From Hallelujah to Germknödel
Not only new products, but also the latest trend flavors will provide a breath of fresh air in ice cream parlors and restaurant kitchens in 2025. This year, particularly creative and opulent ice cream creations are in the spotlight.
Hallelujah
Hallelujah (also spelled Halleluja) was named the ice cream flavor of the year 2025 across Europe. This is a gianduja ice cream - ice cream based on an Italian hazelnut and cocoa cream - refined with roasted hazelnuts and a swirled-in chocolate sauce. This composition was presented for the first time at the SIGEP international ice cream trade fair in Rimini and is intended to commemorate the Holy Year 2025 proclaimed by the Catholic Church. With its marbled appearance and intense nougat-chocolate flavor, the Hallelujah creation makes a culinary statement. Even without a church reference, Gianduja ice cream is perfect for eliciting an “Amen” on the tongue from ice cream lovers - a trend that resourceful ice cream makers can certainly pick up on, for example with their own nut nougat variations.
Germknödel ice cream and Punschkrapfen ice cream
In addition to such sacred delights, traditional desserts are also very popular as ice cream in 2025. Germknödel ice cream and Punschkrapfen ice cream are among the popular flavors this year. Both flavors are based on Austrian dessert classics - the Germknödel (filled yeast dumpling with Powidl and poppy seeds) and the Punschkrapferl (rum-soaked, pink icing praline) - and bring their rich flavors to the ice cream cone. So the signs are pointing to rich nostalgia: desserts from grandma's cake table as a cool summer refreshment. This comfort food feeling in ice cream form appeals to customers who want to try something unusual alongside classic flavors without sacrificing familiar tastes.
Inspiration from music and local culture
Music and local culture also provide inspiration for new types of ice cream. In Austria, the industry is even dedicating a series of its own creations to the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Waltz King Johann Strauss (son). During the Johann Strauss Ice Cream Weeks, ice cream makers interpreted famous works by the composer as desserts. For example, a Viennese ice cream parlor presented a champagne gelato called Die Fledermaus and a tiramisu ice cream creation Eine Nacht in Venedig, based on operettas of the same name.
A blue stracciatella ice cream with golden glitter, christened An der schönen blauen Donau, caused a particular stir. This visually spectacular version of the popular chocolate chip ice cream creates a wow effect in the display case with its blue color and edible gold. Also creative: an elderberry and honey ice cream was created under the name Frühlingsstimmen - delicate elderflower notes combined with original Viennese beekeeper's honey. These examples show how storytelling and regional references are used in ice cream production to create unique products with marketing potential.
Action day
Action days support and promote such creativity. Since 2013, the Europe-wide Day of Artisan Ice Cream has been celebrated every year on March 24. This day of honor, initiated by the EU Parliament, raises awareness of the tradition and quality of artisan ice cream. Many ice cream parlors use it to offer special promotions and present new varieties - a perfect opportunity to try out experimental flavor ideas or surprise customers with special editions. In addition to the Strauss anniversary, the calendar for 2025 also includes the Children's Ice Cream Weeks (23 June - 6 July), which focus on colorful, playful ice cream creations for the youngest connoisseurs.
Our conclusion
Whether it's a religious motto, historical personality or simply childish fun - themed ice cream is a trend vehicle that attracts attention. Restaurateurs can benefit from this by picking up on seasonal occasions and turning them into suitable dessert specials.
From the Genusspunkt magazine May-Aug 2025
© Unilever Food Solutions
