Buzz
Summer is the perfect time for ice cream, whether you're exploring supermarket freezers or chasing down the local ice cream truck. However, many iconic flavors—both classic ice cream varieties and other frozen dairy treats—have disappeared over the years. Here’s a look at some of the most fondly remembered discontinued ice creams.
The Choco Taco
Gone too soon. | tbiley, Flickr //CC BY 2.0Introduced in 1983, the Choco Taco quickly won over fans with its unique blend of vanilla ice cream, fudge, and a waffle cone shell, all topped with peanuts and chocolate. Unfortunately, this beloved treat was discontinued in 2022 as Klondike streamlined its product offerings.
However, the Choco Taco might make a comeback: Klondike, moved by fans' disappointment, announced its intention to revive the treat someday, though no specific plans or timelines have been shared. In February 2024, Taco Bell revealed a collaboration with Salt & Straw to create their own version of the iconic dessert.
Häagen-Dazs Crème Brulée
Häagen-Dazs Crème Brulée was a fan-favorite in the early 2000s, celebrated for its rich custard-like texture. Despite its widespread appeal, the flavor was discontinued in 2016 as the brand focused on developing new and innovative flavors.
Starbucks Java Chip Ice Cream
RIP Java Chip. | Amy, Flickr // CC BY 2.0Starbucks introduced its line of ice cream products to grocery stores in 1996. Coffee enthusiasts adored flavors like Java Chip, which gained immense popularity
Popsicle Sprinklers Ice Cream Bars
Popsicle Sprinklers gained fame in the 1990s. Despite their simplicity—vanilla ice cream coated in chocolate and sprinkles—they became a cherished part of summer memories for many children before disappearing in the early 2000s.
Jell-O Pudding Pops
Jell-O Pudding Pops faced challenges after Popsicle acquired the brand. | Chris Larkee, Flickr // CC BY 2.0A favorite among ‘80s and ‘90s kids, Jell-O Pudding Pops were a creamy, chocolatey delight that launched in the late 1970s and soared in popularity the next decade. Despite strong sales, production costs became unsustainable for Jell-O. In 2004, the brand licensed the Jell-O Pudding Pops name to Popsicle, which altered the original recipe, disappointing fans. Popsicle eventually discontinued the iconic treat in the early 2010s due to declining demand.
Flintstones Push-Ups
Fans of The Flintstones likely recall these sherbet bars appearing in stores during the early 1990s. For nearly a decade, children eagerly enjoyed these fruity push-up treats. While similar products exist today, they no longer feature the iconic Flintstones branding.
Good Humor Candy Center Crunch Ice Cream Bar
Grabbing one of these from the ice cream truck was a double delight, combining ice cream and candy. Each bar had a rich chocolate core enveloped in vanilla ice cream and encased in a crispy chocolate coating. Despite its popularity in the ‘90s, Good Humor discontinued the Candy Center Crunch Ice Cream Bar—though fans can petition the company to bring it back.
Mounds Ice Cream Bars
If you’ve ever been in a grocery store check-out line, you’ve likely noticed Mounds candy bars. But were you aware that there was once an ice cream version of this coconut and chocolate delight? Mounds Ice Cream Bars debuted in 2012 but vanished just a few years later.
Trader Joe’s Salted Caramel Gelato
Trader Joe’s is famous for its tasty treats. Their Salted Caramel Gelato, with its smooth and creamy texture, became a fan favorite after its 2014 launch. However, in 2020, it was added to the list of discontinued Trader Joe’s items. If you’re still dreaming of enjoying this gelato again, you can share your feedback with the store about its discontinuation.
Ben & Jerry’s Oatmeal Cookie Chunk
Ben & Jerry’s has a long list of retired flavors, but one of the most dearly missed is Oatmeal Cookie Chunk. This flavor featured a sweet cinnamon base with fudge swirls and chunks of oatmeal cookies. It first appeared in 2003 and was widely available from 2004 to 2012. Though it’s been gone for over a decade, it’s immortalized by the poem on its symbolic tombstone:
“From the moment that this oatmeal wentThere’s been no end to fans’ lament.If you’d ‘sowed more oats’ before the reapWe wouldn’t have buried it quite so deep.”
Friendly’s Wattamelon Roll
Looks like we’ll have to settle for real watermelons now. | Mike Mozart, Flickr // CC BY 2.0In 2021, Friendly’s announced its exit from the ice cream roll market. The brand discontinued its Wattamelon Roll—a watermelon-shaped sherbet treat with chocolate chip “seeds.” Friendly’s also bid farewell to its seasonal Jubilee Rolls, leaving New Englanders who cherished them during the holidays deeply disappointed.
