieces. Both varieties are now available in pint containers at Walgreens and Duane Reade stores. Suggested retail price is $4.00. “Once again, we are thrilled to be a part of ‘The Celebrity Apprentice’ and look forward to sharing the finalists’ Good & DeLish premium ice cream flavors with our customers nationwide,” said Bryan Pugh, vice president of merchandising, store design and well experience for Walgreens. “This product challenge further supports the wide variety of innovative and premium Good & DeLish products that Walgreens offers.” The premium ice cream line was launched in October 2012. In addition to creating the ice cream flavors, as part of their final challenge the two contestants had to produce a promotional video and host a VIP launch party to raise money for charity. Adkins played for the American Red Cross and raised $564,000, while Jillette played for Opportunity Village and raised $503,655. But because Jillette’s ice cream sold more pints than Adkins, the illusionist won an extra $100,000 from Walgreens. In the end, Trump hired Adkins! For more information, visit http://www.walgreens.com/q/delish-ice-cream.

	SHAVED SNOW DELIGHTS THE TASTE BUDS (posted July 24, 2013) It’s not water ice, frozen yogurt, gelato or ice cream. And no marble countertop or cryogenic freezer is required for new Chilly Ribbons. Often likened to frozen cotton candy, Chilly Ribbons Shaved Snow is America’s newest frozen dessert concept for the foodservice channel. What distinguishes Chilly Ribbons from other frozen treats is the way it’s made. Light and fluffy, like real snow, Chilly Ribbons is served with the world’s first self-refrigerated multi-flavored ice shaving technology that delivers long, flowing wafer-thin ribbons of shaved snow from blocks of creamy, flavored ice. “The only way to describe this frozen dessert is to say that Chilly Ribbons has the rich and creamy feel of ice cream, but it’s much lighter in texture and far lower in calories,” according to Chilly Ribbons Founder and CEO Scott Colwell. “Customers enjoy the show as much as the taste.” Unlike other frozen desserts that are topped with syrups for flavoring, Chilly Ribbons is infused with high-quality ingredients, all-natural flavorings and real fruit purees during the proprietary pasteurization and freezing process. And a single serving only has 100 calories! The shaved snow comes in a wide variety of flavors, ranging from mango, coconut and butter pecan to green tea, chocolate fudge and strawberry. About 90% of the flavors contain dairy. For more information, visit chillyribbons.com.

	CO-BRANDED PREMIUM GELATO AND SORBET PINTS (posted July 18, 2013) Roba Dolce introduces pints of gelato and sorbet under the Ocean Spray brand. The Roba Dolce Ocean Spray co-branding portfolio includes nine individual pint offerings--five sorbets and four gelatos--with additional flavors already in development. Each flavor was carefully selected to bring out the very best of both brands. The four gelato varieties are: Dark Chocolate with Cherry Craisins: Rich dark chocolate gelato showered with the sweetness of cherry Craisins dried cranberries. Hazelnut Truffle: Creamy gelato with a masterful blend of hazelnut and chocolate truffles. Honey Fig Cream: The smooth and mellow sweetness of honey gelato blended with the subtle taste of fig. Vanilla Bean Pomegranate Truffle: The rich, full-bodied taste of vanilla bean gelato with dark chocolate pomegranate truffles. The five (dairy and cholesterol free) sorbet varieties are: Blackberry Cabernet, Cranberry Raspberry Lime, Lemon Blueberry, Tropical Coconut and Tropical Mango. “We could not be happier to announce our Ocean Spray program to the trade and consumer. Millions of consumers trust Ocean Spray for the greatest taste when it comes to their juices and other fine products. Their brand conveys excellence and value. Ocean Spray has recognized that the Roba Dolce product also reflects those attributes, and proudly put their name on this extraordinary new line of gelato and sorbet,” says Matt Olerio, CEO of Roba Dolce. “Together, Ocean Spray and Roba Dolce symbolize a new standard for this category and we expect that the discerning consumer, looking for the best taste and selection, at an affordable price, will reach for the brand they already trust and buy.” For more information visit, www.robadolce.com.

	WING SAUCE MEETS ICE CREAM (posted July 9, 2013) New Bonfatto’s Spice Cream combines heat with fruit in its new line of ice cream. For some ice cream makers, the secret is in the sauce…hot wing sauce, that is. Bonfatto’s Spice Cream from Letterman Enterprises Inc., is a savory, gourmet take on fruited ice cream. All three varieties are infused with Bonfatto’s Wing Sauce. Jumping Jack Apple Splash combines sweet cinnamon apples, Blackstrap molasses and a splash of Jack Daniels whiskey with vanilla ice cream and pecans. Sweet Peachy Heat Wave blends chunks of sweet peaches with taste-tingling hot sauce, premium vanilla ice cream and fresh granola. Rolling Berry Blastoff is described as a wild rollercoaster ride, with sweet raspberries and spicy Habañero sauce in premium vanilla ice cream and peanut butter cup chunks. The product comes in 14-ounce containers for retail and 2.5-gallon tubs for foodservice scooping. For more information, visit www.spicecream.com

	DARK CHOCOLATE MEETS SALTY CARAMEL (posted July 3, 2013) Phin & Phebes grows its superpremium ice cream line with the introduction of Dark Chocolate Salty Caramel Ice Cream. The company, which is pronounced Fin and Feebes, is owned by Phin and Phebes, two women who use their Brooklyn, N.Y.-based home kitchens to create unique ice cream flavors. Dark Chocolate Salty Caramel Ice Cream is new for summer 2013. Each half-cup serving contains 230 calories and 14 grams of fat. It joins Banana Whama, Coconut Key Lime, Ginger Cookie Snap, Vanilla Cinnamon, Vietnamese Ice Coffee and Peanutty Pretzel. For more information, visit www.phinandphebes.com.

	TEA-RRIFIC ICE CREAM (posted June 18, 2013) New premium ice cream line is crafted with fresh-brewed teas and tisanes. Tea-Rrific! Ice Cream, an artisanal ice cream company, introduces four tea-infused ice creams. For about a year, the company has been selling its uniquely flavored ice creams in restaurants, cafes and tea shops near its base of Norwalk, CT. Early this year, four varieties made their debut in pint cartons for the retail market. The company’s recipe is simple. Starting with cream and eggs from local New England farms, and either organic evaporated cane juice or locally sourced honey, the ice cream is then infused with specialty blends of loose leaf and herbal teas. The flavors are: Chunky London Mist--the malty and citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea with a hint of vanilla, rich semi-sweet Belgian chocolate flakes and buttery roasted pecan chunks Ginger Matcha-- a sweet bite of fresh ginger perfectly balanced with delicate grassy notes of premium matcha green tea London Mist--the malty and citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea enhanced with a hint of vanilla Masala Chai—a warm blend of Assam black and rooibos teas with sweet aromatic and peppery spices For more information, visit www.tearrificicecream.com

	SKINNY ICE CREAM AND CANDY IN ONE BAR (posted June 12, 2013) Nestle gets creative with the Skinny Cow brand. The company has raised the bar for low-fat delicious from the freezer. New Skinny Cow Ice Cream Candy Bars come in two varieties: Cookies ‘n Dough and Salted Caramel Pretzel. Cookies ‘n Dough is low-fat vanilla ice cream layered with ooey-gooey cookie dough, topped with baked cookie dough pieces. Salted Caramel Pretzel is low-fat vanilla ice cream topped with layers of luscious caramel and crispy, salty pretzel pieces. Both are enrobed in chocolate coating. Each 50-gram bar contains a mere 160 calories and 9 grams of fat. For more information, visit www.skinnycow.com.

	FUN-FLAVORED NONFAT FROZEN YOGURT MIX (posted June 6, 2013) The Jelly Belly brand makes its way onto frozen yogurt. Wow Brands Inc., is licensing the Jelly Belly brand for its new line of nonfat frozen yogurt mixes. Flavors are: Caramel Corn, Chocolate Pudding, Crushed Pineapple, Strawberry Jam, Toasted Marshmallow and Very Cherry. The mixes contain no high-fructose corn syrup and are made with natural flavors and real fruit purees. They also contain live and active cultures. The half-gallon gable-top cartons are sold in cases of six and have a shelf life of 10 days under refrigeration or up to a year in the freezer.

	ORGANIC, GLUTEN-FREE COOKIES & CREAM ICE CREAM (posted May 30, 2013) Strauss Family Creamery introduces new ice cream pint flavors. Just in time for summer and in response to the growing demand for gluten-free desserts, Straus Family Creamery introduces two new ice cream flavors: Cookies & Cream and Vanilla Chocolate Chip. Cookies & Cream is the first and only certified-organic, gluten-free version of this flavor on the market today. Straus Family Creamery is also the only organic premium brand of ice cream made exclusively with cream and milk sourced from its own and six other local family farms in Sonoma County, California. Both flavors are available in pint-sized containers at a suggested retail price of $4.79. They join the company’s other organic ice cream favorites, such as Mint Chocolate Chip, Caramel Toffee Crunch and Vanilla Bean, all of which are available in grocery freezer sections throughout the Western United States. “We are excited to make these two long-time favorite flavors at Straus Family Creamery,” says Albert Straus, president. “We combined classic recipes with the best local, organic ingredients, using cream and milk that come from the Straus Dairy and the six other family farms we work with. As we continue to expand our range of products, we are able to better preserve and support family farming in Northern California.” Straus Family Creamery’s Cookies & Cream begins with flavorful organic vanilla ice cream. Then, generous pieces of exceptionally rich, delectable gluten-free chocolate cookies are mixed in, which are made by Pamela’s Products in Ukiah, California, only 80 miles north of the creamery. The new Vanilla Chocolate Chip flavor features organic vanilla ice cream, which is made with simple, all-organic, Non-GMO Project Verified ingredients, including cream, milk, sugar, egg yolks and real vanilla extract. The ice cream is blended with rich, chunky chocolate chips that melt easily on the palate and combine perfectly with the delicious flavors of vanilla and cream. For more information, visit www.strausfamilycreamery.com.

	BERRY MANY NEW MENU ITEMS (posted May 27, 2013) Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, has a number of new menu items featuring berries. Blueberry Shortbread Ice Cream: The May Flavor of the Month features shortbread and blueberry-flavored ice cream with a tasty and textured lemon shortbread cookie swirl. Mixed Berry Waffle Cone: This new waffle cone features a mixed-berry flavor. Blueberry Shortbread Milkshake: This new recipe is made with Blueberry Shortbread Ice Cream, milk and simple syrup. Berry Waffle Crunch 31° Below: Smooth and creamy Baskin-Robbins vanilla soft-serve gets blended with strawberry topping and crunchy Mixed Berry Waffle Cone pieces. “With the weather warming up, we’re excited to offer our guests a special line-up of menu items that celebrate the flavors of the season,” says Stan Frankenthaler, Baskin-Robbins Executive Chef and Vice President of Product Innovation at Dunkin’ Brands. “Our Blueberry Shortbread ice cream served in a Mixed Berry Waffle Cone combines the refreshing flavors of spring into one delicious frozen treat.” In participating Baskin-Robbins shops nationwide, Blueberry Shortbread ice cream is available by the scoop – in a cup or in a Mixed Berry Waffle Cone – or as a milkshake. The flavor is also available in fresh-packed pints and quarts in 49 of the 50 states. In California, Baskin-Robbins offers fresh-packed ice cream in two sizes: small (12 ounces) and regular (24 ounces). The fresh-packed containers enable ice cream lovers to bring their favorite flavors home to enjoy with family and friends or to create their own specialty ice cream desserts. These containers also appeal to consumers interested in fresh and local. For more information, visit www.baskinrobbins.com.

	SHERBET-FLAVORED NOVELTY BARS DEBUT (posted May 22, 2013) Baskin-Robbins launches sherbet-flavored bars as its first freezer treat for the retail channel. Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, is introducing a new line of shelf-stable, sherbet-flavored freezer bars, which are rolling out at major national retailers this spring. The company has partnered with Jel Sert, a leader in freezer bars, on the rollout of this new product as part of a licensing agreement. “We are thrilled to bring the Baskin-Robbins brand to major retailers nationwide with the launch of our new Sherbet Flavored Freezer Bars,” says John Fassak, vice president of business development for Dunkin’ Brands, owners of Baskin-Robbins. “We look forward to introducing the Baskin-Robbins brand to even more people across the U.S. and giving our existing guests yet another way to enjoy our wide array of ice cream flavors and frozen treats.” Each treat delivers two flavors in one freezer bar as a result of Jel Sert’s patented technology. Each box contains a dozen bars in two classic flavors: Rock ‘N Pop Swirl--a combination of grape and green apple flavors Rainbow Sherbet--a combination of orange and raspberry flavors The freezer bars are shelf-stable and meant to be frozen at home. Note that the bars are called "sherbet flavored," as they are non-dairy and do not contain real sherbet. Each bar contains 60 calories. “At Baskin-Robbins, we are committed to product innovation and surprising our guests with delicious new creations that they can enjoy at our restaurants or at home,” says Stan Frankenthaler, Baskin-Robbins Executive Chef and Vice President of Product Innovation at Dunkin’ Brands. “Our Sherbet Flavored Freezer Bars are a new twist on two of our classic flavors and we’re so excited to introduce them to ice cream lovers nationwide.” The suggested retail price for a box is $2.99 to $3.49. For more information, visit www.BaskinRobbins.com.

	ROLLER COASTER-INSPIRED ICE CREAM FLAVOR (posted May 20, 2013) Hiland Dairy introduces Outlaw Run Ice Cream, inspired by Silver Dollar City’s new wooden roller coaster. This flavor is as bold as its inspiration. Outlaw Run, the world’s most daring wooden roller coaster, opened for summer 2013 at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO. The new $10 million dollar attraction is the world’s second fastest wooden roller coaster and the only one to twist upside down three times. Outlaw Run Ice Cream offers similar twists as it mixes chocolate chunks and swirls of sea-salted caramel in rich vanilla ice cream. In celebration of this new product launch, Hiland Dairy is giving away a trip for four to Silver Dollar City and the chance to ride Outlaw Run. “Outlaw Run is a thrill ride like none we’ve ever seen,” says Gary Aggus, president/general manager of Hiland Dairy. “We wanted to give ice cream enthusiasts an equally exciting adventure in this new flavor.” For more information, visit http://hilandicecream.com/outlaw.

	FROZEN CHEESECAKE CONES (posted May 14, 2013) Innovative frozen novelty concept serves up real cheesecake. Cheese Cake Café, a New Jersey-based dessert business, has created a process to bake its specialty cheesecake into a sugar cone, coat it with chocolate and sell it frozen to be consumed much like an ice cream cone novelty. Each 75-gram treat contains 310 calories and 20 grams of fat. The suggested price is $2.00 to $3.00 per cone. Initial distribution is through small grocery stores and convenience stores throughout New Jersey. The product can also be ordered via the internet for shipment anywhere in the continental United States. The product is available for private-label distribution. For more information, visit www.cheesecakecafe.weebly.com.

	ITALIAN CREAM CAKE ICE CREAM (posted May 6, 2013) Blue Bell makes it possible to have your cake and eat it, too. Any way you slice it, the newest flavor from Blue Bell is fabuloso…or maybe it’s simply delizioso! Italian Cream Cake is creamy vanilla ice cream with pieces of Italian cream cake, shredded coconut, roasted pecans and a smooth cream cheese icing swirl. “We’ve created a flavor that not only has all the ingredients of an Italian cream cake in each bite, but there are actual cake pieces in the ice cream too,” says Wayne Hugo, general sales manager for Blue Bell. “I’m not sure it gets any better than that.” Italian cream cake, a very popular cake served at Southern weddings, is also known as an Italian wedding cake in other parts of the country. “Blue Bell is a Southern tradition and so is Italian cream cake,” Hugo adds. “We have had lots of success with flavors inspired by cakes so we figured we might just be onto something.” For more information, visit www.bluebell.com.

	A FRIENDWICH…AND MORE FRIENDLY ICE CREAM (posted April 30, 2013) Friendly’s Ice Cream launches novelty product line featuring 10 ice cream varieties. This operator of more than 355 Friendly’s restaurants and a manufacturer of ice cream products distributed in over 7,500 retail outlets, is introducing a new line of frozen novelty desserts to supermarket freezers across the Northeast. Since 1935, Friendly’s has enjoyed a reputation for serving great-tasting, premium ice creams and is a market leader in New England. While proud of the company’s rich history, Friendly’s answers today’s fast-paced consumer lifestyle by releasing this new novelty line consisting of 10 classic summer treats, made with REAL ice cream with all-natural flavors and high-quality ingredients. Conveniently packaged in boxes comprised of four or six individually wrapped servings, Friendly’s novelty products are an ideal dessert solution for fun, family gatherings, yet serve as a great individual grab-and-go treat for ice cream lovers. When launching this new category, Friendly’s ensured that both the indulgence-seekers and better-for-you consumers had options. “One of the most sought after varieties in the lineup is the Signature Black Raspberry Ice Cream Bar made with our popular rich and creamy Black Raspberry Ice Cream,” says Zeynep Akkan, senior marketing manager for Friendly’s retail products. “For those who are looking for low-fat, low-calorie varieties, we created the Fudgealicious Bar, a premium fudge bar that is a great-tasting snack with only 100 calories per bar. The company’s newest additions to its ice cream family include the following items: Vanilla Alpine Bars (vanilla ice cream with a chocolate coating); Vanilla Ice Cream Bars (vanilla ice cream with a chocolate coating on a stick); Signature Black Raspberry Bars (Friendly’s signature black raspberry ice cream with a chocolate coating on a stick); Strawberry Cake Krunch Bar (vanilla and strawberry ice cream coated with vanilla cake crunch on a stick); Chocolate Cake Krunch Bar (vanilla and chocolate ice cream coated with cake crunch on a stick); Fudgealicious Bar (premium fudge bar on a stick); Nuts Over Fudge Sundae Cone (vanilla ice cream in a cone with a fudge core, dipped in chocolate and peanuts); Nuts Over Caramel Sundae Cone (vanilla ice cream in a cone with a caramel core, dipped in chocolate and peanuts); Vanilla Friendwich (vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two chocolate wafers); and, the Cookies' n Cream Dreams Friendwich (cookies' n cream ice cream sandwiched between two chocolate wafers). “Friendly’s is an iconic ice cream brand and we’ve enjoyed much success in all the other ice cream categories such as cartons, rolls, cups and cakes. The novelty line is a natural extension for Friendly’s and we’re very excited for this launch,” says Robert Squires, senior director and general manager retail sales and marketing for Friendly’s. Friendly’s novelty products are now available for purchase in all Friendly’s restaurants and on retailer shelves in New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, as well in select outlets in Virginia, Maryland and Florida. The product line retails at $3.49 to $3.99 per package. For more information, visit www.friendlys.com.

	LITE ICE CREAM WITH PROBIOTICS (posted April 22, 2013) Innovative ice cream bars include probiotics, along with other health-and-wellness ingredients. Casper’s Active D’Lites with Probiotics Lite Ice Cream comes in three flavors: Almond, Caramel and Vanilla. Each single-serve bar delivers 110 to 140 calories, 8 to 11 grams of fat, 5 grams of fiber and 3 to 4 grams of protein, depending on variety. The fiber comes from the inclusion of digestive resistant maltodextrin, fructooligosaccharides and inulin. The fiber is used in both the ice cream and the chocolate coating. Erythritol and a stevia-based sweetener help keep calories and sugar content low in both the ice cream and the coating. Agave is also used to sweeten the ice cream. Ingredient statements state that at the time of manufacture, each bar contained 10 billion colony-forming-units of Bifidobacterium Lactis HN019 and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM. For more information, visit http://www.fatboyicecream.com/dlites/.

	A TWOFER FROZEN DESSERT: CARAMEL TURLE CHEESECAKE (posted April 18, 2013) The wait is over! Blue Bell fans overwhelmingly voted to bring back Caramel Turtle Cheesecake Ice Cream in last year’s Crankin’ Back the Clock Flavor Contest and it will arrive in stores this month. Caramel Turtle Cheesecake is a luscious cheesecake ice cream filled with chocolate-coated caramel turtles, roasted pecans and cheesecake pieces with a chocolate cookie crust all surrounded by a smooth caramel swirl. “You voted and we listened,” says Carl Breed, director of marketing. “There were many great-tasting flavors to choose from, but Caramel Turtle Cheesecake was the clear winner. We first introduced this ice cream in 2010 and we’re very excited to have it back in our line-up.” Last year’s contest began with 24 flavors. Each week the six flavors receiving the least amount of votes were eliminated. During the final week of voting, the remaining flavors were Caramel Kettle Crunch, Caramel Turtle Cheesecake, Chocolate Decadence, German Chocolate Cake, Nutty Coconut and White Chocolate Almond. After all the votes were counted, Caramel Turtle Cheesecake received the most with 12 of the vote, followed by White Chocolate Almond and Nutty Coconut. “The contest was a lot of fun because it brought back memories of great products we no longer produce,” Breed adds. “People are passionate about their ice cream and they never forget a favorite Blue Bell flavor.” For more information, visit www.bluebell.com

	FROZEN GREEK YOGURT FOR NEW ENGLANDERS (posted April 8, 2013) Hood, the leading dairy brand in New England, enters the fast-growing Greek frozen yogurt market. Hood Greek Frozen Yogurt combines low-fat frozen yogurt with delectable ingredients such as raspberry swirls, granola crunch and chocolate chips, giving New Englanders a smarter way to indulge, particularly during the warm weather months. Made with live and active cultures, each 4-ounce serving of Hood Greek Frozen Yogurt packs 5 grams of protein. Different from traditional frozen yogurt, Greek Frozen Yogurt features a richer and creamier texture and taste to match its higher protein content, according to the company. Available in quart-size containers, Hood Greek Frozen Yogurt comes in four varieties: Blueberry – blueberry low-fat Greek frozen yogurt Double Chocolate Chip – chocolate low-fat Greek frozen yogurt with chocolate chips Honey Vanilla – honey vanilla low-fat Greek frozen yogurt Raspberry Granola – vanilla low-fat Greek frozen yogurt with raspberry swirl and granola crunch Hood Greek Frozen Yogurt is available at major grocery stores across New England. For more information, visit www.hood.com.

	PROTEIN ICE CREAM CUPS DEBUT (posted April 1, 2013) Jambo Protein Ice Cream is made with soy and whey protein concentrate obtained from organic, pasture-fed cows. Each single-serve container is an excellent source of protein. Jambo Production LLC started production of the frozen treat in October 2012, with initial distribution in New York health clubs. There are four varieties: Berry Burst, Chai Green Tea, Chocolate Bliss and Java Gym Coffee. The company says its unique formulation helps build muscle and boost metabolism. Each single-serve, 6-fluid-ounce container delivers between 180 and 230 calories, and 14 and 28 grams of protein, depending on variety. Calories are kept low through the use of maltitol and sucralose, with the product containing “no add sugars” or lactose. The product is also free of artificial flavors, gluten and preservatives. The product is available online for shipment within the continental United States. Eight 6-fluid-ounce containers sell for $37.60, plus shipping and handling. “It’s common knowledge amongst fitness buffs that a protein snack of some sort should be taken within 15 to 30 minutes immediately following a workout,” says Jambo Founder Anatoly Derin. “By supplying our product, that combines the best of all protein, our hopes are to make it easy for consumers to get their protein fill right on the steps of their own home gym.” For more information, visit: www.jamboicecream.com

	SPRING HAS OFFICIALLY HATCHED AT BASKIN-ROBBINS (posted March28, 2013) Baskin-Robbins introduces the Chick Cake. Bright and cheery on the outside, delicious on the inside with a customizable combination of Baskin-Robbins ice cream and cake, the Chick Cake is sure to be the centerpiece of any table this season. Also available this spring is the Chick Individual Treat, which is the single-serving partner to accompany Baskin-Robbins’ new Chick Cake. “At Baskin-Robbins, we’re always looking for delicious and festive ways to celebrate different seasons throughout the year with our guests,” said Stan Frankenthaler, Baskin-Robbins executive chef and vice president of innovation at Dunkin’ Brands. “This spring, we wanted to create a memorable cake that really brought the season to life with bright colors and a whimsical design. The Chick Cake will not only delight ice cream lovers, but will also effortlessly serve as an impressive centerpiece that will brighten any table.” For more information, visit www.BaskinRobbins.com.

	HIGH-PROTEIN FROZEN YOGURT TUBES (posted March 25, 2013) This new “Anytime Frozen Treat” is crafted from a combination of creamy probiotic yogurt, protein and fruit. Each ProYo Frozen Yogurt 4-ounce squeeze tube contains 20 grams of milk protein, live active probiotic cultures, added fiber and only 160 calories. It comes in four varieties: Banana Vanilla, Blueberry Pomegranate, Dutch Chocolate and Vanilla Bean. Here’s the story behind the product. If Nathan Carey, 29, of Santa Barbara, CA, hadn’t broken his arm while lifting weights a few years ago, he might never have come up with the idea to produce a frozen yogurt treat loaded with protein and flavor. Not that he was any stranger to frozen yogurt. At the time, Carey was the owner of Twin Cups, a popular drive-up spot in Santa Barbara that he opened to offer custom-blended frozen yogurt, quality coffee, shakes and smoothies. “While I was in physical therapy,” he recalls, “I noticed people were spending a lot of money on high-protein shakes and protein bars, but I could tell by their facial expressions that they were not enjoying them. Many of these products were laced with sugar and stabilizers, and weren’t that healthy. So I started experimenting at Twin Cups by making a high-protein yogurt treat that tastes great and could be eaten on the go at any time of day. And since I had broken my dominant arm and lost movement of my fingers, I couldn’t cut meat. It was important for me to develop something high in protein and easy to eat with one hand.” After trying about 25 to 30 different types of proteins, consulting with nutritionists, seeking advice from family friends, and putting together a distinguished board of advisors including Balance Bar and FRS Company Co-founder Richard Lamb, ProYo was born. Carey introduced ProYo locally in his Santa Barbara community at Twin Cups, several athletic clubs and a hospital in the area, to great response from parents, kids, athletes, and people who had difficulty eating enough protein due to illness or loss of appetite. They were enthusiastic about its creamy texture and outstanding flavors that other high-protein products often lack. It wasn’t long before people were placing large orders on-line and driving great distances to pick them up. ProYo is now available for national distribution. For more information, visit www.proyofrozenyogurt.com.

	HAND-CRAFTED ICE CREAM SANDWICHES (posted March 19, 2013) New COOLHAUS ice cream sandwiches are all about making architecture fun by using ice cream as the medium. COOLHAUS is a triple entendre, a play on three of the co-founders’ (Natasha Case and Freya Estreller) favorite words: 1) Bauhaus, an influential modernist design movement of the 1920′s and 30′s; 2) Rem Koolhaas, the famous Dutch Architect and Theorist who challenged the mantra “form follows function;” and 3) “Cool house,” isn’t that what you are eating--an ice cream sandwich deconstructed into a cookie roof and floor slab with ice cream walls? Natasha and Freya started baking cookies and making ice cream in Freya’s mom’s kitchen in fall 2008, naming the flavor combinations after architects and inspirational architectural movements. One day it occurred to the two ladies that an ice cream truck would be a perfect way to disseminate their ice cream sandwiches (and architecture dialogue) around Los Angeles. The truck would be a nod to the past tradition of the Good Humor man with a modern twist. After rehabbing an old postal truck purchased on Craigslist, the two ventured out to a music festival where they were an immediate hit. Today, they have a fleet of four trucks in L.A., two trucks and one cart in New York City, two trucks in Austin, Texas, and two trucks in Miami. They also have a newly launched storefront in Culver City, CA. Their new packaged ice cream sandwiches have initial retail distribution in Southern California Whole Foods Markets. Varieties are: Louis Ba-Kahn: Brown butter ice cream with brown sugar and candied bacon pieces gets sandwiched between two chewy chocolate chip cookies. Mies Vanilla Rohe: Refreshing Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream with real vanilla specks gets sandwiched between two chewy chocolate chip cookies. Mintmalism: Dirty mint chip ice cream, which is described as ice cream with fresh mint, semi-sweet chips and a touch of brown sugar, gets sandwiched between two fudgy chocolate cookies with chocolate chips. Renzo Apple-Pie Ano: Ice cream with apples baked in nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves gets sandwiched between two hearty oatmeal raisin cookies. Thom Mayne-Go: Vegan sorbet with real mango gets sandwiched between two chewy vegan ginger molasses cookies. Each sandwich (108 grams) is considered two servings. An entire ice cream sandwich contains 470 to 520 calories and 18 to 26 grams of fat, depending on variety. The sorbet sandwich contains 380 calories and 5 grams of fat. In addition to the five retail ice cream sandwiches, the company’s trucks and store front carry all types of innovative ice cream flavors for customized scooping between cookies. For example, Olive Oil Rosemary ice cream goes great between two brioche cookies. For more information, visit www.eatcoolhaus.com.

	CIAO BELLA SANDWICHES ITS GELATO (posted March 14, 2013) Read about this new gelato ice cream sandwich on the March 14, 2013, BLOG HERE.

	TALENTI GROWS ITS SORBETTO AND GELATO LINE (posted March 14, 2013) Read about these new gelato flavors on the March 14, 2013, BLOG HERE.

	TALENTI ENTERS THE NOVELTY CATEGORY WITH A LINE OF STICK GELATO BARS (posted March 14, 2013) Read about this gelato novelty on the March 14, 2013, BLOG HERE.

	PREMIUM ORGANIC ICE CREAM SANDWICHES (posted March 11, 2013) The Three Twins brand sandwiches its ice cream between cookies. Organic ice cream marketer Three Twins used Natural Products Expo West 2013 to debut its new ice cream sandwiches, which the company hinted about at the Fancy Food Show in January. Two very indulgent varieties are available. Sea Salt Caramel ice cream, one of the company’s most popular packaged flavors, is sandwiched between sugar cookies. Each sandwich contains about 530 calories and 33 grams of fat. Vanilla Bean ice cream is embraced by chocolate chips cookies, with each sandwich containing about 480 calories and 27 grams of fat. The 5-ounce sandwiches are sold as singles (suggested retail price=$1.99 to $2.19) for the convenience channel and in four-packs (suggested retail price=$5.99 to $6.99) for retail. For more information, visit www.threetwinsicecream.com.

	FROZEN KEFIR BARS (posted March 5, 2013) Lifeway’s probiotic-rich kefir gets frozen on a stick. This week will be a big one for Lifeway, the United States’ leading kefir manufacturer, who will debut numerous innovations at the Natural Products Expo West trade show running March 7 to 10 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. (Don’t worry, if you cannot attend, I will be there, hunting for all the great new dairy foods being rolled out by innovators of all sizes.) The new Lifeway Frozen Kefir Bars feature the same probiotic, 99% lactose-free and naturally gluten-free properties as the rest of the Lifeway lineup. The bars come in four flavors: Coconut, Green Tea Raspberry, Pear and Vanilla. Each 2.5-fluid-ounce bar contains a mere 56 calories, 0.5 grams of fat and 2.5 grams of protein. A six pack has a suggested retail price of $3.99 to $4.49. “These new products reinforce the message we’ve been sending for years: healthy snacks don’t have to be boring,” says Julie Smolyansky, president and CEO. For more information, visit www.kefir.com.

	ARTISAN, SLOW-BATCH ORGANIC GELATO (posted Feb. 26, 2013) Superpremium Figo! Organic Gelato will debut at Natural Products Expo West in two weeks! This authentic Italian frozen dairy dessert is made in an artisanal, slow, batch-crafted tradition. Boulder Homemade Inc., uses 10-gallon Italian-made machines that rely on a proprietary slow-churn process that creates an ideal mixture of low overrun and butterfat to yield a smooth, creamy, rich texture gelato. Gluten free and egg free, Figo! Organic Gelato comes in seven flavors: Chocolate Duet (a blend of cocoa powder and molten chocolate) Chocolate Peanut Butter Coconut Almond Chip Cool Limone (with fresh lemon juice and zest) Pure Pistachio Salted Caramel Café (contains real caramel) Vanilla Trio (a blend of Tahitian, Madagascan and Bourbon vanillas “Each of our unique flavors contains finely tuned ingredient combinations to create a symphony of flavor,” says Scott Roy, CEO and president. “Each ingredient is crucial to the overall flavor profile that we feel creates a standout product for the marketplace.” Each pint has a suggested retail price of $4.99. For more information, visit www.bouldericecream.com

	AUTHENTIC ITALIAN GELATO FOR THE HOME FREEZER (posted February 21, 2013) Nestle Dreyer’s Ice Cream Company, a part of Nestle USA, is bringing back gelato under its Haagen-Dazs brand. The 2013 version of Haagen-Dazs Gelato comes in seven Italian-inspired flavors. The original product made its debut in 1998 (and was discontinued in late 2001/early 2002), when the Haagen-Dazs brand was still owned by Pillsbury, prior to being acquired by General Mills. Around the same time, Dreyer’s, still not part of the Nestle conglomerate, debuted Portofino, an ice cream concept modeled after gelato. The gelato that is currently rolling out appears to be a melding of all the flavor concepts from a dozen years ago. The current offering, scheduled to hit freezers in April, includes: Black Cherry Amaretto: Black cherries meet amaretto, an Italian liqueur, in creamy gelato. Cappuccino: Bold and complex, this is a blend of cappuccino and sweet cream gelato. Dark Chocolate Chip: Bittersweet chocolaty chips meet dark chocolate gelato. Limoncello: Sweet and zesty, this is a blend of creamy lemon gelato with vodka. Sea Salt Caramel: Ribbons of sea salt caramel float throughout creamy caramel gelato. Stracciatella: Inspired by the Italian classic, this flavor gently folds rich chocolaty shavings into smooth, sweet cream gelato. Vanilla Bean: Elegant in flavor, this is a blend of rich and creamy vanilla gelato with flecks of vanilla beans. The ingredients tell a story: vanilla from Madagascar, coffee from Brazil, sea salt from San Francisco, cherries from Oregon…and the lemons come all the way from South Africa. “Leisurely strolls through the piazza at dusk, an appreciation of centuries old craftsmanship and a love of food that borders on obsession, these are the essential Italian moments we had in mind when creating Haagen-Dazs Gelato,” says Cady Behles, Haagen-Dazs brand manager. Each flavor will be available in 14-ounce cartons for a suggested retail price of $4.79. Sea Salt Caramel Gelato and Vanilla Bean Gelato will also be available in 3.6-ounce cups for a suggested retail price of $1.49. The launch of Haagen-Dazs Gelato will be supported by a full marketing mix including television, print and online advertising, as well as public relations, point of sale materials, a consumer promotion and a strong digital strategy. For more information, visit www.HaagenDazs.com.

	GOOD-FOR-YOU ICE CREAM BARS (posted February 18, 2013) New ice cream novelty delivers protein and fiber with less sugar and fewer calories than most other novelties. That’s what you get with the new Enlightened Ice Cream Bar range from Beyond Better Foods. Each 75-gram stick novelty contains a mere 70 calories, 2 grams of fat and 3 grams of sugar. Each bar also provides 5 grams of fiber and 8 grams of protein. The fiber comes primarily from soluble corn fiber. (Natural gums are also a source of fiber, but their primary role is to manage ice crystal formation and deliver a creamy finished product.) Skim milk and milk protein isolate are the sources of protein. Erythritol and monk fruit extract keep calories and sugar content at attractive levels. Varieties are: Coffee, Fudge and Orange Cream. For more information, visit www.eatenlightened.com

	SAY HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY WITH DQ’S LOVELY BLIZZARD (posted February 14, 2013) Dairy Queen restaurants will sweeten Valentine’s Day and the entire month of February with the return of Choco Covered Strawberry as the featured Blizzard Treat of the Month. An indulgent combination of sweet strawberries blended with rich chocolate chunks and creamy DQ vanilla soft serve, the Choco Covered Strawberry Blizzard Treat has been available at all Dairy Queen and DQ Grill & Chill restaurants nationwide since February 1. Dairy Queen fans can enjoy Choco Covered Strawberry Blizzard Treats in four sizes including the popular Mini. In addition, the Dairy Queen system will serve unique heart-shaped cakes during the most romantic month of the year. Many Blizzard Treat flavors, including Choco Covered Strawberry, easily can be made into DQ Cakes, which are perfect for celebrating holidays and special events including Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries and more. “It’s been said that the way to our hearts is through our stomachs, and we have that covered for Valentine’s Day and all of February with our popular Choco Covered Strawberry Blizzard Treat,” says Barry Westrum, executive vice president of marketing for American Dairy Queen Corporation.

	NEW FLAVORS OF FROZEN GREEK YOGURT BARS (posted January 31, 2013) Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt adds Coconut, Mango and Vanilla Bean to its line of frozen Greek yogurt bars. The new products will double the company’s current offerings, now with a total of six flavors in their portfolio. Beginning in February of 2013, all the new flavors will be available in major grocery retailers nationwide with a suggested retail price of $4.99 to $5.49 per box of six bars. “Our decision to launch Coconut, Mango and Vanilla Bean was based on consumer conversations throughout our national sampling tour and surveys we conducted on Facebook,” says Yasso Co-Founder Drew Harrington. “We’re fortunate to have such wonderful fans and love including them in the creation of new flavors and product launches. Coconut, Mango and Vanilla Bean will add exciting flavor diversity to the current lineup of Raspberry, Strawberry and Blueberry.” A single 3.5-ounce bar has only 80 calories and little to no fat. It also provides 6 to 7 grams of protein, depending on flavor. For more information, visit: www.yasso.com.

	COFFEE SHOP ICE CREAM BARS (posted December 17, 2012) Baristas Coffee Co., a fast-growing U.S.-based beverage and branded products company, is rolling out Baristas Coffee Creations, an indulgent collection of coffee ice cream. The first two products in the premium ice cream line are stick novelties. Flavors are: Caramel Cappuccino (caramel-swirled coffee ice cream enrobed in dark chocolate) and Coconut Cafe Latte (coconut-swirled coffee ice cream enrobed in dark chocolate). Both will initially be available in a four-pack box. The company intends to develop additional flavors and forms. Initial distribution is in the New York metropolitan area, as well as select Baristas locations in Florida, Washington, Texas and Arizona. For more information, visit www.baristas.tv

	GINGERBREAD HOUSE ICE CREAM (posted Decmber 13, 2012) ‘Tis the season for Blue Bell to bring out its holiday ice cream flavors, which this year includes new Gingerbread House Ice Cream. This creamy cinnamon ice cream with flavorful gingerbread pieces, also contains festive red and green sprinkles and miniature marshmallows all surrounded by a vanilla icing swirl. “Building a gingerbread house and placing it as a holiday centerpiece is a yearly activity for many,” says Carl Breed, director of marketing. “And our ice cream has become a traditional dessert served in the homes of Blue Bell Ice Cream fans. That’s why Gingerbread House Ice Cream is a perfect addition to this line. The flavor is festive and definitely the best-tasting gingerbread house I’ve ever eaten.” Gingerbread House joins Christmas Cookies Ice Cream, Peppermint Ice Cream and Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Ice Cream. Christmas Cookies, a combination of favorite holiday cookies--chocolate chip, snickerdoodle and sugar--in a tasty sugar cookie ice cream with red candy cane-shaped sprinkles and a green icing swirl throughout, was re-released earlier this summer for a special promotion due to its overwhelming popularity last winter. It was Christmas in July! Spiced Pumpkin Pecan is a delightful spiced pumpkin ice cream combined with tasty sugar-coated pecans and a rich cinnamon-honey-praline sauce. This flavor made its debut in 2010. Peppermint, a long-time favorite ice cream flavor during the holiday season, is a cool, refreshing peppermint ice cream sprinkled with peppermint candy pieces. “We tried something new last year when we introduced our Holiday Favorites line of ice cream,” Breed adds. “Traditionally, less ice cream is sold during the winter months, but our Holiday Favorites were an instant hit.” For more information, visit www.bluebell.com.

	MAKING FROZEN TREATS A WINTER HOLIDAY DESSERT (posted December 4, 2012) It’s the holiday season once again and Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, is offering a new lineup of dome-shaped ice cream cakes to brighten up holiday parties. Consumers can customize each cake by choosing their favorite ice cream flavor, including December’s Flavor of the Month--Mint Chocolate Chip--a classic flavor featuring mint-flavored ice cream with semi-sweet chocolate chips. The fanciful holiday designs include an elf, Santa and a snowman. Each cake serves eight to a dozen people. The suggested retail price is $26.99 and cakes are only available during the month of December. For guests looking for a smaller treat, Baskin-Robbins is also offering Snowman and Snow Woman Individual Treats. Consumers can pick their favorite Baskin-Robbins flavor and turn it into a snowman almost too cute to eat. These have a suggested retail price of $2.49. For more information, visit www.BaskinRobbins.com

	DESSERT-WITHIN-A-DESSERT: CANNOLI ICE CREAM (posted November 29, 2012) Ben & Jerry’s is on trend with its latest dessert-in-a dessert ice cream concoction: Cannoli. (Read “Ice Cream Trends 2013” HERE.) This new limited-edition ice cream is mascarpone ice cream with fudge-covered cannoli pastry chunks and a mascarpone swirl. Traditionally, cannoli is an Italian dessert that consists of fried pastry dough filled with a creamy cheese filling, usually containing ricotta. The company opted to use mascarpone for its preferred sensory experience. This isn’t the first time the company has tried to re-create the Sicilian pastry. It launched Holy Cannoli in 1997. Made of vanilla pistachio ice cream, ricotta, chocolate-covered cannoli pieces and roasted pistachios, Holy Cannoli was withdrawn within a year. At the Ben & Jerry’s flavor graveyard in Vermont, Holy Cannoli’s gravestone reads: “Now in front of the pearly gates, Holy Cannoli sits and waits. What brought its ruin no one knows, it must have been the pistachios.” One Facebook user complained about the use of mascarpone instead of ricotta in the new offering. The company responded: “We made a cannoli flavor with ricotta cheese before, and it didn’t do so hot, so we’re putting a new twist on this version. We also have a flavor called Chubby Hubby, but you don’t find any overweight spouses in it.” For more information, visit www.benjerry.com

	HOMEMADE GREEK FROZEN YOGURT (posted November 26, 2012) The Greek yogurt craze gets a cool twist with Greek Frozen Yogurt from Homemade Brand, the premium, yet affordable line of frozen desserts from United Dairy Farmers. The new pint line comes in five flavors: Blueberry, Honey Granola, Peach, Raspberry and Strawberry. “Consumers love Greek yogurt for its thick, creamy texture, and our new product captures this decadently satisfying profile,” says John Luebbers, vice president, sales and marketing, United Dairy Farmers. “Now, people can indulge in a treat that’s healthier than typical ice cream, while still tickling their taste buds.” A half-cup serving has fewer calories, about half the fat and more protein than traditional ice cream, according to the company. The product offers some of the health benefits of Greek yogurt, including probiotic cultures. For more information, visit www.udfinc.com/homemade_brand/

	ICE CREAM TRENDS 2013 (read the November 16, 2013 BLOG.)

	BOO (posted October 31, 2012) It’s been a ghoulish week…and it’s only Wednesday. Happy Halloween! It’s not too late to swing by Baskin-Robbins to purchase a devilishly delightful ice cream cake for tonight’s scary festivities. These festive ice cream cakes are perfect for this hair-raising holiday. Guests can customize each cake by choosing their favorite ice cream flavor, including October’s Flavor of the Month--Trick Oreo Treat--which features vanilla-flavored ice cream with orange creme-filled Oreo cookies, as well as Baby Ruth and Butterfinger candy pieces mixed in. “Our Halloween and fall-themed ice cream cakes are sure to make your family and friends howl with delight during this festive holiday,” says Stan Frankenthaler, Baskin-Robbins Executive Chef and Vice President of Innovation at Dunkin’ Brands. “These cakes make perfect additions to any Halloween party and are sure to serve as ‘spooktacular’ centerpieces with their eye-catching designs.” For more information, visit www.baskinrobbins.com

	HEAVENLY ICE CREAM (posted October 17, 2012) Nun Better Snickerdoodle, one of seven new flavors in Pierre’s Ice Cream Company’s newly launched Signature Collection, is the product of a unique collaboration between the 80-year-old Cleveland-based ice cream maker and the Sisters of the Holy Spirit, an order of nuns famously known for delivering batches of their homemade Nun Better Cookies to the Cleveland Indians. Featuring caramel ice cream with snickerdoodle cookies and caramel swirl, Pierre’s Nun Better Snickerdoodle is inspired by the cookie of the same name, one of several varieties in the order’s Nun Better brand. Proceeds from the sisters’ cookies support their order, whose ministry involves serving the older adults at Jennings Center for Older Adults in Garfield Heights, Ohio. Sister Mary Assumpta, known around Cleveland as “The Baseball Nun” for delivering her order’s cookies to the Indians and serving as a baseball correspondent for WEWS-TV News Channel 5 in Cleveland and CBS This Morning in the 1990s, approached Pierre’s last year about creating an ice cream based on one of the order’s cookies. After months of searching for the perfect ingredients and fine tuning the recipe, Pierre’s flavor-development team unveiled Nun Better Snickerdoodle. “Nun Better Snickerdoodle is a wonderful flavor,” said Sister Mary Assumpta. “It really captures the spirit of our cookies. We are very excited and are sure it will please both cookie and ice cream lovers alike!” Pierre’s Signature Ice Cream line was created in celebration of Pierre’s 80th anniversary in 2012. There are six other unique and indulgent flavors in addition to Nun Better Snickerdoodle. They are: Banana Fudge Chunk, Cherries & Chocolate Chunks, Chocolate Lava Cake, Coconut Fudge Almond, Exquisite Vanilla and Mocha Mud Pie. For more information, visit www.pierres.com.

	YOPLAIT YOGURT GETS FROZEN (posted October 9, 2012) All the goodness of Yoplait yogurt is now also available in the frozen aisle. Yoplait Original and Yoplait Greek Frozen Yogurt Pints and Bars contain live and active cultures, real fruit and use natural flavors. All flavors are low fat and a good source of calcium, with the Greek flavors also containing twice as much protein as regular frozen yogurt. Yoplait Original Frozen Yogurt Pints come in seven flavors: Strawberry, Harvest Peach, Strawberry Banana, Cherry Orchard, Mountain Blueberry, Vanilla and Mixed Berry. Yoplait Greek Frozen Yogurt Pints also come in seven flavors: Honey Caramel, Strawberry, Blueberry, Peach, Black Cherry, Raspberry Fig and Vanilla. Both pint lines have a suggested retail price of $3.99. Yoplait Original Frozen Yogurt Bars are 1.75 fluid-ounces and available in Strawberry Banana and Harvest Peach flavors. They are sold in 10-packs with a suggested retail price of $4.93. Yoplait Greek Frozen Yogurt Bars are 2.65 fluid ounces and are available in Honey Caramel and Raspberry flavors. These have a suggested retail price of $4.93 for a box of six. The products are produced by Wells Enterprises Inc., which licenses the Yoplait brand from General Mills. For more information, visit http://yoplait.com/products/yoplait-frozen-yogurt

	FRESHLY BAKED APPLE CRISP ALA MODE (posted September 13, 2012) As the sultry days of summer come to a close, Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, invites ice cream lovers to “fall” into the new season with its September Flavor of the Month: Apple Cinnamon Crisp. Featuring cinnamon-flavored ice cream with apple and oat chunks, plus a buttery brown sugar cinnamon swirl-flavored ribbon, Apple Cinnamon Crisp combines classic autumn flavors into one delicious frozen treat. “Apple Cinnamon Crisp is inspired by seasonal touch points like orchard harvests and warm baked goods,” says Stan Frankenthaler, Baskin-Robbins Executive Chef and Vice President of Innovation at Dunkin’ Brands. For a more decadent treat, guests can enjoy the new Apple Cinnamon Crisp Waffle Bowl Sundae. The sundae features two scoops of Apple Cinnamon Crisp ice cream in a waffle bowl, topped with warm caramel praline topping, whipped cream, almonds and is finished with a cherry on top. For more information, visit www.BaskinRobbins.com

	FROZEN GREEK YOGURT CUPS (posted Sept. 6, 2012) Healthy Choice, one of the pioneers of health-minded food in the freezer aisle, is introducing a line of Greek Frozen Yogurt made with real fruit, nonfat milk and yogurt cultures. A recent study from The NPD Group finds that more than half of Americans are snacking two or three times each day, and that one in every five eating occasions in the U.S. is a snack. “We know consumers are looking for convenient snacking alternatives that don’t make them choose between nutrition and taste,” says Krista McDonald, Healthy Choice senior brand manager. “Our new Greek Frozen Yogurt has the delicious, creamy taste they’re seeking, and at just 100-calories in each individual cup, it’s a treat that’s easy to enjoy anytime.” Available nationwide in four flavors—Blueberry, Raspberry, Strawberry and Vanilla Bean--Healthy Choice Greek Frozen Yogurt can be found in the freezer aisle, next to Healthy Choice meals. The 4-ounce cups are sold in three-pack boxes. For more information, visit www.healthychoice.com

	TOUCHDOWN! BUCKEYE BLITZ GOES MAINSTREAM (posted Sept. 5, 2012) College football is upon us and this year, Ohio State Buckeye fans will finally be sharing their beloved namesake ice cream—Buckeye Blitz—developed and manufactured by Graeter’s. Previously only sold within the state of Ohio, the product is now available throughout Graeter’s ice cream distribution network, including mail order. To prevent Big Ten bias from stopping consumers outside Ohio from trying this winner, it has been renamed Chocolate Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip. The company describes the flavor as: “Our premium chocolate ice cream that has been fortified with our creamy peanut butter flavor and loaded with peanut butter cookie dough pieces and our signature chocolate chips.” A half-cup serving contains 290 calories and 18 grams of fat. The company prides itself on making “the world’s most irresistible ice cream.” It is made using a unique French pot process—producing only two gallons at a time. For more information, visit www.graeters.com/buckeye.aspx

	PRE-PACKED SOFT-SERVE TREAT (posted August 4, 2012) Kemps now offers individual cups of SnoBlitz soft-serve, complete with toppings. These convenient 10-ounce containers make it possible to enjoy soft-serve ice cream from one’s home freezer. There are four varieties: Brownie Batter: Chocolate brownie batter-flavored soft-serve ice cream combined with chunks of chewy fudge brownies Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: Vanilla-flavored soft-serve ice cream combined with chunks of sweet chocolate chip cookie dough Cookies & Cream: Vanilla-flavored soft-serve ice cream loaded with chocolaty cookie pieces Peanut Butter Cup: Vanilla-flavored soft-serve ice cream with creamy peanut butter cup pieces Each cup contains about four half-cup servings, with calories ranging from 140 to 150 per serving. To view the commercial, visit http://youtu.be/dS7JjQm2pfM. For more information, visit www.kemps.com/snoblitz.

	CALORIE-CONSCIOUS CHEESECAKE NOVELTY (posted August 30, 2012) Wells Enterprises Inc., adds Cherry Cheesecake Ice Cream Sandwiches to its Weight Watchers brand of frozen novelties. Described as low-fat cheesecake-flavored ice cream with a cherry swirl sandwiched between two honey graham wafers, each 2.25-ounce sandwich contains 90 calories, 1 gram of fat, 2 grams of protein and is worth two Weight Watchers Points. The new flavor joins Vanilla Bean and Dutch Chocolate varieties. The sandwiches are sold in boxes of eight. For more information, visit www.weightwatchers.com/shop/categoryshowcase.aspx?pa.geid=1056551

	SALT IS DELICIOUS (posted August 17, 2012) Sodium, when paired with chloride, makes table salt, an ingredient that not only enhances flavor but also performs various functions in different applications. Table salt also happens to be the chemical reference used to demonstrate the taste of salty, one of the five basic tastes, which includes bitter, sour, sweet and umami. Salt is also delicious. Take for example the new low-fat Salted Caramel frozen yogurt that launched this week by 16 Handles, one of New York’s premier self-serve frozen yogurt chains. The hint of salt is that layer of deliciousness that turns the sweet taste of caramel into a culinary delight. This better-for-you indulgent snack and dessert combines sweet with salty to offer those who crave these two basic tastes an all-in-one experience. For more on salt as an ingredient, my August 17, 2012 BLOG.

	SOPHISTICATED, PLAYFUL AND HEALTHFUL: HAVE A SCOOP OF FOXY! (posted August 16, 2012) “Pashing” is an Australian term for kissing between teenagers, and Down Under, since 2009, it has also been the theme for a four-variety line of premium frozen yogurt sold under the brand Foxy’s. Starting this month, Foxy’s Premium Frozen Yogurt is being made in California (packages feature the “Real California Milk” logo) and sold in pint containers. Here in the States, this better-for-you premium frozen yogurt, which took two years to develop, is positioned as a guilt-free, indulgent, frozen dessert. Initial distribution is mail delivery, over dry ice, via online orders. Retailers will be getting their first shipments in September. The four varieties, with their “pashing” descriptions provided from the Ventura, CA-based company, are: Cheeky: Just like hearing a compliment from a stranger, Cheeky Mango & Passionfruit Smoothie leaves you with a playful smile spread across your face. Sneaky: Ladies love to be sneaky (in a fun way). A sneaky pash with Wild Berry & Chocolate Flakes maintains that mysterious side (and drives gentlemen wild). Naughty: Contrary to popular belief, there is nothing naughty in Honeycomb & Caramel Chunks (other than the Foxy feeling left on your lips). Sassy: Who doesn’t want to pash big hunks of goodness? Enjoy a sassy pash and lock lips with Vanilla Bean & Strawberry Hunks. A half-cup serving contains 80 to 100 calories, and zero to 2-grams fat, depending on variety. For more information, visit www.foxypash.com. P.S. I was sent samples…and the product is fabulous!

	NUTRITIONALLY ENHANCED FROZEN DESSERT (posted July 24, 2012) As the U.S. celebrates National Ice Cream month, a new brand is taking center stage: Thrive Frozen Nutrition. Thrive Frozen Nutrition is formulated with 25% of the Recommended Daily Intake of 24 vitamins and minerals along with 3 grams of fiber and 9 grams of protein per single-serve (6-ounce) cup. The source of protein is high-quality milk protein isolate. The source of fiber is digestive resistant maltodextrin. The product also provides four strains of live and active probiotic cultures. According to the company, Thrive contains all the nutrition and benefits of the typical liquid nutrition shake in a form proven to be more enjoyable to eat. More than 1,500 consumers have tasted Thrive products and 75% of them rated the flavor as better than liquid nutrition drinks. Thrive comes in four flavors: Homemade Vanilla, Milk Chocolate, Chocolate Fudge and Strawberry. For more information, visit www.thrive4nutrition.com.

	SUGAR-FREE ICE CREAM AND FROZEN NOVELTIES (posted July 16, 2012) Making ice cream that is completely void of sugar, even milk’s inherent lactose, is not an easy feat, but Clemmy’s Ice Cream proves that it is possible. This line of super-premium ice cream pints and sorbet and ice cream bars also contains no gluten, making them especially appealing to consumers with lactose and gluten sensitivities. In lieu of sugar, Clemmy’s uses two polyols—xylitol and maltitol--to give the products the sweetness they deserve. The products also include maltodextrin/soluble corn fiber, with a half-cup of the pint product being a good source of fiber (3 grams of fiber per serving) and a single bar being an excellent source (5 grams). The pints come in eight flavors: Butter Pecan, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Coffee, Orange Créme, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Toasted Almond and Vanilla. They contain 120 to 220 calories and 6 to 16 grams of fat per half-cup serving, depending on flavor. The bars come in four varieties: Orange Créme, Strawberries ‘N Créme and Cherry Vanilla Sorbet and Ice Cream Bars, and Chocolate Fudge Low Fat Ice Cream Bars. They each contain 70 calories and 1.5 to 2.0 grams of fat, depending on variety. There’s also a unique doughnut-shaped novelty offered by Clemmy’s called Ice Cream Os. It is creamy vanilla ice cream covered with a sweet, decadent chocolate shell. Ice Cream Os contain no sugar or gluten and deliver 100 calories, 7 grams of fat and 2 grams of fiber per serving. For more information, visit www.clemmysicecream.com

	FLAVORS OF THE PHILLIPINES (posted July 12, 2012) Flavors that are exotic to Americans, but familiar to Filipinos...that's what you find in new ice cream offerings from Magnolia Ice Cream. For the somewhat adventurous, there is Buttery Sweet Corn, which includes corn kernel bits with swirls of butter sweet corn sauce. Macapuno Ube Swirl is exactly that—macapuno-flavored ice cream with an ube swirl. Quezo Primero is cheese-flavored ice cream with real cheese bits And the most exotic of them all is Creamy Halo-Halo. This ice cream sensation contains bits of bananas, red monggo beans, white kidney beans, ube cubes, camote cubes, langka strips, buco strings, green kaong, garbanzos, leche flan cubes, red jelly cubes and rice crispies. There’s a unique combination of bits and pieces in every bite. For more information, visit www.magnoliaicecream.com.ph/

	HIGH-PROTEIN, LOW-FAT GELATO (posted June 20, 2012) Attendees at this week’s Fancy Food Show, held in the nation’s capitol, were treated to a new, nutrient-dense gelato developed by Adrian Pace, founder and CEO of Figo Brands Inc._ With 15 grams of protein and only 2.5 grams of fat per 4-ounce container, new Forte Gelato provides permission to indulge. The product contains a proprietary protein blend identified on ingredient statements as being a combination of milk protein and soy protein. Varieties are chocolate and vanilla. After undergoing six open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant, Pace changed his career following 15 years on Wall Street as a Hedge Fund Manager. His journey to good health taught him the value of nutrition and how vital protein is for survival. It was this realization that inspired him to create Forte Gelato, to bring health and happiness for people to enjoy and be strong, too. Forte Gelato was created with nutritional standards for hospital patients and is now going mainstream. For more information, visit www.tasteforte.com.
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	CHEERS! ICE CREAM THAT'S WORTHY OF A TOAST! (posted June 11, 2012) Since 2006, Mercer’s Dairy has been blending its premium ice cream with wine to create frozen desserts intended for those 21-years and older. The company most recently added Cherry Merlot (Bordeaux cherries blended with ice cream and a merlot wine recognized for its plum and black cherry undertones) and Chocolate Cabernet (chocolate ice cream with bits of bittersweet chocolate blended with a Cabernet wine filled with dried cherry and cassis notes) to its product line. In addition to distribution in the U.S., the product line is available for export to the Caribbean, Europe and the Pacific Rim. In fact, the company won the 2011 Trends & Innovations Award at SIAL China in Shanghai. The other varieties are Peach White Zinfandel (ice cream with fresh peaches blended with white zinfandel wine), Port (ice cream blended with ruby port wine), Red Raspberry Chardonnay (ice cream blended with raspberry sauce and a Chardonnay wine known for its delicate vanilla notes and buttery smooth taste) and Riesling (ice cream blended with a Riesling wine prized for its fruity, crisp refreshing quality). The product is 15% butterfat with 5% alcohol by volume. Each half-cup serving contains 210 to 310 calories, depending on flavor. For more information, visit www.mercersdairy.com.

	LOCAL, GOURMET ICE CREAM SANDWICHES (posted June 4, 2012) Shatto Milk Company, which only recently began selling super-premium ice cream (chocolate, strawberry and vanilla pints) made on the family farm, is now selling ice cream sandwiches. Made with its farmstead ice cream, the dairy sources cookies from a nearby Kansas City bakery--Dolce Baking Company--to keep the product “100% locally made.” The new Sammiches come in four varieties: Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream, Sugar Cookie with Strawberry Ice Cream, Chocolate Chip Cookie with Vanilla Ice Cream and Oatmeal Raisin Cookie with Caramel Sea Salt Ice Cream. For more information, visit www.shattomilk.com

	EVEN THE POPSICLE WANTS IN ON THE YOGURT CRAZE (posted May 31, 2012) This summer, Unilever’s Popsicle brand is bringing families an unexpected twist with Yosicle pops, which combine the classic taste of Popsicle ice pops with the creamy deliciousness of yogurt. Available in four fun varieties, featuring three unique shapes, Yosicle pops contain 10% nonfat yogurt and are an excellent source of calcium per two-pop serving. Yosicle Torpedo! pops feature three flavors in one low-fat, creamy pop: Purple Berry, Watermelon and Vanilla. Yosicle Layerz! pops feature two flavors per low-fat pop and are made with flavored ice on the top and yogurt on the bottom. They are available in two flavor combinations: Cotton Candy & Vanilla and Orange & Vanilla. Yosicle Duos! pops feature yogurt on the inside with flavored ice on the outside. These low-fat pops have two flavors on each stick and are available in two variety boxes: Watermelon-Vanilla and Cotton Candy-Vanilla or Purple Berry-Vanilla and Cherry-Vanilla.

	WINESICLES IN THE WINDY CITY (posted May 24, 2012) When in Chicago and visiting the popular tourist destination Millennium Park, be sure to stop by the Fairmont Hotel and cool off with a Winesicle. This “21-and-older” frozen summer sensation is served at the hotel’s eno wine room and sells for $5.00. For this upcoming Memorial Day weekend, eno will offer a red, white and blue-themed winesicle. This holiday-themed frozen treat includes Brachetto d’Acqui, sweet white wine, blueberry-infused simple syrup and water. Other varieties include: Muscatsicles (muscat, orange juice, pineapple juice, simple syrup and a pinch of salt), Sauvignon Rouge-Sicles (cabernet sauvignon, apple juice, cranberry juice, simple syrup and lime juice), Sauvignon Blancsickles (sauvignon blanc, lime juice, grapefruit juice, simple syrup and apple juice), and Champagnesickles (sparkling wine, orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, pineapple juice and a pinch of salt). For more information, visit www.fairmont.com/chicago.

	DECADENT MINT ICE CREAM WITH DARK CHOCOLATE (posted May 17, 2012) Mars Inc., debuted Dovebar Mint Swirl Ice Cream With Dark Chocolate at the recent 2012 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago. The stick bar novelty provides a new twist on the classic combination of chocolate and mint ice cream. It starts with a base of minty ice cream that is swirled with a ribbon of dark chocolate. The bar is then dipped in a luscious chocolate coating made with silky smooth Dove Dark Chocolate to create a premium taste. Suggested retail price is $3.99 per 3-pack. For more information, visit www.doveicecream.com.

	AUTHENTIC FLAVORS OF GREEK YOGURT IN SOFT-SERVE FORM (posted May 16, 2012) 16 Handles, a New York City self-serve frozen yogurt company, adds a soft-serve version of Greek yogurt—My Greek Honey—to its product lineup. My Greek Honey, made from fresh, probiotic-dense and protein-packed Greek yogurt, is being showcased as the Flavor of the Month at all 16 Handles locations throughout May. The 16 Handles’ innovation team, led by Head Chef Robynne Maii, suggests pairing My Greek Honey with sour cherries, a new topping that was selected to complement the limited edition’s smooth and creamy honey taste. “My Greek Honey offers frozen yogurt lovers a better-for-you snack and dessert option while meeting our guests’ demands for a product that people are passionate about—Greek yogurt,” says Solomon Choi, the company’s founder. “We may not be the first frozen-treats company to go Greek, but we are first to present it along with an exclusive topping that enhances the natural flavor of Greek yogurt.” One (1/2 cup) serving of My Greek Honey boasts 7 grams of protein, 0 grams of fat, 90 calories and only 11 grams of sugar. Like all 16 Handles yogurt flavors, My Greek Honey is made from the highest quality yogurt with live and active cultures and is kosher-certified. The company opened its first location in 2008 and a second store in 2009. In 2010, the company opened three more stores and began franchising. The chain grew to 14 locations in 2011 and it added another six stores within the first quarter of 2012. It will open 12 more locations by the end of this summer. For more information, visit www.16handles.com.

	BITE-SIZED FROZEN YOGURT TREATS (posted April 16, 2012) General Mills is test marketing Yoplait Bites, which are bite-sized, granola-coated frozen yogurt treats. The healthful formulation, which includes live and active cultures and only 30-calories per bite, comes in two flavors: Key Lime Pie and Vanilla Strawberry. Designed to provide permission to indulge, the bites are sold in multi-serving 8.4-ounce bags, with each bag containing about 25 bites.

ULTRA SUPER-PREMIUM ICE CREAM (posted December 23, 2014)
David’s Famous Gourmet Frozen Custard contains more than 23% milkfat.
Manufactured by Gott Ice Cream LLC, the pint line debuted earlier this year in five flavors: Coffee, Dark Chocolate, Lemon, Sea Salt Caramel and Vanilla.
Five new flavors recently joined the lineup. They are: Black Walnut, Blueberry, Ginger, Pistachio and Pumpkin.
The frozen custard is based on a Gott family recipe and is made with all-natural ingredients in the company’s brand new ice cream manufacturing facility in Iowa.
The standard of identity for frozen custard requires a minimum of 1.4% egg yolk solids. David’s Famous contains 4%.
With cream listed first on the ingredient statement, a half-cup serving contains 250 to 270 calories and 20 to 21 grams of fat, depending on variety.
For more information, visit www.davidsfamous.com.

Frozen Desserts 2012 - 2017