Cookies and cream is one of the most popular flavors in the world. Whether it’s a scoop of ice cream, a bowl of cereal, or a candy bar, this classic flavor combination is a crowd pleaser! But where did natural cookies and cream flavor originate from? And what other flavors pair well with its sweet and creamy taste?
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What is cookies and cream?
The iconic cookies and cream flavor has been delighting taste buds for decades. As the name implies, this classic combination of sweet and creamy flavors was inspired by two beloved treats: chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos to be exact) and vanilla ice cream. As with most food origin stories, this one is not 100% verified; however, many people believe that the flavor concept was created in 1979 at South Dakota State University by a dairy plant manager and two SDSU students Not long after, multiple ice cream brands released their own versions of cookies and cream flavored ice cream: Blue Bell in 1980 and Dreyer’s/Edy’s in 1982. By 1983, cookies and cream was already one of the top 5 best-selling ice cream flavors!
Today, cookies and cream is considered a classic ice cream flavor. In fact, we love cookies and cream so much it qualifies as a comfort food flavor, too. Maybe that’s why demand for cookies and cream flavored food and beverage products is growing.
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Indulgent flavor pairings
Traditional sweets such as cookies, cakes, milkshakes, smoothies, and candies are all natural choices for cookies and cream flavor. While it can easily stand on its own, cookies and cream pairs well with fruit too. The bright tartness of berries (strawberry, raspberry), tropical fruit (mango, coconut), and stone fruit (peach, cherry) contrast nicely with the creamy sweetness of cookies and cream flavor. In mixed flavor applications like these, a layered design works best so that each component can be experienced on the palate in both separate and combined phases.
Innovative applications for natural cookies and cream flavor
If you’re looking for out-of-the-box flavor innovation, we have some ideas for you! Try flavoring macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, or popcorn with cookies and cream. For a new take on nachos, drizzle cookies and cream cheese sauce over cinnamon sugar tortilla chips. Go savory with chicken and waffles topped with a dollop of cookies and cream “gravy.” It’s a walk on the wild side that just might pay off, because if there’s one thing consumers love more than an Instagrammable food moment, it’s enjoying sweet and savory combinations like these!
Another use for cookies and cream flavor is in reduced sugar and low-fat applications. It can be used to enhance sweetness and creamy perception, helping food product developers formulate healthier desserts and snack foods. Additionally, you can use this sweet flavor to mask off notes from plant proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Meal replacement shakes can benefit from utilizing cookies and cream as both a flavor masker and an appealing comfort food flavor.
Cookies and cream flavored food and beverages
This classic flavor is good for so much more than ice cream and cheesecake. Get inspired with this list of cookies and cream flavored food and beverage concepts:
- Tortillas
- Cream cheese
- Instant oatmeal
- Green tea
- Caramels
- Milk stout
- Martinis
- Cheese sauce
- Almond milk
- Mochi
- Yogurt
- Pasta
- Energy drinks
- Cream soda
- Mints
- Marshmallows
- Rice pudding
- Donut holes
- Vitamin gummies
- Whipped topping
Try natural cookies and cream flavor
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Food and beverage development services
We hope these ideas help launch your next iconic flavor! Blue Pacific Flavors has been a leader in flavor trends and food and beverage innovation since 1993. Learn more about our product development services in this video.
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