The Most Popular Topping for Ice Cream, Ranked

Choose the topping you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 6, 2024 06:52
Choosing the right topping for your ice cream can transform a simple dessert into a memorable treat. With countless options available, it often becomes challenging to decide which topping to select. A list of top choices, ranked by popular vote, can serve as a helpful guide. This ranking lets visitors see which toppings are preferred by the majority, simplifying their decision-making process. By participating in this voting process, users not only contribute their preferences but also benefit from seeing the collective choices of others. This dynamic ranking adjusts with each new vote, providing an up-to-date reflection of current tastes. Whether you're looking for ideas on how to spice up your next dessert or just curious about the trends, this ranking offers valuable insights.

What Is the Most Popular Topping for Ice Cream?

  1. 1
    44
    votes
    A classic topping that is loved by all, chocolate syrup is the most popular topping for ice cream. It adds a rich and decadent flavor to any ice cream flavor.
    Chocolate syrup is a thick and sweet sauce commonly used as a topping for ice cream. It is made by blending high-quality cocoa powder with sugar and water to produce a rich and creamy texture. The intense flavor of chocolate adds a delightful taste to any ice cream flavor it accompanies.
    • Consistency: Thick and viscous
    • Flavor: Rich and chocolatey
    • Color: Dark brown
    • Texture: Smooth and pourable
    • Ingredients: Cocoa powder, sugar, water
  2. 2
    21
    votes
    Caramel sauce is another popular topping that adds a sweet and buttery flavor to ice cream. It is especially delicious when paired with vanilla ice cream.
    Caramel sauce is a sweet and creamy topping made from caramelized sugar. It has a rich and buttery taste with a smooth and velvety texture. The sauce is typically drizzled over ice cream, adding a decadent sweetness to the dessert. It can also be used in various other desserts and beverages as a flavor enhancer.
    • Flavor: Rich and buttery
    • Texture: Smooth and velvety
    • Color: Golden brown
    • Sweetness: High
    • Consistency: Thick and pourable
  3. 3
    17
    votes
    A staple topping for ice cream sundaes, whipped cream adds a light and fluffy texture to ice cream. It is also great for adding a touch of sweetness.
    Whipped cream is a light and fluffy topping made from heavy cream. It is created by beating the cream until it reaches a thick and airy consistency. Whipped cream is widely used as a cake filling due to its creamy and smooth texture, as well as its ability to complement various flavors.
    • Texture: Light and fluffy
    • Ingredients: Heavy cream, sugar (optional), vanilla extract (optional)
    • Consistency: Thick and airy
    • Taste: Mild and creamy
    • Complementary flavors: Chocolates, fruits, vanilla, coffee, etc.
  4. 4
    20
    votes
    Sprinkles are a fun and colorful topping that adds a festive touch to any ice cream dessert. They are especially popular with children.
    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
  5. 5
    11
    votes
    Whether it's peanuts, almonds, or pecans, crushed nuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to ice cream. They are especially delicious with chocolate and caramel.
    Crushed nuts is a popular topping for ice cream that adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the sweet treat. It consists of small pieces of various nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or peanuts, that are finely crushed and sprinkled generously over the ice cream.
    • Nut Varieties: Almonds, walnuts, peanuts
    • Crushing Technique: Finely crushed
    • Texture: Crunchy
    • Flavor: Nutty
    • Popular Pairings: Vanilla, chocolate, caramel
  6. 6
    12
    votes
    Fresh fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, can add a refreshing and fruity flavor to ice cream. It is a healthier topping option and adds a pop of color to any dessert.
    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.
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    Soft and chewy, marshmallows are a popular topping for ice cream that adds a sweet and fluffy texture. They are especially delicious when paired with chocolate.
    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
    8
    votes
    Hot fudge is a warm and gooey topping that adds a decadent and indulgent flavor to ice cream. It is perfect for cold winter nights.
    Hot fudge is a thick, rich, and velvety chocolate sauce that is commonly used as a topping for ice cream. It is typically served warm or hot, which creates a delightful contrast with the cold ice cream. Hot fudge has a smooth and glossy texture, and it is loved for its indulgent flavor that enhances the sweetness of the ice cream it is paired with.
    • Thickness: Thick
    • Texture: Smooth and glossy
    • Temperature: Served warm or hot
    • Flavor: Intensely chocolate
    • Sweetness: Enhances the sweetness of ice cream
  9. 9
    12
    votes
    Gummy bears
    Indoor-Fanatiker · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Gummy bears

    Hans Riegel
    Gummy bears are a fun and playful topping that adds a chewy texture and fruity flavor to ice cream. They are especially popular with children and young adults.
    Gummy bears are a popular type of candy known for their chewy, gelatin-based texture and fruity flavors. They are shaped like small bears and are enjoyed by people of all ages.
    • Shape: Small bears
    • Texture: Chewy and gelatin-based
    • Flavors: Fruity
    • Age range: All ages
    • Difficulty level: High
    Gummy bears in other rankings
  10. 10
    9
    votes
    Crushed cookies, such as Oreos, add a crunchy texture and chocolatey flavor to ice cream. They are perfect for adding a touch of indulgence to any dessert.
    Cookies are delicious baked treats that are loved by people of all ages. These sweet treats are typically made from a dough that is shaped into small, round discs and then baked until they are golden brown. They come in various flavors and variations, making them a versatile option for any occasion.
    • Ingredients: Typically includes flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and flavorings (e.g., chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits)
    • Shapes and Sizes: Cookies can be round, square, or cut into various shapes using cookie cutters. They come in bite-sized or larger sizes.
    • Texture: Cookies can be soft, crunchy, or chewy, depending on the recipe and baking time.
    • Flavors: Cookies come in a wide array of flavors, including chocolate chip, oatmeal, sugar, peanut butter, gingerbread, and many more.
    • Variations: There are countless variations of cookies, such as sandwich cookies, filled cookies, thumbprint cookies, and bar cookies.

Missing your favorite topping?

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Ranking factors for popular topping

  1. Overall popularity
    Is the topping generally well-liked and popular among a wide range of ice cream lovers?
  2. Availability
    Is the topping widely available at ice cream shops and supermarkets, or is it more rare and hard to find?
  3. Variety
    Does the topping come in multiple flavors and varieties, or is it a one-note topping?
  4. Compatibility
    Does the topping pair well with a wide range of ice cream flavors, or is it more restrictive?
  5. Creativity
    Is the topping creative and unique, or is it a more standard topping that has been around for a long time?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular topping for ice cream. 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

  • 1292 views
  • 165 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 topping for ice cream

Ice cream is one of the most beloved desserts in the world, and it's no wonder why! With its creamy texture and endless flavor possibilities, it's the perfect treat for any time of day. But what about toppings? What do people love to put on their ice cream the most? From hot fudge to sprinkles to fruit, there are countless options to choose from. In this article, we'll explore the most popular toppings for ice cream according to the polls and rankings on StrawPoll. Get ready to discover new ideas for your next indulgent ice cream sundae!

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