Superman ice cream is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed by children and adults alike for decades. With its vibrant colors and unique blend of flavors, it is no wonder why this treat is a favorite among many. But what exactly does Superman ice cream taste like, and what makes it so special?
In this article, we will explore the taste and flavors of Superman ice cream and what sets it apart from other ice cream flavors.
The vibrant combination is so irresistible, every kid (and kid-at-heart) has to have it!
Perhaps you’re wondering if it’s just colored vanilla ice cream or if each color represents a different flavor. As a favorite childhood treat for many, it’s surprising that not everyone is familiar with this colorful dessert. Unless you’re from the Midwest, chances are you’ve never even heard of it!
But fear not, we’re here to give you the inside scoop on this superb ice cream. So, let’s dig in and discover the sweet and colorful world of Superman ice cream!
The History of Superman Ice Cream
We all know where Superman came from, but we can’t say the same for this brightly colored ice cream. What we do know for certain is that it all began in Michigan. Other than that, its origin story is a little murky.
Many people believe that the distinctive flavor originated at Stroh Brewing Company in Detroit, Michigan. What does a beer firm have to do with creating ice cream? It was the 1920s, and Prohibition had just prohibited the production of beer.
Julius Stroh, the proprietor, needed to expand the business in order to stay solvent. He rebranded his company to Stroh Products Company and sold birch beer, soft drinks, malt products, and ice cream.
Several historians believe that this unusual flavor was created by its subsidiary, the Stroh Ice Cream Company. Although, as the taste was invented in the 1920s, it was not called Superman ice cream back then. The original Superman comic book was published in 1938!
Surprisingly, the flavor was established in the 1920s, long before the first Superman comic was published in 1938! When Prohibition ended, the company returned to brewing beer, but the ice cream taste remained famous throughout the Midwest.
What Does It Taste Like?
Superman Ice Cream’s flavors are not your typical fruit flavors. Although it is recognized for its colorful appearance, the flavors are unique and intriguing. The most common combination includes blue moon, cherry, and vanilla ice cream, but different variations can be found throughout Michigan and the Midwest.
For example, Atlas Obscura claims that the flavors are vanilla, blue moon, and Red Pop, which is a combination of strawberry flavors from the famous Michigan soda company, Faygo.
The ice cream is named after the bright blue food coloring used in Blue Moon ice cream, which has a super-sweet, light almond taste. While the flavor combinations of Superman ice cream vary from store to store, one prevailing taste remains: very sweet.
It reminds me of Froot Loops in ice cream form. While other establishments provide a tangy contrast in the lemon yellow, the sweetness is still the dominant flavor.
The Red, Yellow, and Blue Flavors
Nonetheless, each flavor of Superman ice cream offers a unique culinary experience. For those with a major sweet tooth, the normal cherry ice cream is substituted for the sweeter black cherry. For a more acidic flavor profile, vanilla ice cream may be substituted for lemon ice cream.
There is no right or wrong way to eat this superhero ice cream; as long as you have that classic swirl of three colors (red, blue, and yellow), it doesn’t matter what kind of ice cream you’re eating.
Where to Buy Superman Ice Cream
Fortunately, you don’t have to travel to the fictional worlds of Smallville or Metropolis to enjoy this wonderful treat. Go to the Midwest if you’re feeling nostalgic and want a scoop of Superman ice cream!
It’s generally accessible in ice cream shops and stores in Wisconsin and Michigan, specifically:
- Stroh’s: Now called the Super Rainbow, it’s made with Red Pop, Blue Moon, and lemon ice cream
- House of Flavors: Blue Moon, Cherry, Lemon
- Meijer’s Store: Called the Scooperman, it’s made with Blue Moon, black cherry, and vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company (Madison, Wi): Cherry, Blue Moon, and vanilla
- Hudsonville Creamery & Ice Cream Company (Hudsonville, Mi): Called the SuperScoop, it’s made with Blue Moon, black cherry, and vanilla ice cream
You’re in luck if you live in Stratford, Ontario, Canada! Scooper’s Ice Cream Treats also sells “Super Hero” ice cream in a similar flavor.
Another Canadian ice cream shop, Laura Secord Chocolates, offers its own version dubbed “SuperKid,” which is made of strawberry, banana, and blueberry.
If you’re in Australia, you can get your Superman ice cream fix by eating their Rainbow ice cream. While the colors are similar, the three tints all have the same flavor: caramel.
Make Your Own
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Blue Moon ice cream | 2 cups |
| Cherry ice cream or red soda pop ice cream | 2 cups |
| Vanilla ice cream | 2 cups |
| Food coloring (blue, red, yellow) | To taste |
| Directions | Time |
|---|---|
| In a mixing bowl, combine vanilla ice cream, lemon extract, yellow food coloring, and mix well. | 10 minutes |
| Divide the mixture into three parts, and place each part in a separate mixing bowl. | 5 minutes |
| Add blue food coloring to one bowl and mix well. Add red food coloring to the second bowl and mix well. | 5 minutes |
| In the third bowl, add blue moon ice cream and mix well. | 5 minutes |
| In a 9×5 inch loaf pan, spread a layer of blue ice cream, followed by a layer of red ice cream, and then a layer of yellow ice cream. | 5 minutes |
| Repeat layering process until all ice cream is used, and freeze for at least 1 hour before serving. | 1 hour |
FAQs
Who Likes Superman Ice Cream?
Superman ice cream has a broad fan base, particularly in the Midwest region of the United States where it originated. It is enjoyed by both children and adults, and many people have fond memories of eating it during their childhood.
However, its popularity has spread beyond the Midwest, and it is now available in various ice cream shops and stores across the country.
Who Named Ice Cream?
The first recorded mention of ice cream in England was in 1671. Elias Ashmole described the dishes served at the Feast of St George at Windsor for Charles II in 1671 and included ‘one plate of ice cream’.
Is Superman Ice Cream Fruity?
Yes, Superman ice cream is often described as fruity, with flavors such as blue moon (a mix of marshmallow and bubblegum), cherry or red soda pop, and lemon, vanilla, or banana.
Can a Dog Eat Ice Cream?
Dogs can eat ice cream, but it is not recommended. Most ice cream contains sugar and dairy, which can upset a dog’s stomach and potentially lead to health problems such as obesity or lactose intolerance.
There are dog-friendly ice creams available that are made specifically for pets and do not contain harmful ingredients. It is always best to check with a veterinarian before feeding any human food to a dog.