13 New England Ice Cream Flavors to Eat This Summer

While ice cream is a universally beloved treat, New England is particularly fond of its unique flavors (think coffee, maple walnut, and grapenut). So we set out to find the best of the best, from classic flavors to one-of-a-kind creations — blueberry sour cream strudel, for example (made, of course, with Maine blueberries). Here’s a baker’s dozen of the best ice cream flavors in New England.

13 New England Ice Cream Flavors to Eat This Summer

1. Real Maple Walnut Walpole Creamery in Walpole, NH

For this “cow to cone” treat, the milk and maple syrup come from nearby farms. The flavor? From heaven. Walpole, NH.

2. Roasted Beet & Ginger Grass Roots in Granby, CT

All the Grass Roots flavors are winners, but this one — inspired by a challenge to use local veggies for an annual farm fest — is the sweet and warming standout. 

3. Dark Chocolate Morano Gelato in Hanover, NH, and Chestnut Hill, MA

Like the best frozen pudding, this ultra-dense, ultra-creamy, ultra-chocolatey gelato is, well, ultra-irresistible.

4. Mango Sorbet Lake Champlain Chocolates in Burlington, VT

While Lake Champlain’s ice creams are terrific, we’re suckers for the vibrant tropical zestiness of this sorbet.

5. Green Tea Lulu in Vergennes, VT

This Japanese flavor done by way of Vermont is creamy, complex, and a must-try for tea drinkers.

6. Kulfi Three Sisters in Providence, RI

Cardamom, cinnamon, and pistachio enrich this addictively aromatic take on a Southeast Asian staple.

7. Strawberry Forge Ice Cream Bar in Somerville, MA

The flavor is delicate and floral, the base is rich in butterfat, and the texture — thanks to markedly careful churning — is awesomely creamy-chewy.

8. Mystic Mud Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream in Mystic, CT

Lovers of chunk: This one begins with a chocolate base, then adds M&Ms and brownies. And fudge. And chocolate chunks. And cookies. 

9. Blueberry Sour Cream Strudel Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream in Portland and Bar Harbor, ME

Start with Maine’s signature berry, then add the tang of sour cream and a buttery crumble topping. Perfection.

10. Grapenut Ice Cream Smuggler in Dennis, MA

This classic New England flavor comes off like the best bowl of cereal you ever had. 

11. Vanilla Sweetcream Dairy in Biddeford, ME

A certified dairy processing plant, Sweetcream makes its own bases from scratch. Taste the difference in this vanilla to end all vanillas.

12. Coffee Ice Cream Gray’s in Tiverton, RI

From the state that gave us the gift of coffee milk comes, of course, the ultimate coffee ice cream.

13. Maple Creemee Canteen Creemee in Waitsfield, VT

We just can’t write about ice cream without a nod to the signature Vermont soft-serve. Without a doubt, Canteen’s sets the standard.  What do you think is the best ice cream in New England? Let us know! These “Editors’ Picks for Food Lovers” originally appeared in the May/June 2018 issue of Yankee. 

SEE MORE: Best of New England | 2018 Editors’ Choice Awards5 Favorite New England Ice Cream FlavorsHow to Make Maple Walnut Ice Cream