12 Ice Cream Flavors People Rarely Choose

Ever glance at the ice cream case and wonder who actually picks those oddball flavors in the corner? Some scoops just sit there, quietly waiting for a brave soul. Today, we are digging into the quirky, the polarizing, and the once-tried never-again. You might even find a new favorite if you keep an open mind.

1. Black Licorice

Bold, inky, and unapologetic, black licorice ice cream carries that unmistakable anise punch. If you grew up loving licorice candy, this scoop can feel nostalgic and oddly comforting. For everyone else, it lands sharp and herbal, with a slight bitterness that can feel intense.

Pairing it with vanilla helps soften the edges and lets you ease into the flavor. A small scoop goes a long way, so start light and taste first. You might not crave it weekly, but it is a conversation starter that keeps surprising adventurous palates.

2. Bubblegum

Bubblegum ice cream looks like childhood in a cone, all pink and blue swirls with a candy burst. The flavor can veer sugary and artificial, which some find charming and others find cloying. The chewy bits can interrupt a smooth bite, so the texture is love it or leave it.

Ask for a kid-size scoop if you are curious without committing. It pairs surprisingly well with a neutral sidekick like sweet cream. Nostalgia carries this flavor, but adults often try it once and move on to subtler options.

3. Rum Raisin

Rum raisin is a classic that many skip, assuming it is too old fashioned or boozy. The raisins bring chewy sweetness while the rum note adds warmth and depth. When balanced well, it tastes like grown up bread pudding in frozen form.

Ask how intense the rum flavor is before scooping, since some shops keep it mild. It shines next to butter pecan or simple vanilla. If you like spiced desserts, this underpicked flavor may pleasantly surprise you.

4. Matcha Green Tea

Matcha ice cream leans earthy and slightly bitter, which can catch sweet tooths off guard. The grassy aroma and creamy body make a refined combination when the tea is high quality. Too much sugar flattens it, while too little leaves it chalky.

Try a taste before committing to a full scoop and look for a rich green color. Pair it with toasted sesame or vanilla bean for balance. If you enjoy lattes with depth, this flavor rewards a patient, mindful bite.

5. Lavender Honey

Lavender honey sounds dreamy, yet floral flavors can feel soapy if overdone. When balanced, it is calming and aromatic with a gentle sweetness that lingers. The honey finishes smooth while lavender adds a perfumed lift.

Ask the shop if they use culinary lavender and taste first. It pairs beautifully with lemon or shortbread crumbles for texture. If you like herbal teas and light desserts, give this graceful scoop a chance.

6. Durian

Durian ice cream is infamous, thanks to its strong aroma that people either adore or avoid. Under the scent, the flavor is custardy, sweet, and almost almond like. The texture stays lush, making small bites surprisingly comforting.

Most shops offer tiny samples, which is your best entry point. Pair it with coconut for a tropical duet that rounds the edges. If you are curious and open minded, this polarizing scoop can be a dare turned delight.

7. Rose Water

Rose water ice cream brings a delicate, perfume like sweetness that can feel romantic or odd. Too much rose turns medicinal, so balance is everything. When done well, it tastes like Turkish delight melting into cream.

Try it in a small cup next to pistachio for a classic combo. A sprinkle of crushed nuts adds welcome crunch and contrast. If you enjoy floral desserts, this one is whisper soft yet memorable.

8. Licorice Salted Caramel

Licorice salted caramel tries to bridge bold and familiar, but the anise note scares some away. The caramel brings burnt sugar richness while the salt snaps everything into focus. Together, they are complex and grown up, yet divisive.

Ask for a split scoop to see if the pairing clicks for you. It plays nicely with dark chocolate or coffee on the side. If you like bittersweet candies, this twist could become your sneaky favorite.

9. Charcoal Coconut

Charcoal coconut looks striking with its smoky gray color, but the taste is more subtle than it appears. Coconut provides creamy sweetness while charcoal adds a faint mineral note. The texture remains silky, with a clean finish that feels refreshing.

It pairs well with pineapple or lime to brighten the flavor. If you are into novelty, this is a photogenic scoop that still tastes balanced. Just do not expect a bold smoky blast despite the dark hue.

10. Basil Lemon

Basil lemon ice cream skews zesty and herbal, like a summer garden in a cone. The basil adds peppery freshness while lemon keeps things lively. It is surprisingly light, more sorbet adjacent yet still creamy.

Try it between richer scoops to reset your palate. A drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt take it gourmet. If you crave bright flavors, this sleeper hit might win you over.

11. Blue Cheese and Fig

Blue cheese and fig sounds like a cheeseboard turned dessert, and that is exactly the point. The blue runs salty and funky, while fig ribbons add jammy sweetness. It is rich, complex, and best enjoyed slowly.

Order a kid scoop to test your limits, then pair with honey or walnut for balance. Coffee on the side helps reset your taste buds. If you like sweet salty contrasts, this bold scoop feels daring and rewarding.

12. Wasabi Chocolate

Wasabi chocolate plays with heat and cocoa, delivering a quick nasal tingle followed by deep sweetness. The spice is brief but memorable, highlighting the chocolate rather than overpowering it. Texture stays smooth if the wasabi is balanced well.

Start with a sample and pair it with plain chocolate to compare. A sprinkle of sesame or a wafer adds contrast. If you enjoy spicy chocolate bars, this scoop turns that thrill into a creamy treat.