15 Weird Ice Cream Flavors That Are Anything But Vanilla

Diana Kelter
Apr 26, 2015

If you grew up with your parents telling you that you can’t have ice cream for dinner, they probably never thought about it including avocado, balsamic vinegar or goat cheese. There has been a true revolution in the world of ice cream, and the only rule is that there are no rules. We’ve collected a variety of salty, sweet and just plain unusual combinations that will inspire you to bring the ice cream maker out of storage immediately. Get ready, ’cause these 15 sweet and savory desserts are going to blow your ice-cream-lovin’ mind.

1. Strawberry Balsamic Rosemary Ice Cream: Balsamic + Rosemary is already a winning combo. Add strawberries to that and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how delicious it actually is. (via Brit + Co)

2. Lemon Poppyseed Ice Cream: We know this is already delicious in muffin form, so ice cream is a logical next step. (via Whole New Mom)

3. Matcha Mint: We feel relaxed just thinking about this blissful combo that’s typically reserved for our morning tea. (via Bojon Gourmet)

4. Fig Ice Cream: If you’ve only experienced fig through Fig Newtons, this a must-try. (via Saveur)

5. Red Beet, Honey, Rose Water, Goat Cheese and Goat Milk Ice Cream: The ingredients might be a mouthful to say, but if they taste as delicious as it looks, we’re willing to give it a try. (via A Brown Table)

6. Maple Frozen Custard With Candied Bacon: The only thing we’re left wondering is if this flavor comes with a side of pancakes. Either way, it caught our attention at bacon. (via Foodie with Family)

7. Coconut Curry Ice Cream With Honey Salted Cashews: Curry combines a variety of sweet and savory spices that lends itself to be a better partner for ice cream than you might have imagined. (via Aida Mollenkamp)

8. Banana Curry Ice Cream: If you’re going to try curry in your ice cream, we might as well make it more attainable by sharing two different recipes. (via Scoop Adventures)

9. Banana Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream: We love avocados and ice cream equally, so how could bringing them together be anything but right? (via The Saffron Girl)

10. Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream: Imagine topping this off with caramel popcorn. Yep, we went there. (via Clockwork Lemon)

11. Vanilla Ice Cream With Olive Oil and Sea Salt: This is one vanilla ice cream that doesn’t require any additional toppings. (via Honestly Yum)

12. Goat Cheese Balsamic Ice Cream: The blogger behind the recipe notes it tastes like a really, really good cheesecake, and we couldn’t be more excited to try it! (via Brooklyn Supper)

13. Sweet Corn With a Salted Caramel Swirl and Chocolate-Covered Potato Chips: We’ve seen corn show up in some pretty unexpected dishes. This ice cream recipe definitely takes the cake. (via How Sweet Eats)

14. Jalapeño Cheesecake Ice Cream: Now that’s a spicy ice cream! Since they say milk is the best way to cool down the heat, maybe this recipe is on to something. (via Meats and Sweets)

15. Brown Sugar Bourbon Ice Cream: We never did meet a booze-spiked cone that we didn’t like. (via Brit + Co)

What’s the most unusual ice cream combination you’ve ever tried? Tell us in the comments!

This New $5 Trader Joe’s Frozen Dessert Has Countless Shoppers Saying “Yummm!”

Sometimes a sweet treat just hits differently in warmer weather, and Trader Joe’s (in true Trader Joe’s fashion) just dropped thedessert of the spring and summer. I hear you, I hear you… it’s a tad bit early to start thinking about scorching, sunny days, but trust me: this new $5 dessert will have you yearning for summer the second you see it.

Scroll on to discover the newly-dropped Trader Joe’s find shoppers are calling delicious, yummy, and amazing!

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The summery dessert in question is the all-new Blood Orange Mochi Ice Cream, and it’s so dreamy. Featuring dollops of blood orange-flavored ice cream cased in sweet mochi dough, it’s the kind of sweet treat you can easily eat with your hands… and keep eating over and over and over again.

Any Lane / PEXELS

The mochi ice cream is also crafted without any artificial colors or flavors, so you really get the full effect of the rich citrus. Blood oranges are also typically sweeter than regular oranges, making them perfect for putting into desserts.

@traderjoesobsessed

TJ’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed shared the new Blood Orange Mochi Ice Cream with their followers, saying the treat is “tart and creamy” and also “not too sweet.” One commenter that got a taste noted that each ice cream piece is like “a creamsicle's more worldly cousin.” Another person compared the flavor to a Flintstone's Push-Up popsicle.

Well-rounded and nostalgic? Now I have to try this!

Nadin Sh / PEXELS

The Trader Joe’s Blood Orange Mochi Ice Cream can be found on shelves for $4.99. Each box comes with 6 mochi ice cream bites, and what’s even more exciting is the nutrition label says a single serving size is 6 pieces – AKA the entire box. Woah!

Additionally, this sweet snack is kosher and gluten-free.

I’m definitely going to be grabbing several boxes to try – and hopefully manifest an early start to springtime!

What are your favorite Trader Joe's desserts? Let us know in the comments and subscribe to our newsletter to discover even more new Trader Joe's items!

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4 Expert Tips For How To Treat Hormonal Acne — & Fast

I don't know whether to treat my period acne as guests or annoying pests. I'm familiar with balancing my hormones, but even that seems to be a great mystery when painful breakouts appear on my forehead or chin. Even relying on a face wash fromFarmacy Beautyisn't always a match for their stubbornness.

But esthetician Danielle Gronich wants to dispel the idea hormonal acne's impossible to treat. Plus, she's exposing the truth about ingredients that could be causing flareups 👀. Known as The Acne Guru, Gronich has over 10 years of experience treating cystic acne, and is the founder of both the San Diego Acne ClinicCLEARSTEM Skincare.

Ready for our acne to be in great hands?

Scroll to learn The Acne Guru's top 4 tips for treating stubborn hormonal breakouts

What's the biggest myth about hormonal acne?

Taylor Nicole/Dupe Photos

I love relying on TikTok to find cute matcha drink recipes to remake, but I know some of the skincare advice shared on the app shouldn't be followed. But there's one thing in particular Gronich isn't a fan of.

"The biggest myth about hormonal acne is that you have to be on birth control in order to solve it. This myth is all over social media, but I believe it comes from the medical world not really understanding hormones and having to rely on prescriptions to override them."

Would you believe me if I told you she's not wrong? I've been on birth control off and on since I was teenager, but I've yet to see it get to the root of my acne problem!

What are different types of hormonal acne?

Anna Nekrashevich/Pexels

Did you know not all hormonal acne stems directly from your period? According to Gronich, "there are many different triggers" for it with "the most common ones being stress and high sugar or processed foods" because they "impact our hormones." However, that's not all!

"Also extremely common is PCOS, estrogen dominance, progestin-related acne from certain birth control controls like the hormonal IUD, and then there is another type of hormonal acne caused by the vitamins and supplements we take," she adds. Going a step further, Gronich says "certain vitamins and supplements can spike testosterone or interfere with other enzyme processes that throw off our hormones."

I guess this is why my doctor always recommends I consult with her before taking random tablets so I'm not disrupting anything in my body!

Why do I see breakouts on my forehead, cheeks, or chin sometimes?

Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

Remember the face mapping tool we were introduced to years ago? There's truth to them which is why Gronich created a Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker for you to get more insight about what you're putting on your skin. But back to what your breakouts are trying to tell you!

Given Gronich's experience, she knows "different areas of the face can represent different parts of the body." She sees "hormonal acne most on the chin and jawline" because "we have the deepest hair follicles there." Want to know what this means for our body's reaction to certain foods and products?

"Dairy has insulin-like growth factor hormone so many people who consume dairy regularly get hormonal acne right on their chin. Some people are taking too much vitamin B 12 which throws off their hormones and you see it on the jawline," she says.

Then there's our relationship with using a ton of beauty products. Gronich is firm about telling "people to remove pore-ingredients from their skin care ad makeup" because "acne that's all over your face" is the direct result of "something that's being put all over your face." Not being aware of what we're using "will flare with our PMS cycle, so we accidentally think it's hormonal," accodring to her. But nope!

"...it can also just be caused by those hidden pore-clogging ingredients," she states.

Okay, how do I treat what feels like hormonal acne?

Yan Krukau/Pexels

No matter your skin type, there's a few ingredients you can use to treat hormonal acne over time. "People can treat their hormonal acne with mandelic acid, and spot treatments like sulfur," Gronich shares. She also says, "Benzoyl peroxide can be a useful tool as well but must be used carefully so as not to over strip the skin. Don't take this advice lightly because I accidentally created more issues when I used this haphazardly.

If you don't want to use Benzoyl peroxide, she says you try "ice rolling." The amount of times you can use this tool depends on your skin type. "...if you are oily, you can use these treatments every day."

How do I treat dark spots left over from hormonal acne

Ron Lach/Pexels

Gronich's tips for treating dark spots are making me rethink my shower habits because I've been doing the opposite of what's considered helpful for my skin. She says, "Avoid using hot water in the shower as it continually inflames the skin and further damages the delicate scar tissue!" Furthermore, you can "use anti-inflammatory products," according to her.

"Serums that contain hyaluronic acid can be very helpful, as well as gentle massaging to activate circulation which stimulates our wound healing response in the skin. Red light therapy can also be fantastic for scarring, along with professional micro needling treatments," she remarks.

The best things you and I can do are being mindful of what we eat, supplements we take, and what we put on our faces. Also, a lot of patience goes a long way when treating hormonal acne.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more spring beauty stories!

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How To Enjoy 4th of July Ice Cream—3 Ways

Here at Brit+Co, we're suckers for a good pun. We mean, Fourth of Jul-ice cream is TOO GOOD. It also begs the question: What is Fourth of Jul-ice cream? The obvious answer is a cold red, white and blue milky, sugary slap in the face. In a good way. Keep reading for three ways to get your fix. We've got a classic cone, a layered milkshake and a childhood recipe for ice cream “soup" (you all know what that is).

Brit + Co

Ingredients:

Brit + Co

— coconut (or other white) ice cream

— red and blue gel food coloring

Instructions:

Brit + Co

1. Scoop ice cream into a bowl.

2. Add food coloring and mix well.

For all three treats, you will need red, white and blue ice cream. There are red and blue flavors on the market, but we couldn't find any, so we used dye. Feel free to buy or dye.

Brit + Co

You gotta be quick with the licks to keep this from melting on your hand. We didn’t go with classic Neapolitan flavors (strawberry, vanilla, chocolate), but you could easily do so by dyeing the strawberry a deeper red and using white chocolate for the blue. Our version is solid coconut, but follow your heart!

Red, White and Blue Neapolitan

Brit + Co

Take note of the round container we used for this. It was a fail! We highly recommend you use a bread tin instead. To make your ice cream, scoop the more solid white ice cream into a strip down the middle of the tin. This will act as a barrier for the other two, which will be in a more soup-like form due to mixing in the food coloring. Add red to one side and blue to the other. Place it in the freezer for around two hours.

Brit + Co

Here's where the fail happened. When we tried to scoop the ice cream, because it was in a round tin, the act of pulling the scoop towards me spun ALL of the ice cream around in a circle. Whoops! I managed to get some in the end, but it wasn't ideal.

Brit + Co

The proper way to eat ice cream is two scoops on a cone.

Brit + Co

Ice cream: a true American patriot.

Brit + Co

It took us five stores to find dragon fruit and when we sliced it open, it was a vibrant magenta rather than the white we expected. Sweet surprise in our book and a perfect topping for a layered milkshake.

Fourth of July Layered Milkshake

Brit + Co

Mix and pour, mix and pour, mix and pour. If you want a thinner shake, add a bit of milk to your ice cream before you pour it in the glass.

Brit + Co

Top with dragon fruit and pocky or any other fruit/candy combo you love.

Brit + Co

We couldn't stop staring at these. They're so pretty!

Brit + Co

This one is a callback to childhood. When we were kids, we loved mixing my ice cream until it was liquid and then pretending it was soup. What is with that? Why would we want to turn DESSERT into something that would normally be dinner or a side?

Ice Cream “Soup"

Brit + Co

All you need to do for this award-winning “recipe” is mix your ice cream until it is the perfect consistency. Then add toppings. This is a dessert soup, after all, so toppings can consist of candy, sprinkles and fruit.

Brit + Co

Meet your match, smoothie bowl.

Brit + Co

Other ideas for toppings include blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, mochi, chia seeds and white chocolate. Don’t be afraid to add all different shades of red, white and blue. Your toppings don’t all need to be bold primary colors.

Brit + Co

We hope we've inspired you to get creative with your ice cream this year! Happy Fourth of July!

Follow us on Pinterest for more recipe ideas!

This post has been updated.

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Florence Pugh's Netflix Drama Is Coming Soon — & Your AP English Teacher Will Def Approve

No matter how much you love reading, classic books can feel incredibly intimidating. The language can be hard to understand and the story can be hard to follow. Sometimes I've had to reread the same page multiple times to figure out what's going on. But with prestige TV and more grounded storytelling, book-to-movie adaptations like Wuthering Heights and Anne With an E are giving us new looks at stories that have been around for hundreds of years. And now we can add East of Eden to the list!

Adapted from John Steinbeck's 1952 novel, the story serves as a recreation of the Biblical story of Cain and Abel, marked by family relationships and generational betrayal. Netflix is bringing us a limited series, and the best part is that it'll be led by We Live in Time actress Florence Pugh. Whether East of Eden is one of your favorite books, or you've never picked it up, this is one TV show you're going to want to tune into.

Here's everything we know about Florence Pugh's East of Eden, coming to Netflix soon.

'East of Eden' on Netflix brings the "shocking" story to a new generation.

Amazon

East of Eden follows "the multi-generational Trask family saga explored from the perspective of the standout female character Cathy Ames," according to TUDUM. The story ranges from the Civil War to World War I and mainly revolves around brothers Adam and Charles, and Adam's sons Caleb and Aaron.

This Great American Novel deals with everything from guilt and freedom to love and acceptance, with the consistent desire for greatness that a lot of Americans feel at one point in their life or another.

Universal Pictures

The seven-part TV show will be written by Zoe Kazan (She Said), whose grandfather Elia Kazan wrote the script for the original 1955 movie adaptation. “In the process of bringing this family saga to life, the resonance of my own familial connection to the material has not been lost on me,” Kazan told TUDUM. “But it is Steinbeck’s writing — personal, shocking, profound, and free — that has kept me enthralled by East of Eden since I first read the book as a young teen.”

“Zoe’s thoughtful and artistic vision pays homage to her grandfather's revered film adaptation while beautifully honoring and introducing new audiences to a true canon of American literature,” Peter Friedlander, Netflix's Vice President of Scripted Series said. “She is an inspiring, creative force and we can not wait for everyone to see what she and Jeb, alongside the brilliant cast led by Florence Pugh, bring to screen.”

The 'East of Eden' cast features your favorite actors.

Marleen Moise/Victor Boyko/Robert Okine/Getty Images

The East of Eden cast has some of the best contemporary actors around, including:

  • Florence Pugh (Dune 2, Thunderbolts*) leads the cast as Cathy Ames
  • Christopher Abbott stars as Adam Trask
  • Mike Faist plays Charles Trask
  • Hoon Lee stars as Lee
  • Tracy Letts plays Cyrus Trask
  • Martha Plimpton plays Faye
  • Ciarán Hinds stars as Samuel Hamilton
  • Joseph Zada stars as Cal Trask
  • Joe Anders plays Aron Trask

When can I watch East of Eden?

John-Mark Smith/Pexels

East of Eden is coming to Netflix soon, and the New Zealand Herald reports the show's aiming for an "early 2026 release." Check back here for more news on the official release date!

Where is East of Eden being filmed?

Aneta Hartmannová/Pexels

Florence Pugh and the rest of the East of Eden cast have been filming around New Zealand, including Harbourside, Scottish Hall, and Ōamaru Squash and Badminton Club (via New Zealand Herald) even though the story is set in California. The first set leaks appeared on the internet in January 2025, and show off everything from Florence's incredible costumes to plenty of horses.

Stay tuned for the latest East of Eden news, and if you're still thinking about Flo's stint in We Live in Time, check out why The We Live in Time Ending Is Actually More Hopeful Than Heartbreaking.

This post has been updated.

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The 12 Best Amazon Deals Under $15 You Can’t Miss This Week

Who doesn’t love finding a great deal – especially when everything is under $15? Amazon is serving up the best bargains of the week, from beauty essentials to home goods and fashion finds. All shoppable at unbeatable prices, these 12 Amazon finds won’t break the bank if you’re searching for something stylish, practical, or just downright fun.

Scroll on for our top 12 best Amazon deals of the week!

Amazon

Stanley Quencher H2.0 14-Ounce Tumbler

Stanely cups for just $15?! Count us in!

Amazon

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid

This $14 liquid exfoliant is beloved for its ability to deliver smoother, more even skin with consistent use. It's more gentle (and more effective!) than physically exfoliating your skin, which can oftentimes do more harm than good.

Amazon

Bliss Block Star SPF 30 Invisible Daily Tinted Sunscreen

SPF is the star of your skincare routine, and this $11 (was $25) makes applying it every day super easy with a sheer, evening tint and silky-smooth feel.

Amazon

Newcosplay Super Soft Throw Blanket

Cozying up just became so much better with this $13 (was $20) pick. The ribbed texture definitely gives it a luxe vibe, but for less. Love!

Amazon

2-Pack 10-Ounce Overnight Oats Containers

Meal preppers, unite! These 10-ounce containers are perfect for overnight oats, yogurt bowls, or just sectioning out snacks to eat on throughout the workday. Snag the sleek yet durable duo for just $15!

Amazon

Hair Wax Stick

This convenient wax stick keeps your flyways at bay for the most seamless slicked-back buns or ponytails. Shoppers love this $5 (was $7) pick because its sleeking effects last all day long!

Amazon

DreamSky Wooden Digital Alarm Clock

Step up your bedside table decor with this gorgeous $15 (was $17) alarm clock – it fits right in with any home decor style!

Amazon

The Gym People High Waist Workout Shorts

These high-waisted $15 (was $23) biker shorts can stretch across tons of different occasions, from workouts to grocery store runs or just lazing around at home! You'll fall in love with them because they feature some convenient side pockets that can easily fit your phone or other small essentials you want to keep close.

Amazon

Bedsure Satin Pillowcase

This skin- and hair-friendly satin pillowcase is going for just $8 (was $13) to protect you from breakouts and broken locks. Shoppers adore how smooth it is to the touch, adding a very bougie feel to your bedtime routine for not much money.

Amazon

Sojos Classic Polarized Aviator Sunglasses

Spring's out, so that means the sun's out! You might as well protect your peepers in style with these $13 (was $20) sunnies that come in endless different colorways to match each and every outfit. We love this green pair for a playful pop of color!

Amazon

e.l.f. Squeeze Me Lip Balm

This $4 – yes, $4! – lip balm keeps your lips lookin' and feelin' super moisturized when they need it most. It also provides a sheer tint of color, so you could easily rock a layer of it with or without makeup. Such an affordable makeup bag upgrade!

Amazon

Grace & Stella Pimple Patches

Our favorite skincare hack is slapping a pimple patch on any pesky breakout that emerges. These patches at least make the experience super cute, plus you can get 36 of 'em for just $5!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more amazing Amazon finds!

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

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