11 Incredible Ice Cream Innovations

Kate Thorn
Aug 02, 2014

Those Neapolitan standbys vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry will forever conjure memories of festive childhood birthday parties, and remember how cool astronaut ice cream was?! And digging into the original “Ice Cream of the Future,” Dippin’ Dots at the local ballpark? Today’s ice cream makers have taken things totally past the cone to create versions of ice cream that don’t melt, don’t drip — some that even glow in the dark. Check out these 11 incredible ice cream innovations that will make you feel like you’re living in the (very delicious) future.

1. Made With Nitrogen: Arguably the freshest ice cream you’ll get, Smitten has perfected the art of making seriously small batch ice cream right in front of your eyes in 90 seconds flat — using nitrogen!

2. Coolhaus: This hip collection of food trucks took the ice cream sandwich to a whole new level with gourmet flavors like Vietnamese coffee, Peking duck and Cuban cigar and choose your own cookie adventures.

3. Sundae in a Can: If you’re in East Hampton right now, like, RIGHT this very second, you better be spooning the latest creation from cronut master Dominique Ansel. Sundae in a pretty pop art can is filled with root beer and stracciatella ice cream, mascarpone semifreddo, toasted marshmallow, macerated cherries and miniature cherry meringues. We die. (via Design Taxi)

4. Edible Ice Cream Tub: Imagine enjoying a pint of ice cream and then eating the tub, too! Called Wikipearl, this edible wrapping is held together by calcium ions and can include particles of chocolate, nuts and seeds. (via CNN)

5. Astronaut Ice Cream: If you’ve ever wished you could eat ice cream and not have to worry about the sticky drips, then this freeze dried slab of ice cream is for you!

6. Dippin’ Dots: We can still taste this special summer treat like it’s 1996 and we’re about to ride a ‘coaster or two dozen at Six Flags. It’s ice cream that never melts! Not only that, but it comes in fun little colorful balls that are just too much fun to eat.

7. 3D Printed Ice Cream: Step aside, Dippin’ Dots, there’s a new ice cream of the future in town and this one is made by 3D printing ice cream ingredients on an Anti-Griddle (a super chill griddle). (via 3D Print)

8. Alcohol-Infused Ice Cream: SnöBar has successfully created a fun way to enjoy cocktails with gourmet, alcohol-infused ice-pops and ice cream guaranteed to stimulate and please even the most sophisticated palate.

9. Room Temperature Ice Cream: Frisson is a unique sorbet-like dessert that can be stored at room temperature in liquid form! All you have to do is put it in the freezer and a few hours later you’ll be enjoying a sweet ice cream treat. (via Pique News)

10. Ice Cream That Glows When Licked: This ice cream was created with synthetic bioluminescence, which reacts when it is agitated. Yes, this ice cream glows when you lick it. Awesome but expensive; each scoop of fluorescent gelato costs around $220. (via Lick Me I’m Delicious)

11. Color-Changing Scoops: This is what happens when a scientist takes an ice cream class: ice cream (called Xamaleon) that changes color as it melts or is licked. We will gladly be the guinea pigs for this scientific experiment.

Would you try any of these crazy ice creams? Are you still an old school Dippin’ Dots devotee? Let us know in the comments below!

10 Epic Stores From The '90s We Can't Believe Are Gone

The '90s were a great time, according to millennials. It was a time of rollerblading, listening to cassette players, playing Super Mario Bros. on Nintendos, having birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese, and more. Besides this and other pop culture moments that went viral before social media existed, the '90s gave us classic stores we used to frequent as kids.

Despite meeting their demise as the Y2K age took over, we'll never forget the fun memories (and maximalist vibes) these stores gave us!

Take a walk down memory lane by revisiting our favorite '90s stores that will take you back in time (and make you feel old):

Getty Images

1. Party City

Our hearts are hurting because we don't understand why one of the most popular decor stores is closing. The brand was apparently facing "financial challenges," according to it's CEO Barry Litwin (via CNN). There were other issues behind the scenes, but everything trickled down to money, or a lack thereof.

It's so shocking because some of us just picked up a few holiday items from Party City this month! It was one of the stores that seemed to have everything we needed before Amazon became the mega wholesaler that it is today.

I guess this means we should've cherished Party City a little more because it's officially gone.

Getty Images

2. Blockbuster

Long before streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock existed, people used to spend Friday nights looking at rows of VHS movies to rent. If you were lucky, your parents would stop by Blockbuster before picking up pizza for dinner. It was the ultimate '90s treat…until it wasn’t.

When we want to remember what it felt like visiting Blockbuster, we fast forward to that one scene in I Am Legend where Dr. Robert Neville is going to 'rent' movies. It's a little cringe now that we think about it, but it's the closet memory we have of spending at least 30 minutes picking out the VHS or DVD to watch.

Getty Images

3. Circuit City

Raise your hand if you remember getting your first CD player or computer from Circuit City. The name alone conjures fun memories of running up and down the aisles pretending we could afford all the fun electronics. We watched desktop computers slowly morph into laptops, which seemed like an exciting time. Also, some of us watched our parents lament the cost of the required Texas Instrument calculators we needed for math class.

Although Circuit City isn't around like it used to be, we'll never forget watching the world change through its eyes.

Getty Images

4. Virgin Music Store

If you wanted to be a part of the cool crowd, you visited the Virgin music store. We aptly remember the neon sign and memorable displays that beckoned to us. Although we could find some of the same CDs at Circuit City, the store’s design didn’t feel stuffy.

Getty Images

5. Radio Shack

This one’s personal because we stood in lines with our parents when they bought their first cell phones and DVD players. Also, one of our parents may or may not have purchased a very coveted Bratz convertible that played music from Radio Shack.

Even though it wasn’t the biggest store, it gave us a taste of what the future had for us. Little did we know we’d lose this sweet store though.

6. Border's

As much as we love recommending books from Amazon and local bookshops, we miss when Border’s was around. There’s not much to say about this store besides how grown-up we felt when our parents would let us spend time there while they shopped at their favorite stores in the mall.

Getty Images

7. KB Toys

Aside from Toys ‘R’ Us, we also remember when K.B. Toys was popular. Not unlike today, there wasn’t such a thing as having too many toy stores. Sometimes we found things at K.B.s that felt like a treat. The cluttered aisles probably annoyed our parents, but we were always happy when we were allowed to pick something out.

Getty Images

8. Wet Seal

Yes, Wet Seal made the list of stores we loved in the '90s. Unlike Goody’s, it was specifically geared towards pre-teens and teens who wanted to wear the latest fashions. It was one of the the places to discover your style at the time even if it meant leaving piles of clothes for weary store associates to put back (sorry!)

Though we miss it, we hope no one tries to revive it because we’re sure we’d see a few outdated fashion trends.

Getty Images

9. Esprit

This was another store that screamed 'All American Teen Store.' Unlike Wet Seal, the store's layout and clothing were a little more 'sophisticated.' It spoke to teens who are now adults with a sleeker preppy style. It sounds like a reach, but it's not if you think about it. This store could give you logomania, tenniscore, or something that resembled the outfits from Saved By the Bell at the same time.

10. Goody's

Were you really a '90s kid if your mom didn’t drag you to Goody’s? Shockingly enough, we hardly ever complained because it felt like a huge store we could play in. Plus, it had clothes for everyone.

And if there were a sale during BTS season? You could always count on our moms to leave the store with stuffed shopping bags.

Which '90s stores do you wish were still open? Let us know on Facebook!

90s fashionnostalgia90sfashion

10 Ways Your Home Office Design Is Killing Your Productivity

I've been working from home since long before it became the norm. And my "office" has evolved from a spindled-back chair at the kitchen table to an airy home office with a view. Back then, my productivity took a hit without essentials like adequate storage space, comfortable seating, and a bit of privacy. While it has its perks, working from home comes with its fair share of challenges; your home office setup doesn't need to be one of them.

Here are 10 ways to redesign your home office for better productivity!

Caio

1. Bad Lighting

Dim or harsh overhead lighting can strain your eyes and limit your focus. Try to get close to a window for natural light or use daylight bulbs to mimic sunlight to boost your mood, creativity, and focus. Find a desk lamp that works for you too!

Ella Jardim

2. Clutter Everywhere

A cluttered desk equals a cluttered mind, IMO. Reduce the stress that comes with a disorganized and cluttered desk by bringing in shelves and organizers; finding sleek cable-management solutions; and removing any unnecessary items to reduce visual distractions.

Vlada Karpovich

3. Uncomfortable Furniture

If you're sitting most of the day, it's so important to invest in a good desk chair. An unsupportive chair or poorly sized desk can be uncomfortable, making it harder to stay focused for long periods of time. Your back will thank you!

Ketut Subiyanto

4. No Boundaries Between Work and Home

Distractions at home like kids and partners can kill your productivity. Avoid blurring the line between work and home life by designating a private space, separate from high-traffic spaces, for your work hours if you can. Use rugs, curtains, or acoustic panels to reduce noise too.

Mizuno K

5. Lack of Storage

I get it, they're not the best-looking pieces in your home, but without proper filing systems you’ll waste time hunting for important documents or supplies. Invest in modern storage options that look good too from Mustard Made and The Container Store.

Vlada Karpovich

6. Unoptimized Tech Setup

Slow Internet or outdated tech tools can make you feel totally frustrated and can slow down your productivity. Upgrade your Internet to a faster connection, and refresh your tech gadgets and programs to make sure you work more efficiently.

Ivan Samkov

7. Awkward Desk Placement

Placing your desk in a spot with too much noise, traffic, or distractions — like facing a TV — will guarantee to disrupt your concentration. Find a more zen spot where you can focus on the tasks of the day.

Anna Shvets

8. Ignoring Ergonomics

Check your monitor height, keyboard positioning, and add a wrist rest so you don't lead to feeling uncomfortable and fatigued, cutting your workday short.

Mikhail Nilov

9. Lack of Personalization

A sterile, uninspiring office design does your motivation and creativity no favors. Make work feel less like a chore by adding personal touches through artwork, personal photos, candles, some fresh flowers or plants. Greenery can improve air quality and actually reduce work stress. Add a little snack station for quick energy boosts and keep water handy. Also, your Zoom backgrounds should reflect your personality!

Serpstat

10. No Inspiration

No matter what you do — whether it's a creative work or something more analytical — you want to feel inspired. Personalization can help, but dive into vision boards, books, magazines, quotes that inspire your work and help you bring fresh ideas to your workday. Color psychology can help too: blues and greens encourage focus and reduce stress while pops of yellow or orange can spark creativity! Break out the paint if needed!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more home decor ideas!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

home officedeskhome decor adviceproductivityproductivity tipsproductivity hackshome decor

Ohana! Here's When You Can Finally Watch The Live-Action 'Lilo And Stitch.'

Disney continues to keep your childhood alive because alongside several other remakes of beloved titles, a live-action remake of the 2002's Lilo and Stitch is now also in the works. While filming was supposed to begin in April 2023, a costume trailer fire delayed it until May. Thankfully, it looks like the production recovered — and that we'll be seeing Lilo, Stitch, and Scrump soon. Check out the rest of Disney's upcoming live-action remakes for more news!

Here's everything we know about the live-action Lilo and Stitch coming in 2025!

Watch the Lilo & Stitch teaser now!

Whoever decided to make the iconic Disney castle a sandcastle? Genius. Stitch has always been one of my favorite Disney characters and this new live-action version definitely has just as much chaos as the OG.

Who is playing Lilo in the live-action movie?

Maia Kealoha/Instagram

Lilo & Stitch Cast

Lilo will be played by Maia Kealoha. The adorable character was voiced by Daveigh Chase in the original 2002 movie, and by Dakota Fanning in the sequel.

Who else is in the Lilo and Stitch cast?

Sydney Agudong/Instagram

In Lilo and Stitch, we'll see Sydney Agudong as Nani, Amy Hill as Tūtū, Kaipo Dudoit as David, Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles, and Tia Carrere (the original voice of Nani!!) as Mrs. Kekoa. We'll also have Chris Sanders as the voice of Stitch, Billy Magnussen voicing Pleakley, and Zach Galifianakis voicing Jumba.

When is the live-action Lilo and Stitch coming out?

Walt Disney Studios

Lilo & Stitch Release Date

We'll see the brand new movie on May 23, 2025. The PERFECT early summer flick.

Where are they filming the live-action Lilo & Stitch?

Jess Loiterton/Pexels

The new Lilo & Stitch is filmed in Oahu. The original animated film takes place on Kauai, but we'll have to wait and see if they change the story's setting for the live-action remake.

Is there a live-action Lilo and Stitch coming out?

Walt Disney Studios

Yes! According to The Hollywood Reporter, the remake of the animated film will be done with both live-action and CGI. Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, who worked on the live-action Aladdin, are producing, and up-and-coming screenwriter Mike Van Waes, who has previously worked primarily in horror, wrote the script.

The live-action Lilo and Stitch remake is the latest in a long list of classic titles Disney is reimagining for modern audiences. Are you excited about Disney’s latest remake? Let us know @BritandCo and check out the latest news on Disney's Snow White.

This post has been updated.

moviesnostalgiaentertainmentpop culturedisney

Spencer Pratt & Heidi Montag Break Down In Tears About “Life Changing” Public Support After $2.5 Million Home Burned Down

The world watched as the devastating L.A. fires swept away home after home last week — including reality TV icons Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt's. To say it was heartbreaking for the L.A. community would be a gross understatement, and these two have been very open about the toll it's taken on their family. In an interview with Good Morning America, the couple opened up to share about their experience — and share the incredible way friends and fans have come together to support them.

Looking for ways to help L.A. after the devastating fires? Here's a very helpful list of resources you can donate to!

Here's how fans are helping Spencer Pratt & Heidi Montag after the L.A. fires

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt joined Good Morning Americaon January 15, 2025 to talk about how the L.A. fires continue to impact them. The couple shared what it was like having to quickly leave their home in a moment's notice. Heidi explained that Spencer told her to grab anything she wanted to keep, so she ended up grabbing her kids' teddy bears because she was so flustered.

When their $2.5 million home actually caught fire, Spencer got choked up talking about watching their kids' rooms burn on their cameras. He said, "Our son’s bed started just burning in the shape of a heart. The fire started in the shape of a heart. I was like, ‘This is like, out of body insane.’"

Outside of that, the couple detailed the loss beyond the material items of it all. Spencer opened up about the memories lost throughout it all, too. He said, “I feel like a ghost. I don’t have a single photo now from before an iPhone existed. I don’t have any of the dumb little things that are on your shelves in your parents’ they’re all gone. Not a single nothing.”

And to Heidi, their home was more than a physical place to live. She shared, “It’s a place that you love that you live, it’s a refuge from the world. And to have that be gone, it’s a really difficult concept to continue to daily deal with."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

In the midst of the devastation, fans and friends have banded together to support Heidi and Spencer in a really unique way. After Spencer posted on TikTok that people should stream Heidi's 2010 album Superficial, so they can generate revenue to rebuild their lives with, people took that and ran with it. The song eventually hit #1 on iTunes, and Spencer even shared that there's potential for it to hit Billboard's Hot 100 Dance Chart, too.

And it's not just fans blasting this throwback song. Friends and fellow celebrities like Paris Hilton and Flava Flav both posted the song on TikTok. Plus, former The Hills co-stars shared the song as well, including Brody Jenner, Kristin Cavallari, and Audrina Patridge.

Heidi said, “The fan support has been such a light in such a darkness for us. It’s life-changing.”

We're sending love to Heidi and Spencer — and all the families impacted by the terrible L.A. fires this year.

Looking for more celebrity news? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing.

celebritycelebrity couplescelebrity news

OMG, Netflix Just Confirmed The ‘You’ Season 5 Release Date (With New Video)

Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) is back for another season of snooping and stalking in New York City, and thanks to the new You season 5 teaser, we know exactly when this new TV show is returning. In addition to showing us characters from the past like Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail), Love Quinn (Victoria Pedretti), and Marienne Bellamy (Tati Gabrielle), Joe straight-up says goodbye to the one person who's always been there: you. Yep, Netflix went there.

“Every season they manage to find new space to make it interesting and relevant,” Penn Badgley told Tudum. “And this season, I think somehow coming back to where it started allowed for it to just become grounded in the way that it needs to also have this kind of spectacular finish.”

Here's a breakdown of that brand new You season 5 teaser.

"Hello, you. Do you remember me? Cause I remember you," Joe asks in the You season 5 teaser, over shots of New York City and Mooney's Books. "Here we are together again, back to where it began."

"A lot has happened these many years together," he continues. "Identities, cities, loves, complications." The trailer is a walk down memory lane for viewers and for Joe as he remembers Beck, Love, and Marienne — and locking them up. Plus some fights and escapes he made along the way.

"All that led me here to now, to where I as always meant to be," he says. "And the one constant, the one thing that has always been there for me, is you. You who have been there the whole time and will be there with me to the end. Goodbye, you."

Okay, this is totally giving me Black Mirror, metaverse vibes, especially since Joe's in his creepy underground bunker with all that blue lighting. I have chills down my spine just watching this!

Is season 5 of You coming out?

Yes, You season 5 is dropping on Netflix April 24, 2025.

We've been waiting for new episodes since season 4 premiered in 2023, but the writers and stars have been planning Joe's ending for much longer. "We have some ideas that we've been talking about pretty much from the beginning," Sera Gamble told EW when she was showrunner in 2023. "It's really the debate about what kind of justice would be fair and appropriate for a guy like Joe. And then do we believe that he would get that kind of punishment? My short answer is like, maybe not from the American system. But there might be other ways. So that's the stuff we're talking about."

But whatever these writers and directors have up their sleeves, Penn Badgley promises You season 5 will come to a "perfect" conclusion. “I would love for people to just be like, ‘Wow, it’s over and I feel good and I don’t want to watch it again,'" he told Harper's Bazaarin March of 2023. And honestly, a perfect ending is all TV fans can hope for these days, right?

Who's in the You season 5 cast?

The final season of You stars Penn Badgley, Madeline Brewer, Anna Camp, Charlotte Richie, and Griffin Matthews.

Are you excited for the final season of You? I cannot wait to see the way Penn Badgley and Netflix bring the show to a close. Follow us on Facebook for the latest You season 5 news — and updates on all your favorite TV shows!

pop cultureentertainmentyoutv