Summer calls for ice cream — the top 10 most loved ice cream flavors in Taiwan, with chocolate taking the crown

▲ Illustration of chocolate ice cream. (Photo / taken fromWikimedia Commons)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

On sweltering summer days, many people turn to ice cream for relief from the heat. 《DailyView Network Temperature Meter》 has ranked the most beloved ice cream flavors among Taiwanese netizens, with chocolate claiming the top spot as the favorite. Vanilla, strawberry, mango, and red bean followed closely, ranking 2nd to 5th respectively. Let’s take a look at why these flavors made the list!

No. 5 Red Bean

Although red bean is not a common flavor in tub ice cream or other chain ice cream shops, it is a popular topping for desserts among Taiwanese people. It can often be found in tofu pudding shops and beverage stores, and pairs exceptionally well with green tea or milk-flavored ice cream, creating a complementary and enhanced taste experience.

No. 4 Mango

When it comes to summer frozen treats, how could we forget mango? Known as the king of tropical fruits, mango boasts a strong sweet-and-sour flavor and its vibrant orange flesh is incredibly eye-catching, bringing a refreshing burst of summer coolness. Nowadays, mango ice is not only a must-have for locals in the summer, but also a must-try delicacy for Japanese, Korean, and other international tourists visiting Taiwan.

▲ Illustration of mango ice. Originally from Ximending's Mango Ice Shop "Ai Xiang Sui" Mango Ice. (Photo / screen captured from Ximending's Mango Ice)

No. 3 Strawberry
Whether eaten fresh, made into jam, or turned into ice cream, strawberry is always one of the most beloved flavors. First off, its pink or bright red color gives off an adorable vibe, and its sweet-and-sour taste further stimulates the appetite — it’s truly a timeless favorite.

No. 2 Vanilla
Few flavors can highlight the creamy richness of ice cream like vanilla. Though not flashy, it adds fragrance and depth to plain milk-flavored ice cream. In addition, because of its pure taste, it also blends well with other flavored ice creams or toppings, making it the ultimate supporting flavor in the world of ice cream.

No. 1 Chocolate
Without a doubt, the most loved ice cream flavor among Taiwanese people is chocolate. Chocolate itself offers a rich and complex taste profile — it can be bitter, sweet, or even trigger dopamine release in the brain, evoking feelings of joy. It’s no wonder it stands at the top of the ice cream flavor charts!

Rounding out the 6th to 10th spots are matcha, caramel, coffee, peanut, and sesame. Additionally, the Network Temperature Meter also compiled a list of unique ice cream flavors favored by Taiwanese netizens from various brands, including Cold Stone’s “Just Love Tea Time” (Tieguanyin), Häagen-Dazs’ “Caramel Milk,” “Caramel Swirl Cookie Dough,” and “Rose Lychee Raspberry,” as well as Movenpick’s French Caramel Pudding.