News

Groovy: Circa-1960s flavor wins Baskin-Robbins Big Thaw contest

June 30, 2011

More than 80,000 ice cream enthusiasts voted in Baskin-Robbin's "The Big Thaw" promotion, an online survey to determine one classic flavor to bring back from the chain's famous "Deep Freeze," where flavors are stored upon retirement.

Winning with 70 percent of the vote was Pistachio Almond Fudge, a Baskin-Robbins favorite from 1967 featuring pistachio ice cream with a chocolate ribbon and fudge covered almond pieces.

Fans had a choice from a select group of 31 retired flavors and voted to bring one back to shops in ready-made quarts. Pistachio Almond Fudge will be available for a limited-time only at Baskin-Robbins shops later this year.

Runners Up in the "Big Thaw" survey were Banana Nut Bread (1974), a nutty combination of banana-flavored ice cream and walnuts; Heath Bar Crunch (2007), toffee flavored ice cream swirled with a caramel ribbon and Heath Bar pieces; and Caramel Praline Cheesecake (2010), vanilla cheesecake flavored ice cream swirled with a gooey caramel ribbon and sweet, crunch praline pecans pieces.

"We were impressed with the number of fans who cast their votes to bring their favorite flavors out of the 'Deep Freeze'," said Brian O'Mara, Baskin-Robbins, vice president of marketing. "To bring back a flavor that was popular 50 years ago shows that, although times have changed, the tastes of today's ice cream lovers remain loyal to Baskin-Robbins unique flavor combinations."

The Baskin-Robbins flavor library currently holds more than 1,300 flavors.