5 forgotten ice cream flavors from the ’70s that fans are begging to be brought back

While contemporary ice cream freezers are filled with trendy flavors like cookies and cream, salted caramel, and mint chocolate chip, several classic varieties have seemingly disappeared from the shelves. Old favorites such as Butter Brickle, rum raisin, and maple walnut were once common at ice cream parlors and grocery stores, but their availability has dwindled over time as consumer preferences have evolved.

A recent article from the food website Tasting Table revisited some nostalgic flavors that shaped the childhoods of many Americans. Here are five ice cream flavors that evoke sweet memories for fans longing for their return.

Butter Brickle ice cream has its origins in a butterscotch candy created in Omaha, Nebraska, during the 1920s. Tasting Table notes that this ice cream, characterized by its butterscotch base and crunchy toffee bits, gained immense popularity by the 1970s. However, it has become less common in recent years. In a Facebook group focused on 1970s nostalgia, enthusiasts frequently mentioned Butter Brickle, reminiscing about its distinctive toffee pieces.

Rum raisin ice cream first emerged in the 1930s but saw a significant rise in popularity during the 1970s. The combination of rum-soaked raisins and vanilla ice cream became widely available in various shops and grocery stores. Notably, it even made its way to the White House, where President Richard Nixon reportedly served it as dessert. Although it can still be found in certain areas, rum raisin has become increasingly elusive across the country. "I miss it so much! It’s my favorite ice cream flavor," one user lamented on a Reddit thread dedicated to ice cream enthusiasts.

Pink Bubblegum ice cream was launched by Baskin-Robbins in the 1970s, featuring small chewy pieces of bubblegum mixed into each scoop. This vibrant flavor quickly became a childhood favorite for many and has been reintroduced by Baskin-Robbins for limited-time offers over the years. One Reddit user fondly recalled, "It was my favorite. I would eat the ice cream and save the bubblegum for later."

Heavenly Hash originally referred to a nostalgic fruit salad made with whipped cream, marshmallows, candied fruits, and nuts before it was transformed into an ice cream flavor. Sealtest debuted Heavenly Hash ice cream in 1969, which combined marshmallows, almonds, and chocolate chips, offering a similar experience to the well-known Rocky Road. Despite the flavor fading into obscurity along with Sealtest's ice cream line, some fans still hold fond memories of it. "Now that was a great ice cream!" exclaimed one user on Facebook.

Maple walnut ice cream has historical roots in the Northeast, appearing in various 19th-century cookbooks. The addition of walnuts eventually turned it into a regional favorite. While maple walnut, also known as maplenut, was a common sight in the 1970s, it has since become scarce in many ice cream aisles. One Reddit user reminisced, "My grandmother loved the Maple Walnut flavor. I don't think I've seen it since I was a kid."

These five flavors represent a slice of ice cream history that many people remember with fondness. As tastes continue to shift, fans of these nostalgic varieties hope for their revival in today's ice cream market.