The Most Popular Ice Cream Topping, Ranked

Choose the ice cream topping you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:40
Picture a sunny day, perfect for enjoying your favorite scoop of ice cream, but then you face the crucial choice of picking the perfect topping to complete the treat. Often, the decision can be overwhelming due to the sheer variety of options available. This ranking system helps ease that choice by showing which toppings the general public enjoys the most. By participating in the voting process, users not only contribute to a fun and interactive community but also influence the rating, making it a reflective mirror of public preference. This dynamic list adjusts in real time, allowing every vote to count towards revealing the most beloved ice cream toppings. Let your voice be heard and help others in their quest for the perfect ice cream experience!

What Is the Most Popular Ice Cream Topping?

  1. 1
    73
    votes
    This rich chocolate sauce is a classic topping for ice cream that never goes out of style. It's gooey, sweet, and delicious, and pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream.
    Hot Fudge Sauce is a thick, rich and chocolatey topping that is commonly drizzled over ice cream. It is typically served warm, hence the name 'hot' fudge sauce, which provides a delightful contrast when poured over cold ice cream. This decadent sauce is a classic favorite among ice cream lovers of all ages. It has a smooth texture and a distinct flavor of intense chocolate.
    • Consistency: Thick and gooey
    • Texture: Smooth
    • Flavor: Rich and chocolatey
    • Serving Temperature: Warm
    • Appearance: Dark brown color
  2. 2
    20
    votes
    Colorful sprinkles add a fun and festive touch to any ice cream dessert. Kids love them, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
    Sprinkles, also known as jimmies, are small pieces of candy or sugar crystals that are commonly used as a topping for ice cream. They come in a variety of vibrant colors and are typically sprinkled on top of a scoop or soft serve ice cream to add a decorative and flavorful touch.
    • Shape: Cylindrical
    • Size: Approximately 2-4 millimeters in length
    • Color: Assorted vibrant colors
    • Flavor: Sweet
    • Texture: Crunchy
  3. 3
    19
    votes
    A dollop of whipped cream is the perfect finishing touch to any ice cream sundae. It's light and airy and adds a creamy texture to the dessert.
    Whipped cream is a light and fluffy topping made by whipping heavy cream with sugar and sometimes vanilla extract. It has a creamy texture and a sweet taste that complements various desserts, particularly ice cream. The soft peaks formed during whipping give it a delicate and airy consistency.
    • Ingredients: Heavy cream, sugar, and optionally vanilla extract
    • Texture: Light and fluffy
    • Taste: Sweet
    • Consistency: Delicate and airy
    • Common Usage: As a topping for desserts, especially ice cream
    Whipped Cream in other rankings
  4. 4
    11
    votes
    This sweet and sticky sauce is a popular topping for ice cream. It's made from sugar that has been heated until it turns golden brown and has a rich, buttery flavor.
    Caramel sauce is a sweet and sticky sauce made primarily from caramelized sugar and cream. It has a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of sweetness. The sauce has a smooth and silky consistency, ideal for drizzling over ice cream or other desserts. It is a popular ice cream topping that adds a deliciously decadent touch to any treat.
    • Ingredients: Caramelized sugar, cream
    • Flavor: Rich and buttery with a hint of sweetness
    • Consistency: Smooth and silky
    • Usage: Drizzle over ice cream or other desserts
    • Popular Pairings: Vanilla ice cream, apple pie, chocolate desserts
  5. 5
    22
    votes

    Crushed Oreos

    Nabisco
    This popular cookie crumble is a favorite ice cream topping. It adds a crunchy texture and chocolate flavor to the ice cream, and is especially delicious when paired with vanilla ice cream.
    Crushed Oreos is a popular ice cream topping made from pulverized Oreo chocolate sandwich cookies. It is typically used to add a delightful crunch and a rich chocolatey taste to various ice cream flavors.
    • Texture: Crumbly
    • Flavor: Chocolate
    • Crunchiness: High
    • Color: Dark brown
    • Size: Small granules
  6. 6
    18
    votes
    Chocolate Chips
    Editor at Large · CC BY-SA 2.5

    Chocolate Chips

    Ruth Graves Wakefield
    Chocolate chips are a classic ice cream topping that never goes out of style. They're sweet, crunchy, and add a rich chocolate flavor to the ice cream.
    Chocolate chips are small chunks or morsels of solid semi-sweet or dark chocolate. They are commonly used as a topping for ice cream, as well as in various other desserts. The chocolate chips are typically small, about the size of a pea, and have a rich and intense chocolate flavor.
    • Shape: Small chunks
    • Type of chocolate: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate
    • Size: Approximately the size of a pea
    • Flavor: Rich and intense chocolate
    • Texture: Solid
    Chocolate Chips in other rankings
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    Marshmallows are a fun and playful ice cream topping that kids love. They're soft and fluffy, and add a sweet, sugary flavor to the dessert.
    Marshmallows are fluffy, soft and chewy confections that are typically made from gelatin, sugar, corn syrup, and flavorings. They have a distinctive, light and airy texture that easily melts in the mouth.
    • Color: White, but can be dyed in different colors
    • Ingredients: Gelatin, sugar, corn syrup, water, and flavorings (usually vanilla)
    • Texture: Soft, fluffy, and chewy
    • Shape: Typically cylindrical or cuboid, but can also be found in various shapes like hearts or animals
    • Coating: Often coated with powdered sugar or cornstarch to prevent sticking
  8. 8
    13
    votes
    Peanuts are a crunchy and salty ice cream topping that add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the dessert. They're especially delicious when paired with caramel or chocolate sauce.
    Peanuts are a popular ballpark food item that refers to roasted or salted peanuts served in their shells. They are a classic snack that has been enjoyed by fans at baseball games for decades.
    • Roasted or Salted: Peanuts can be enjoyed as either roasted or salted variants, providing different flavor profiles for fans.
    • In-shell: Peanuts are typically served in their shells, requiring fans to crack open the shells to access the peanuts inside.
    • Easy to carry: Peanuts are a convenient snack that can be easily carried around in small paper bags or containers.
    • Naturally gluten-free: Peanuts are a great option for fans with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
    • High in protein: Peanuts are a good source of plant-based protein, making them a satisfying snack choice.
  9. 9
    2
    votes
    Gummy Bears
    Indoor-Fanatiker · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Gummy Bears

    Hans Riegel
    Gummy bears are a fun and colorful ice cream topping that kids love. They're soft and chewy, and add a fruity flavor to the dessert.
    Gummy Bears are soft, chewy candies that are shaped like bears. They are made from a gelatin-based mixture that gives them their distinctive texture. Gummy Bears come in a variety of flavors and colors, usually fruit-based like cherry, strawberry, lemon, orange, and pineapple. They are loved by people of all ages for their combination of sweet taste and fun gummy texture.
    • Shape: Bear-shaped
    • Texture: Soft and chewy
    • Flavors: Fruit-based (cherry, strawberry, lemon, orange, pineapple)
    • Color: Multi-colored
    • Serving Size: Usually comes in small individual bite-sized pieces
    Gummy Bears in other rankings
  10. 10
    2
    votes
    Fresh fruit is a healthy and delicious ice cream topping that adds a pop of color and flavor to the dessert. Popular fruit toppings include strawberries, bananas, and raspberries.
    Fruit gum is a popular chewing gum flavor that is known for its sweet and fruity taste. It offers a refreshing burst of flavors that resemble various fruits, such as strawberry, orange, grape, watermelon, and more.
    • Flavor: Sweet and fruity taste, resembling various fruits.
    • Variety: Offers a range of fruit flavors, including strawberry, orange, grape, watermelon, and more.
    • Texture: Typically chewy texture for lasting enjoyment.
    • Sugar-free options: Available in sugar-free versions for those seeking a healthier option.
    • Packaging: Comes in various packaging options, such as blister packs, pocket-sized packs, and larger containers.

Missing your favorite ice cream topping?

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Ranking factors for popular ice cream topping

  1. Popularity
    Measure the frequency at which a topping appears on ice cream orders and how often it is mentioned in surveys or online forums as a favorite topping.
  2. Versatility
    Consider how well the topping complements a wide range of ice cream flavors and whether it can be used with various ice cream types (soft serve, gelato, etc.).
  3. Texture
    Assess the topping's texture contribution to the overall dessert, such as crunchiness, chewiness, or creaminess.
  4. Flavor
    Evaluate the topping's taste and how it enhances or complements the ice cream's flavor.
  5. Availability
    Determine the ease of finding the topping at ice cream shops, grocery stores, and online retailers.
  6. Nutritional value
    Examine the health aspects of the topping, such as calorie content, sugar levels, and the presence of nutrients (though this factor may be less important for some consumers focused on indulgence).
  7. Allergen considerations
    Consider the potential allergens contained in the topping and its suitability for people with dietary restrictions or allergies.
  8. Cost
    Factor in the price of the topping and whether it is affordable for a wide range of consumers.
  9. Shelf life and storage
    Assess the ease of storing the topping and how long it stays fresh, as this may affect both consumers and retailers stocking the product.
  10. Appeal to various age groups
    Evaluate the toppings' ability to attract a wide range of customers, from children to adults, and cater to different palates and preferences.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular ice cream topping. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or topping is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2713 views
  • 178 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each topping once every 24 hours. The rank of each topping is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular ice cream topping

Ice cream is a beloved dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a sweet treat that can be enjoyed on its own, but many people prefer to add toppings to enhance the flavor and texture. From sprinkles to fudge, there are countless options for ice cream toppings. But which one is the most popular? We conducted a survey on StrawPoll to find out. Join us as we explore the results and discover the most beloved ice cream topping among our community.

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