Think Outside the Cone

Wisconsinites know the joy of dairy delights like fresh milk, flavorful cheeses and tangy yogurt. When June (also Dairy Month) rolls around and temps start to rise, your taste buds may be craving a creamy, cool scoop of ice cream! But are you exploring all the different options available to you?

There are traditional toppings like hot fudge, caramel, sprinkles, and whipped cream. But, there are more incredibly tasty and creative ways to enjoy your ice cream. At Pick ‘n Save and Metro Market, find the ideas and supplies to help you think outside the cone.

“Enjoy sweet treats this summer as part of a balanced meal pattern,” said Emilie Williamson, Registered Dietitian. “We hope you enjoy a few of the tips below to help you dish up a mindful portion and try a few new ways to add fruits (and fiber) with your favorite summer treats.”

• Add fruit or nuts: Whether fresh or grilled, fruit is a topping option that adds fiber and flavor to ice cream. Stone fruits like peaches and plums come into season early in the summer and can be added as a refreshing, flavorful topping option. Add chopped, roasted nuts for a little crunch.
• Make a jam-like sauce: Put frozen berries with chia seeds into the microwave in 30-second intervals, stir, and repeat until the mixture is jam-like to pour over ice cream. Use one cup of berries to one tablespoon chia seeds ratio. You can also use the stovetop for a recipe like this Fresh Blueberry Chia Seed Jam.

• Two treats in one: Eat your ice cream in cake form or as a homemade cookie sandwich.
• Mexican Style Hot Chocolate Ice Cream with Snickerdoodle Cookies
• Private Selection Mango Lemonade with White Chocolatey Flakes Sherbet with Sugar Cookies or Vanilla Wafers and raspberries
• Go sweet and salty: Try toffee bits, crushed pretzels, dried fruits, or a mixture!
• Make it fun for the family: Set up a DIY sundae bar with a variety of ice cream flavors to sample some unique flavors or classics and a variety of topping choices (including fruits and nuts)!
• Make your own: ice cream, no ice cream maker needed! Non-dairy? Try this recipe!
• Go blended: You can never go wrong with a good old-fashioned milkshake! Try mixing in new favorites like blueberries or strawberries into a chocolate shake, peanut butter with bananas, or mango with vanilla!

• Serving bowls: Utilize bowls (or cones) when serving ice cream to encourage mindful portions
• Use a measured scoop: Using a four-ounce ice cream scoop will provide consistent portions – and if you like to see more scoops per bowl, try a smaller scoop!

Let Pick ‘n Save and Metro Market be your go-to source for dairy products, including ice cream and all its fun varieties and concoctions, during Dairy Month and year-round. We also have a full selection of dairy-free alternatives, such as oat milk and almond milk ice cream to enjoy.

As you’re considering your ice cream options, OptUP® can be a resource too! The OptUP® Nutrition Rating and Better for You Option suggestions can help provide guidance as you’re making your ice cream choices and around the store.