University of Minnesota unveils winning Ice cream flavor for 175th anniversary

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Minnesota’s love affair with dairy just got a little sweeter thanks to a new commemorative ice cream flavor born from a century-long partnership between the University of Minnesota and the state’s dairy industry.

Celebrating a long tradition of dairy innovation

What we know:

The University of Minnesota has worked with the state’s dairy industry for more than 100 years, providing training to students, short courses for producers and creameries, and sharing expertise and access to manufacturing facilities. Mitchell Maher, pilot plant manager, said, "These early days of dairy research were very much about like bettering the products. It wasn't well documented and well researched just how to efficiently make these products."

Isaac Salfer, assistant professor in the Department of Animal Science, said, "The University of Minnesota has really been on the forefront of progressing dairy both within the state of Minnesota and across the entire United States."

This year, the university decided to mark its 175th anniversary by inviting Gophers and ice cream fans everywhere to submit ideas for a new commemorative ice cream flavor. The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences put out a "Call for Scoops" and received about 500 entries.

After the call for submissions, a panel of judges—including 71str Princess Kay of the Milky Way Rachel Visser, University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham, professors, and others—gathered to taste test the top five flavors on a hot July day. "So we have a creamy maple ice cream with hints of molasses," said one judge as the tasting began.

Judges shared their thoughts as they sampled each flavor. "I don't think I can pick a favorite," said one. Another judge said, "The pudding ice cream, which was the very first one that we tasted. It was very cinnamon-y, yummy, and warm. So that was my favorite." One man added, "The apple criss-a-ronia. It just intrigued me a lot. I loved the texture, nothing overwhelmed, but I got a little bit of the apple, I got a little of the Aronia berries, I've got a bit of oats, and it just all melded and was harmonious."

Job Ubbink, professor and head of the Food Science and Nutrition Department, said, "I'm very impressed how the team worked with the different flavors to actually make it into a product. Because really, you need expertise. You can't just throw in all these bits and fruits and whatever and make an ice cream. You really need to know how to handle them."

The winning flavor and its Minnesota roots

Why you should care:

The winning flavor, North Star Apple Crisp, combines the sweet, crunchy taste of apple crisp with a swirl of aronia berry—also known as chokeberry—for a subtle tart surprise. The ingredients themselves are a nod to Minnesota’s agricultural heritage. Maher explained, "The U of M prides itself in the development of several leading varieties of apples, honey crisp apples in the pan. Of apple crisp with a scoop of ice cream to commemorate our state's dairy industry as a perfect dessert. Almost. Let's add in the berry that's the highest antioxidant berry around, and it's native to the Midwest, the Oronia berry. Known for its deep purple color and tart flavor, this combination in the mouth is a mouth-watering combination that sums up everything of Minnesota."

Judges were excited about the result, with one exclaiming on a video call, "Oh oh wow! Holy cow yaya!"

Paul and Heather Wright of the Wright Farm in Hutchinson received the winning call. "Wow, to have this news today. That's just great, that's fantastic," said one of them.

Former Princess Kay Rachel Visser added, "It's really cool to know that not only is the milk going into the ice cream locally produced and sourced from the cows right here on campus, but also to know the other products are also local products from our small communities around Minnesota."

The North Star Apple Crisp ice cream will be available for a limited time at select campus locations and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, making the university’s 175th anniversary celebration even sweeter.

Final five flavors

Local perspective:

Father Pillsbury Puritan Pudding:

Father Pillsbury Puritan Pudding is a creamy maple ice cream with hints of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon.

This flavor pays homage to Governor John Pillsbury, the "Father of the University," who is credited with saving the University of Minnesota from bankruptcy. Puritan Pudding was a beloved staple of New Hampshire in 1827—the year and place of Pillsbury’s birth—and represents the humble roots that were brought to the frontier. The University of Minnesota celebrates 175 years of resilience and legacy, just like this dessert has stood the test of time.

Celebrate 175 years of resilience with a flavor inspired by Governor John Pillsbury’s birth year. This treat captures the essence of a 19th-century New England classic—creamy custard blended with molasses, vanilla, and a dash of cinnamon. It has a "home-cooked" warmth that feels like a hug in a scoop, honoring the humble beginnings that built our great university.

The Maroon and Gold Rush

The Maroon and Gold Rush is a swirl of classic raspberry with that dark color and a lemon curd with the yellow color. These flavors would complement each other very well.

The Maroon and Gold Rush celebrates 175 years of unstoppable Gopher momentum. Featuring a vibrant Lemon base to represent our 'Golden' legacy of excellence and a bold Raspberry swirl for the 'Maroon' traditions that have fueled us since 1851, this flavor is a tribute to the energy, history, and bright future of the University of Minnesota.

Minnesota Rouser Rhubarb

Minnesota Rouser Rhubarb is sweetened rhubarb compote mixed into a honey-vanilla base.

This flavor represents the history of the University's extension service going back to 1909 and how Minnesotans for over a century have relied on the service's advice for their home gardens, often which includes rhubarb.

North Star Legacy: Applecrisp Aronia

North Star Legacy: Applecrisp Aronia combines the sweet crunchy flavor of apple crisp with a swirl of aronia berry (chokeberry) to bring a subtle tart surprise.

The University of Minnesota prides itself on the development of several leading varieties of apples. The Honeycrisp apple in a pan of apple crisp with a scoop of ice cream to commemorate our state's dairy industry is a perfect dessert. Almost--Let's add in a berry that is the highest antioxidant berry around, and it is native to the Midwest: the aronia berry. Known for its deep purple color and tart flavor, this combination is a mouth-watering combination of everything Minnesota.

Small pieces of apple and oat crumble with a swirl of aronia is a unique blend that is ready to grab Minnesota's attention.

Wildberry Ramble

Wildberry Ramble is a vanilla ice cream base combined with chokecherry and elderberry, mixed with native pollinator honey; a mix of tart and sweet.

Elderberries and chokecherries are native to Minnesota, and provide antioxidants and are growing in popularity! It's a perfect time to participate in a unique flavor and showcase a local fruit, and maybe with time it will become as prominent as marionberries in Portland!

The idea of a ramble honors the many journeys we've taken through state parks, prairies, and along the North Shore, and the steps we all collectively take to explore all Minnesota has to offer.

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