Milli’s Top Ten – Ice Cream

Picture this: a warm, sunny afternoon on the beach, the kind that calls for something cold and delicious. You’re at the ice cream shop, looking down at a rainbow of flavours, from classic chocolate to something called “Unicorn Swirl.” Your mouth’s watering, your mind’s racing—which one do you pick? It’s the ultimate decision, and you know one thing: the right scoop can make your day. So, to help with this important choice, I’ve rounded up my Top Ten Ice Cream Flavours!

But before we see my top ten I did a little research on ice-cream and found some amazing information.
Ice cream has a long, delicious history dating back thousands of years! Early versions appeared in ancient China and Persia, where people combined snow with fruit, honey, and wine to make a refreshing treat. By the 16th century, frozen desserts made their way to Europe and became a hit with royalty. In the 1700s, ice cream crossed the ocean to America, where it gained popularity, with even Thomas Jefferson creating his own vanilla recipe.

10th Place: Jelly Tip
This classic Kiwi flavour is a bit of a legend! Jelly Tip features creamy vanilla ice cream with a gooey, raspberry-flavoured jelly centre and a chocolate coating. Created by Tip Top, Jelly Tip has been loved by New Zealanders since the 1950s, and it’s even won awards for its unique, layered design. I think that it is best enjoyed by the beach, with some strawberries to go with it.

9th Place: Neapolitan
The Neapolitan trio—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—all in one tub! Originally created in Italy, Neapolitan became popular worldwide for its tasty variety and the fun of choosing (or mixing) flavours. This flavour is perfect for indecisive snackers who want a bit of everything. Neapolitan pairs beautifully with a slice of cake or can be turned into a colourful milkshake. It’s an all-in-one treat that has kept everyone happy for generations!

8th Place: Creamy Vanilla
Don’t be fooled by its simple look—Creamy Vanilla is an all-time favourite and a base for endless toppings! It’s rich, smooth, and often made with real vanilla beans for that warm, sweet flavour. This flavour shines best when paired with warm desserts like apple pie or brownies, but I especially like it best with chocolate sauce. Many brands, from Ben & Jerry’s to Häagen-Dazs, have perfected their vanilla recipes over the years.

7th Place: Salted Caramel
Salted Caramel is the sweet-meets-savoury hero of the ice cream world, mixing caramel with just a hint of salt. First appearing in the early 2000s, this flavour quickly became a sensation, satisfying both sweet and salty cravings in one scoop. Salted Caramel is the ultimate choice for topping brownies or waffles, as the caramel swirls add an extra treat. Many artisanal brands have put their own spin on it, winning awards for their irresistible caramel swirls.

6th Place: Chocolate
Chocolate ice cream is the OG of ice cream. It is rich, creamy, and perfect for chocolate lovers everywhere. Believed to have been created in Italy in the 17th century, it’s still going strong and remains a best-seller in ice cream shops worldwide. It’s a perfect companion for crushed cookies, fudge, or marshmallows if you’re up for something extra. Chocolate is perfect for cold winter nights or whenever you need a mood boost!

5th Place: Boysenberry
Boysenberry Ice cream begins the top 5. This flavour brings a unique twist with its sweet, tangy berry swirl mixed into vanilla ice cream. It’s especially popular here, in New Zealand, where local brands like Tip Top make it with real boysenberries. The boysenberry itself is a hybrid berry—part blackberry, part raspberry—first created in California. Perfect for pairing with a fresh waffle cone, Boysenberry ice cream is both fruity and refreshing. If you love berry flavours, this one’s a must-try!

4th Place: Mint Choc Chip
Mint Choc Chip is a very controversial flavour—you either love it or hate it. And, I love it. M.C.C is an all-time cool, refreshing flavour, made with minty ice cream dotted with chocolate chips. Popularised in the 1970s, this flavour quickly became a favourite (or a hate) for its unique, refreshing twist. I think Mint Choc Chip is a go-to after a big meal since the mint gives a fresh feeling, almost like a minty dessert! It’s great on its own or topped with hot fudge for that chocolate-mint combo.

3rd Place: Hokey Pokey
Now we’re talking about good ice cream. This iconic Kiwi flavour makes a well deserved podium finish! Hokey Pokey is a vanilla-based ice cream with chunks of honeycomb toffee, giving it a delightful crunch. Tip Top introduced it to New Zealand in the 1950s, and it’s been a top-seller ever since. Perfect for a day at the beach or watching a rugby game, Hokey Pokey is best enjoyed with friends. Its distinct flavour has even inspired other sweets, like hokey pokey chocolate bars. Try it once, and you’ll struggle to stop.

2nd Place: Goody Goody Gumdrops
Goody Goody Gumdrops is every kid’s dream—bubblegum-flavoured ice cream packed with colourful gumdrops! This playful flavour is popular for its fun mix of chewy candies and creamy ice cream. Known as a Kiwi childhood favourite, Goody Goody Gumdrops is perfect for birthdays, parties, or just whenever you’re feeling extra festive. Created by Tip Top, it’s a New Zealand special that’s all about bringing a smile to your face. The challenge is to see which scoop gets the most gumdrops!

1st Place: Cookies and Cream
The reigning champ, Cookies and Cream, combines smooth vanilla ice cream with chunks of crunchy chocolate cookies. Created in the 1970s by adding broken Oreo pieces to vanilla ice cream, this flavour has become a worldwide favourite. Perfect for almost any occasion, it’s an ideal pairing with a tall glass of milk or a hot fudge sundae. Many brands, including Häagen-Dazs and Blue Bell, have won awards for their take on Cookies and Cream. With a little crunch in every bite, this flavour truly earns its top spot!

With this tasty lineup of top flavours, you ice cream fans have a whole menu of choices to explore, from the bright colours of Goody Goody Gumdrops to the crunch of Cookies and Cream. Whether you’re scooping up something new or sticking with a classic favourite, these flavours prove there’s something for everyone with ice cream. So next time you’re at the counter, consider trying one of these top ten—and who knows, you might discover a new favourite!

Comprehension Questions
Which ice cream flavour in the article has a mix of bubblegum flavour and gumdrops, making it a favourite for parties?
Why does Mint Choc Chip have such a “love it or hate it” reputation, and when did it become popular?
If you could only eat one flavour of ice cream for the rest of your life, which would you choose and why?
If you could add one flavour to Milli’s Top Ten Ice cream’s, which would it be? Let us know in the comments below.