July is National Ice Cream Month, and Central Market is celebrating with a full-on frozen flavor fest that’s anything but ordinary. From bold, buttery blends to global gelato and health-minded scoops, this month is all about indulging your sweet tooth and discovering what’s next in the world of ice cream. Whether you’re a traditionalist sticking to vanilla or someone who’s tempted by flavors like goat cheese and honey, you’ll find something worth melting for this month.
It’s a Tough Job, but Someone Has to Do It!
Behind the scenes at Central Market, Guy, a seasoned buyer and passionate frozen dessert expert, tastes and curates ice cream options from all over the country and beyond. His job? To make sure the frozen section is always packed with the most exceptional, creative, and high-quality ice creams available. “We don’t just bring in what’s popular,” says Guy. “We look for flavor, integrity, craftsmanship, and even the story behind the brand. It’s about finding joy in every scoop.”
That commitment to quality is why Central Market’s freezer aisles are stocked with more than 40 varieties of ice cream and over 30 unique frozen novelties you won’t find just anywhere. From small-batch creamery pints to innovative plant-based options and globally inspired flavors, there’s something extraordinary in every frozen case.
Guy’s Top 5 Ice Cream Picks
As one of Central Market’s seasoned buyers, Guy has spent years tasting his way through countless pints to uncover the best of the best. For this year’s National Ice Cream Month celebration, he’s sharing his top five frozen finds – a mix of innovation, tradition, and playful creativity that captures the full spectrum of what great ice cream can be.
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#5 Hellenika Ube Coconut Cultured Gelato
A vibrant fusion of flavors, this gelato combines the subtly sweet, nutty flavor of ube (purple yam) with creamy coconut for a tropical twist. Made with Greek yogurt cultures, it boasts a silky-smooth texture and a touch of tang. For a little surprise, every pint ends with a swirl of ube purée at the bottom.
#4 Angelo Gelato Italiano Spumoni
A nostalgic nod to Italian dessert culture, this Chicagoland gem brings together cherry, pistachio, and chocolate in harmonious layers that mirror the colors of the Italian flag. With bold flavor and a rich, creamy consistency, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any gelato enthusiast.
#3 Gelato La Boca
Crafted in Dallas with Argentine flair, Gelato La Boca brings the spirit of Buenos Aires to your freezer. Each pint offers two complementary flavors, paired like a tango – think Dulce de Leche with Vanilla or bright Mango with Strawberry sorbet. No need to choose just one.
#2 Umpqua Vanilla Ice Cream
A masterclass in simplicity, this vanilla ice cream is rich, dense, and impossibly smooth. Made in Southern Oregon with milk sourced just miles from the creamery, Umpqua’s commitment to freshness and quality shines in every bite.
#1 Life Raft Treats Not Fried Chicken Ice Cream
This award-winning dessert is a showstopper. Shaped like a fried chicken drumstick, it features creamy ice cream coated in cornflake crust for a crunchy finish, with a chocolate-covered pretzel stick that mimics the bone. It’s unexpected, playful, and seriously delicious – and a perfect example of why ice cream should be fun.
Beyond the Pint: Build the Perfect Sundae
It’s not just about what’s in the container. Central Market offers a full sundae bar’s worth of top-tier toppings and accompaniments. Knipschildt sauces (crafted by world-renowned chocolatier Fritz Knipschildt) are an indulgent upgrade, while The Konery and Let’s Do Organic cones add crunchy texture and charm. Want something playful? Try topping your bowl with handcrafted sprinkles, seasonal fruit, or even a splash of cold brew for a grown-up affogato twist.
Try This at Home: Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Sundae
Take your sundae game to the next level with Central Market’s reimagined Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Sundae recipe. Start with a base of vanilla ice cream on top of a chewy coconut-laden bar, layer in tangy, juicy pineapple, drizzle with buttery caramel sauce, and finish with whipped cream and a classic Maraschino cherry on top. It’s a retro nod with a modern twist, and the ingredients are all in store.
Tips from the Expert
To get the most from your pint, Guy recommends a few simple storage and serving tricks:
- Store it smart: Keep your ice cream in the back of the freezer where temperatures are most consistent. This helps preserve texture and flavor.
- Let it sit: Before scooping, let your pint sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. This brings out the best in taste and texture – especially in premium ice creams with higher butterfat content and makes it easier to scoop.
- Scoop with intention: Use a warm scoop (run under hot water) for perfect curls and less resistance.
Celebrate in Scoop-Worthy Style
Whether you’re stocking your freezer or planning the ultimate sundae party, Central Market is your one-stop destination for all things cool and creamy this July. With a curated collection of artisan pints, exclusive brands, and toppings galore, National Ice Cream Month has never looked or tasted so good.
So go ahead and get inspired! Grab a spoon and explore the freezer aisle like never before. The cream of the crop is waiting just beyond the glass doors.
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