The average American eats 20 pounds of ice cream annually. This sweet treat has endured as a popular dessert for decades, offered everywhere from classic soda shops and diners to beachside stands. But not all cities indulge in this tradition equally. SiteSeer has determined the top ice cream-buying markets in the U.S. by analyzing grocery store spending patterns, focusing on at-home ice cream purchases (though, notably, not purchases made from ice cream shops). The results encompass all corners of the country, from Alaska to Hawaii, revealing the top 10 U.S. markets that spend the most on ice cream per capita.
10. Albany, New York
Average ice cream spend per person per year: $41.43
New York’s capital city sure loves its ice cream. Albany residents spend over $40 per person on the sweet stuff in stores annually — and that’s not to mention the dozens of ice cream stands, shops, and drive-ins found around the city. According to recent data, the most popular ice cream flavor in New York state overall is chocolate, but Albany strays from the status quo. In a local news survey, residents declared their three favorite flavors to be coffee, black raspberry, and mint chocolate chip, in that order.
9. Chico-Redding, California
Average ice cream spend: $41.45
The neighboring Northern California cities of Chico and Redding are included in the same market for this study, and they share a love of ice cream. Situated north of Sacramento, this region boasts plentiful sunny days that pair perfectly with an icy treat. Residents spend a lot of money in ice cream shops, too. One local favorite, Savor, churns 60 to 75 gallons per week to keep up with demand, offering both traditional and unique flavors, such as balsamic strawberry and Thai basil and honey.
8. Monterey-Salinas, California
Average ice cream spend: $41.52
The seaside region of Monterey and Salinas is known for its rugged coastline, charming villages, and local seafood, which many locals follow with a tasty treat: ice cream. Residents here spend an average of $41.52 on grocery store ice cream annually. Visitors to this popular tourist area should head to Revival Ice Cream, known for its award-winning Bee’s Knees flavor, made with local honey and beeswax.
7. Springfield-Holyoke, Massachusetts
Average ice cream spend: $41.85
Springfield, Massachusetts, and Holyoke, its neighboring city to the north, spend more on ice cream than any other cities in New England. According to recent data, the most popular ice cream flavors in Massachusetts are coffee, chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, and rocky road, respectively. While Ben & Jerry’s is the top-selling regional brand of ice cream in Massachusetts, many locals also opt for Richardsons Ice Cream, based in Middleton.
6. Juneau, Alaska
Average ice cream spend: $42.38
Alaska’s state capital is no stranger to cold weather, but that doesn’t stop residents of Juneau from purchasing plenty of ice cream. Locals spend an average of $42.38 per person on store-bought ice cream annually. When perusing the aisles for their favorite ice cream, many shoppers choose Tillamook, the top-selling national brand of ice cream in Alaska. One of the most popular local ice cream shops in town is Coppa, a local staple that has made headlines for its unique flavors, including roasted turmeric or candied ginger.
5. Sacramento, California
Average ice cream spend: $42.50
When Sacramento residents aren’t shopping for ice cream in the freezer section of the grocery store, they’re probably at Gunther’s Ice Cream, a local mainstay that has been serving California’s capital since 1940. One of its original flavors, Butter Brickle, is still served today, but they have over 50 flavors to choose from. If you’re having trouble deciding which to try, opt for California’s favorite flavor: rocky road.
4. Anchorage, Alaska
Average ice cream spend: $43.51
Anchorage, Alaska’s most populated city, spends more money on ice cream per capita than any other Alaskan city. The city is home to WooHoo! Ice Cream, Alaska’s bestselling regional brand, which stands out from most brands because it doesn’t use sugar as a sweetener; only maple syrup and honey are added. Some of WooHoo!’s favorite flavors include Earl Grey tea and velvet thunder (dark chocolate). But if you’re looking for something a little more traditional, they also carry Alaska’s top three favorite ice cream flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
3. San Francisco, California
Average ice cream spend: $43.75
San Franciscans spend more money on ice cream than any other West Coast city. The most popular ice cream flavors flying off California’s shelves include rocky road, chocolate, mango, strawberry, and green tea. For something more unique, head to one of San Francisco’s many ice cream shops for regional flavors like black sesame or even garlic-topped ice cream.
2. Honolulu, Hawaii
Average ice cream spend: $44.80
What better way to cool down on a warm Hawaiian day than with a bowl of ice cream? While Baskin-Robbins is the most popular national brand in Hawaii, a regional favorite is Lappert’s Hawaii, based in Kauai. If you’re visiting Honolulu or another Hawaiian city, be sure to also stop by one of the many ice cream shops offering local flavors like ube (purple yam), macapuno (a type of coconut), lilikoi (passion fruit), and Hawaii’s favorite ice cream flavor, green tea.
1. New York, New York
Average ice cream spend: $45.27
It’s official: New Yorkers love ice cream the most. While the Big Apple’s high cost of living certainly helps explain the high per-capita spending, there’s no denying that New Yorkers love a frozen treat.
Based in New York City, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is the top-selling regional brand in the state, and also sells one of the most unique ice cream flavors in the country: Kraft macaroni and cheese. To truly immerse yourself in the ice cream culture of New York City, be sure to visit the MOIC (Museum of Ice Cream) to enjoy unlimited ice cream and explore fun installations and displays.
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