When most people think of a sweet treat on a hot summer’s day, we think of a nice chocolate ice cream cone, some raspberry sorbet or some vanilla fro-yo. These are all very common flavors of ice creams and yogurts. What if you had a nice big scoop of ice cream that had sardines in it?? Believe it or not, there are some crazy concoctions of ice cream flavors. Here is a look at some of the places that have a claim to fame with their weird yet delicious flavors!

The Penny Ice Creamery – If you are in the downtown Santa Cruz area, you should definitely stop by this ice cream shop. They are the only one in the area that makes everything completely from scratch! Every change in the season calls for a change in the flavors. Using local and organic ingredients, they even offer sweet vegan treats for their customers. Sound fresh? Then listen to these flavors they currently, have: Basil, Fig Leaf, Blackberry Sweet Corn, Raspberry Rose Sorbet, Honey Lavender and so much more deliciousness!

Humphry Slocombe – Rave reviews have come from renowned publications such as the New York Times and VOGUE Japan, all praising the delicious flavors of this ice cream shop. They proudly use Straus Organic Dairy for their ice cream & source organic ingredients whenever possible. Flavors like Salt and Pepper, Sour Cream, Foie Gras and Balsamic Caramel may make you wonder if you’re choosing an ice cream flavor or a topping for dinner! There are so many more choices that it is hard to pick one you want to try!!

Heladería de Lares – If you really want to check out some exotic ice cream, you can look up this shop. Featured on Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, this Puerto Rican shop has around 50 flavors to choose from, all homemade!  Along with the traditional flavors, you can find many exotic ones like rice and beans, cod fish and garlic! Salty or sweet, as you can see, there are MANY varieties for everyone’s taste buds!

Picture By James Bowe

By Lauren Grossberg