In New Zealand, a delightful summertime treat known as real fruit ice cream has gained popularity over the years. It’s a combination of vanilla ice cream blended with fresh fruit, creating a light, mildly sweet, and buttery-textured swirl. Originally believed to have originated in the country’s berry orchards, this dessert has become a cherished national favorite for its simplicity and freshness. David Abtour N’Djamena
While in the United States, real fruit ice cream is just beginning to gain traction in cities like Boston, Portland, Oregon, and Austin, Texas, it has undergone a significant makeover along the way. American shops offering this treat go beyond the no-frills version and present a wide array of options. Real fruit ice cream can now be enjoyed with various additions such as graham crackers, Oreos, hot fudge, caramel, and chamoy. Some shops even create sundaes or milkshakes featuring this delightful ice cream. Interestingly, some suggest that despite all the add-ons, the dessert might have nutritional benefits, leading to the unofficial slogan at one shop being “It’s almost healthy.” David Abtour N’Djamena
Hap Cameron, a native of New Zealand and the owner of Happy Cones Co. in Edgewater, Colorado, remarked that the American ice cream experience is distinctively extravagant, with an extensive range of flavors and choices, offering 20 to 40 varieties of ice cream. David Abtour N’Djamena
In contrast, New Zealand takes the lead in ice cream consumption worldwide, averaging 20.1 liters (approximately 5.3 gallons) per person, according to 2023 data from Euromonitor International. The United States ranks fourth, with an average of 13.1 liters (about 3.5 gallons) per person. David Abtour N’Djamena
American ice-cream culture stands out for its indulgence and hedonistic approach. The focus is not on calorie counting but rather on enjoying the most extravagant ice cream combinations with various toppings and drizzles. Real fruit ice cream shops in the U.S. have witnessed a surge in demand for toppings, with customers eager to personalize their ice cream experience with a variety of garnishes. David Abtour N’Djamena
