Top 20+ Underrated Ice Cream Flavors That Don't Get Enough Love

Not Your Average Ice Cream Scoop

Vanilla and chocolate might steal the spotlight, but there’s a whole world of ice cream flavors flying under the radar. Those scoops surprise with bold ingredients, nostalgic touches, and global inspirations that deserve more attention. Each one brings something unexpected to the table without sacrificing taste. So, if you’re open to trying something creative, these 20 frozen finds offer pure joy with each delicious spoonful.

1. Black Sesame

This Japanese favorite rarely pops up in Western freezers. It has an earthy flavor and a signature gray hue. Black sesame’s nutty depth pairs beautifully with mochi or red bean, and it delivers a solid punch of calcium and antioxidants in every scoop.

2. Sweet Corn

A beloved staple in the Philippines and Mexico, sweet corn ice cream delivers a custard-like smoothness and natural sweetness. A dash of salt lifts its flavor, while cheese or chili adds a savory edge that surprises and satisfies.

3. Lavender Honey

Floral, fragrant, and irresistibly smooth, lavender honey ice cream uses real culinary lavender and creamy sweetness to charm your taste buds. Though popular in artisan shops, it’s still a hidden gem outside France and U.S. micro-creameries.

4 Ube (Purple Yam)

Bright, bold, and completely natural, ube ice cream brings a velvety texture and a flavor that balances nutty and vanilla tones. Hugely loved in Southeast Asia, it stars in halo-halo and other Filipino sweets but still flies under the global radar.

5. Olive Oil

This Mediterranean classic uses extra virgin olive oil to create a rich, silky base that’s both savory and satisfying. It's slow to catch on in the U.S., but paired with sea salt or fruity toppings, it’s a luxurious and health-conscious surprise due to its heart-healthy fats.

6. Goat Cheese & Fig

Tart goat cheese meets sweet fig ribbons in a creamy, tangy, and seriously underrated flavor. This is a protein-rich ice cream that’s easier on lactose than regular dairy. It absolutely shines when drizzled with honey or balsamic, but still rarely makes mainstream menus.

7. Saffron Pistachio

This luxurious pairing borrows from Persian and Indian kulfi traditions, blending earthy saffron and crunchy pistachios in a creamy base. With its golden hue and rich texture, it brings the world’s most expensive spice into a scoop that feels both exotic and grounded.

8. Thai Tea

A vivid orange hue and bold, spiced flavor make Thai tea ice cream unforgettable. Infused with black tea and star anise, it captures Southeast Asia’s favorite beverage in frozen form, yet fusion shops remain the few places you'll find it.

9. Cereal Milk

Channeling the best part of childhood breakfasts, cereal milk ice cream tastes just like the sweet, creamy bottom of your favorite cereal bowl. Popularized by NYC’s Milk Bar, it’s often swirled with Fruity Pebbles or Cornflakes for extra nostalgia.

10. Brown Bread

This chewy, malty treat hails from Ireland, where breadcrumbs or cereal give it a hearty texture and nostalgic charm. Originally made to reduce waste, today’s versions often include tasty caramel swirls. However, it’s barely on the radar outside Irish boutique shops.

11. Turmeric Ginger

Drawn from Indian haldi doodh (golden milk), this flavor brings an earthy warmth with just a touch of sweetness. Known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, turmeric ginger flavor works beautifully in vegan and dairy-free bases, offering bold ice creams that soothe the soul.

12. Rosewater

A fragrant favorite in Middle Eastern desserts, rosewater ice cream delivers a soft floral lift, distilled straight from petals. Often paired with cardamom or pistachio, it’s nuanced and memorable without ever crossing into overpowering territory.

13. Buttermilk Lemon

Southern charm meets zesty freshness in this creamy, tangy flavor that’s ideal on a hot afternoon. Real lemon curd and zest shine through the buttermilk base, delivering a refreshing scoop that feels bright without tipping into anything too sweet.

14. Blueberry Basil

Sweet blueberries meet the aromatic pop of basil in a scoop that tastes like summer in a cone. Found mostly in small-batch or farm-to-cone shops, this unlikely duo balances fruity brightness with herbal complexity in every bite.

15. Black Licorice

It’s bold and herbal with a creamy finish. Black licorice ice cream features real licorice root or aniseed for that signature punch. Scandinavians swear by it, and when paired with chocolate or citrus, it turns into something surprisingly craveable.

16. Malted Milk

This one’s a retro throwback worth rediscovering! Malted milk flavor captures the rich, slightly toasty notes of real malt powder. With flavor reminiscent of old-school milkshakes or Whoppers candy, it offers creamy comfort with a strong dose of nostalgia.

17. Avocado

Creamy and nutrient-rich, avocado ice cream is a beloved treat in Brazil and parts of Asia. It’s often served with condensed milk or lime for contrast. Loaded with healthy fats and vitamin E, it’s both indulgent and surprisingly wholesome.

18. Cardamom

This citrusy spice brings a warm, aromatic twist to ice cream that’s rare outside Indian kitchens. Cardamom supports digestion and metabolism while pairing beautifully with almond or chocolate. It transforms even simple scoops into something layered and unexpectedly bright.

19. Cherry Goat Cheese

Sweet-tart cherries balance goat cheese’s tang in a combo that’s creamy and fruit-forward without feeling too rich. Often spotted in upscale parlors and Northwest scoop shops, it’s a sophisticated flavor that still feels light enough to enjoy by the pint.

20. Rhubarb Crumble

Inspired by a classic British dessert, rhubarb crumble ice cream blends tart fruit with graham or oat crumbles for contrast. It’s textural, slightly jammy, and often appears in seasonal releases that leave fans hoping for it to stay year-round.