The Cult of Blue Moon Ice Cream (2024)

Blue moon is a sweet staple of Midwestern summers.

By

Khushbu Shah

The Cult of Blue Moon Ice Cream (1)

Khushbu Shah is a freelance writer and contributing editor for Food & Wine, having previously been the magazine’s restaurant editor. Her debut cookbook, AMRIKAN: 125 Recipes from the Indian American Diaspora came out in June 2024.

Published on June 11, 2021

The phrase "Once in a Blue Moon" never really made any sense to me as a child. In my world, you could find blue moon ice cream in the freezer aisle of every grocery store and in the cold case of any scoop shop worth its salt. The flavor, which has a distinct, Smurf-like hue, was always one of my favorites growing up—due in no small part to the fact that it would stain your tongue a bright, galactic blue.

Blue moon ice cream is not only memorable because of its vivid shade, but also because of its mysterious flavor. No one can agree on what it actually tastes like; some claim it tastes of citrus with strong hits of vanilla, while others swear it is flavored with almond extract. Some say it tastes like a bowl of Froot Loops or Fruity Pebbles; others say it is cotton candy and bubble gum. Recipes to re-create the flavor at home commonly call for raspberry and lemon. Personally, I think it tastes like a concoction of black cherry, vanilla pudding, and marshmallow.

The Cult of Blue Moon Ice Cream (2)

Many attribute the invention of blue moon to Bill Sidon, who was the chief flavor chemist at Petran Products, based in Milwaukee, in the 1950s. The recipe, which still remains a secret today, was first trademarked by the company. Since then, blue moon has gone on to become a staple of Midwestern ice cream culture. It's made by a number of creameries in the region today, but they each keep their proprietary recipes a secret—and I think the ice cream tastes better for it.

Best of the Blues

Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream

This family-run shop in Madison, Wisconsin, was founded in 1962. Though it produces more than 100 different flavors, blue moon remains a fan favorite. $9 per pint, icecreamsource.com

Clementine's Naughty and Nice Creamery

At this small-batch creamery in St. Louis, blue moon is part of the "Nice" collection, meaning it's free of alcohol, but its pungent raspberry and lemon flavors won't leave you wanting. $12 per pint, clementinescreamery.com

Hudsonville Ice Cream

This Michigan staple sells its ice cream in big containers to feed a crowd. hudsonvilleicecream.com

Salted Blue Corn Waffle Cones

Nothing goes better with blue moon than a blue cone. These cones, from The Konery, based in Brooklyn, are a bit less sweet than a regular waffle cone, which works to balance the sugary ice cream. $140 for 144 cones, webstaurantstore.com

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The Cult of Blue Moon Ice Cream (2024)

FAQs

What is the actual flavor of blue moon ice cream? ›

Believe it or not, fans often cite Froot Loops—yes, the cereal—as one of the main notes in blue moon's flavor profile. Other guesses include vanilla with a hint of citrus, amaretto, lemon, cotton candy, marshmallow, bubble gum and more. People who make blue moon ice cream at home use raspberry and lemon.

Who owns blue moon ice cream? ›

According to the Milwaukee theory, Bill Sidon, the chief flavor chemist of Petran Products, created the flavor after arriving in the U.S. from Austria in the 1950s. The company was later sold to Weber Flavors in Chicago in 1982, which now owns the trademark to the flavoring in blue moon ice cream.

Is blue moon ice cream a Michigan thing? ›

Blue moon is an ice cream flavor with bright blue coloring, available in the Upper Midwest of the United States. Multiple cities in the region claim to be the originator, with the popular theories including Plainwell, Michigan; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Ludington, Michigan.

What is the flavor of the Purple Moon ice cream? ›

As a result, we created Purple Moon, Purple Door's take on this sugary sweet Midwestern ice cream classic. Purple Moon has no artificial colors or flavors, is laced with hints of citrus and almond and is, or course, purple.

Does Blue Moon ice cream taste like Fruit Loops? ›

Just like the milk in the bottom of a Fruit Loops bowl, this tasty ice cream has a sweet Fruit Loops taste and a wacky blue color. Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream has been crafted in Madison, Wisconsin, with real cane sugar, Wisconsin milk and the best ingredients we can find since 1962.

What flavor ice cream is Superman? ›

A playful twist of strawberry, banana, and Blue Moon ice cream. Another great kid favorite!

What is the Midwest favorite ice cream? ›

You've heard of the Midwestern love of Blue Moon ice cream, Superman ice cream incorporates that! It's a swirl of red, blue, and yellow ice creams. Usually, they're raspberry, lemon, and blue moon flavors.

Does MillerCoors own Blue Moon? ›

In 2008 production was moved to Eden, North Carolina, and Golden, Colorado. In addition to Blue Moon Belgian White, the company also sells seasonal beers and limited release offerings, such as Grand Cru. Blue Moon remains a wholly owned subsidiary of MillerCoors. See also craft brewing .

Is Blue Moon the same as smurf ice cream? ›

Blue Moon ice cream and its Smurf counterpart are sweet, sweet, sweet and bright blue. If either of these things is a turnoff, you might leave this flavor to the kiddos and the young at heart.

What is Michigan's favorite ice cream? ›

Michigan is the only state to prefer Superman ice cream, according to the poll. Cookies and cream is the top searched ice cream in the country, followed by vanilla and then chocolate. Chocolate is more popular than vanilla ice cream in Michigan, along with 32 other states, the poll shows.

Does blue moon ice cream have pineapple? ›

Most recipes for the “Midwest” version of blue moon ice cream do not include the pineapple, so adding them is entirely up to you. The ice cream I knew and loved from my childhood in Western N.Y. included pineapple, so my nostalgia required it.

What flavor ice cream is cookie Monster? ›

This sweet and fantastically blue flavor features sweet cream ice cream and is stuffed with a mix of chocolate sandwich cookie pieces, chocolate chip cookie pieces, and a cookie dough batter flavored swirls. Each scoop is creamy, crunchy, chewy, and perfectly satisfies those cookie cravings… until you want more!

Is Superman ice cream only in Michigan? ›

Today, you'll find Superman ice cream throughout the Midwest, especially in Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

What is Supermoon ice cream? ›

The fourth flavor, Supermoon, is a retired flavor that's returning to scoop shops and pints, known for having a cereal milk flavor with marshmallows, candied violet and plenty of glittery moon dust.

What does a purple door mean? ›

A purple front door is a sign of creativity and open-mindedness. Purple doors can also promote good health and success in your career. In many cultures, purple is associated with royalty, wealth and honor. It's also a spiritual color, worn by pastors and priests.

What flavor is Blue Moon cookie dough ice cream? ›

Turns out it is just a vanilla ice cream base, dyed blue and with cookie dough pieces mixed in that contain candy coated chips.

What is the moon mist ice cream flavor? ›

Believed to have been created in Nova Scotia in the 1960s, the ice cream is an unusual combination of banana, grape and bubble gum flavours and is sold by many of the large regional dairy producers. These flavours are not fully blended together.

What is Blue Moon beer original flavor? ›

Knowing the American palate would appreciate a bit more brightness than the typical tartness of a Belgian Wit, Blue Moon® Belgian White Belgian-Style Wheat Ale was brewed with Valencia orange peel to accomplish the one-of-a-kind signature, subtle sweetness that we all know and love today.

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