Just in time for National Ice Cream Day on July 16, 2006, Baskin-Robbins reveals American's favorite ice cream flavors and finds some surprising regional findings. With more than 90 percent of households across the country consuming ice cream, it's no surprise that the frozen treat is an American favorite. In honor of National Ice Cream Month, Baskin-Robbins, the world's largest ice cream chain with more than 1,000 flavors in the company ice cream flavor library, reveals some flavor facts about its customers.

Americans are sweet on Vanilla

Surprisingly, most of the country says Vanilla is their favorite ice cream flavor according to Micheale Kester, Baskin-Robbins senior flavorologist. "Vanilla is one of Baskin-Robbins original flavors," said Kester. "Since the flavor was introduced by Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins in 1945, the recipe has remained unchanged."

Many would think the land of the free would boast more complex flavor choices, but Vanilla reigns supreme. An overwhelming 32 states report Vanilla to be the best selling ice cream at Baskin-Robbins locations. However, certain states including Indiana, New Mexico, Wisconsin and Utah, have broken the mold by choosing slightly less traditional flavors like Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream as their favorite. Outside of the country, Pralines 'n Cream is the most popular flavor worldwide.

Baskin-Robbins Regional Ice Cream Preferences

Behind Vanilla, ice cream enthusiasts in different pockets of the country are letting their local flavors shine. Peaches are the official fruit of Georgia so it seems appropriate that Perfectly Peachy ice cream is a seasonal favorite there too. Creole and the South go hand in hand, which is why it's the only region of the country to carry Creole Cream Cheese ice cream. Macadamia Nut ice cream is carried only in the Hawaiian market, perhaps because of the area's leadership in the Macadamia nut industry since 1881. Meanwhile, Mid-westerners are crazy for Black Walnut ice cream! Only a small amount of black walnuts are grown each year, creating a limited supply of the ice cream and a high demand.

Maybe it's the longing for the sun during the cold winter months or dreams of relaxing by the fire during the steamy northeast summer, either way ice cream enthusiasts in the north crave Rum Raisin. Luckily, the flavor is available year-round. After more than 60 years in business, Baskin-Robbins has learned that laid back west coast customers like to get a little Wild 'n Reckless every once in a while, so the company carries the sherbet favorite all year in local stores.

Seasonal Favorites

Traditionally, during the summer months, Baskin-Robbins' most popular flavors include Rainbow Sherbet (a trio of orange, raspberry and pineapple sherbet) and Rock 'n Pop Swirl (green-colored grape sherbet with purple-colored green apple sherbet loaded with popping candy). Other popular Baskin-Robbins summer ice cream flavors include fruit-filled, lighter flavors such as Lemon Custard, Bananas 'n Strawberries and Perfectly Peachy.

This season Baskin-Robbins forecasts a trend towards ice cream flavors that evoke feelings of American tradition and comfort. This summer, two new "All-American" ice cream flavors are available at participating stores across the country: Triple Play (caramel ice cream loaded with popcorn, candy-coated peanuts and chocolate-covered peanuts and pretzels) and Apple Pie a la Mode (vanilla ice cream filled with real apples, pie crust pieces and swirled with a caramel cinnamon creme ribbon).

National Ice Cream Month

July was declared National Ice Cream Month in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan and the third Sunday of the month National Ice Cream Day, which this year is Sunday, July 16, 2006. President Reagan saw this as a way to celebrate a fun and nutritious food enjoyed by more than 90 percent of the nation. In his proclamation, the President called for all Americans to observe these events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities."

Flavor History and Innovation

Baskin-Robbins has created more than 1,000 ice cream flavors over the past 60 years, many inspired by fashions, people, events in time and pop culture trends. When the Dodgers moved from Brooklyn, N.Y. to Los Angeles in 1957 Baskin-Robbins commemorated the move with Baseball Nut(TM), an American favorite to this day. In 1964 when Beatlemania struck the United States, Beatle Nut hit Baskin-Robbins stores. When Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon in 1969, Lunar Cheesecake landed at Baskin-Robbins. Gorba-Chocolate, honoring Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, was introduced in 1990. In 2001, as loveable green ogres invaded the entertainment industry, Baskin-Robbins carved out a place in the dipping cabinet with Shrek Swirl.

Baskin-Robbins continues to be the leader in ice cream flavor innovation by consistently introducing new ice cream flavors to its extensive flavor library. The iconic brand is committed to delighting taste buds of all ages with exciting new and traditional menu options like delicious ice cream cakes, Cappuccino Blast(R), Bold Breezes, and Signature Sundaes.

About Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins, the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, creates and markets innovative, high-quality ice cream, specialty frozen desserts and beverages in more than 5,600 retail shops around the globe. Baskin-Robbins was founded by two ice cream enthusiasts whose passion led to the creation of more than 1,000 ice cream flavors and a wide variety of delicious treats. Headquartered in Canton, Mass., Baskin-Robbins is part of the Dunkin' Brands, Inc. family of companies. For further information.

The trademarks mentioned herein are held by their respective owners and no association or sponsorship with Baskin-Robbins is intended.

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