Creative Flavors to Elevate Vanilla Ice Cream
The summer might be almost over, but consumers’ love for ice cream is a year-round affair. And while vanilla is continually shown to be the most popular choice, its mild flavor profile can become a bit monotonous by the end of the season. Join us as we at Advanced Biotech are exploring natural flavors that are perfecting for taking a bowl of vanilla ice cream to the next level.
Berries
There’s no better way to enjoy the best fruit summer has to offer than combining it with ice cream. Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries make an ideal topping for this basic frozen treat as the vibrant tang of these colorful fruits pair perfectly with creamy, slightly floral vanilla. Straight from the vine, berries can be complimented by fresh mint or zesty orange peel to further elevate this flavor profile, or they can be cooked down into an intense, sweet sauce and drizzled with reduced balsamic vinegar for a sweet and savory taste.
Coffee
America’s favorite ice cream flavor combined with its favorite drink – what could be better? Aromatic, smoky coffee cuts through the rich creaminess of vanilla ice cream to create a flavor profile that is reminiscent of the popular Italian dessert tiramisu. Sprinkled as instant coffee power or combined with freshly brewed espresso to be enjoyed as an affogato, this combination gives basic vanilla ice cream a mature, nuanced flavor profile. Adding chocolate chips or shavings will also enhance the tiramisu effect and make for a more decadent dessert.
Molasses
A seriously underrated natural sweetener, molasses adds a warm, smoky sweetness to vanilla ice cream. Dark and medium molasses boast a robust flavor, light molasses has the mildest and sweetest flavor, while blackstrap molasses is considerably less sweet with a pronounced bitterness. Drizzled over vanilla ice cream, molasses also pairs well with toasted nuts like almonds and walnuts, as well as honey and granola.
There are endless ways to enjoy this classic summertime favorite. Natural flavors add a new level of flavor that boosts mild vanilla flavor and makes it the perfect choice for any occasion.