Tiramisu, Coconut and Milk Fruit Bar, and Pineapple Banana Praline Fosters were named the most innovative ice cream products at the International Dairy Foods Association's (IDFA) Innovative Ice Cream Flavor Competition. The competition showcases the creativity of US ice cream makers and flavorings suppliers and is a popular part of IDFA’s annual Ice Cream Technology Conference.

“Considering the range of ice cream and frozen dessert products entered in this year’s innovative ice cream competition, we will be enjoying unusual taste combinations that blend three to four complementary flavors, as well as decadent concoctions inspired by adult beverages, including bourbon, whiskey, stout and Irish Cream, over the next year,” says Cary Frye, IDFA vice president for regulatory and scientific affairs. “Fun flavors such pineapple, coconut, sour cherry and maple made a strong showing, while comfort foods like cheesecake, buns, cobbler and cookies were also interpreted in the rich, creamy frozen treats.”

Tiramisu, entered by Perry’s Ice Cream Company, Inc., earned first place in the most innovative ice cream flavor category. Second place went to a cheesecake-flavored ice cream with cinnamon-sugar pastry pieces and flakes of fondant icing, created by Graeter’s Manufacturing. Butterscotch Bomb, featuring butterscotch ice cream loaded with thick ribbons of butterscotch and filled with pieces of brownies, heath bars, cookies and peanut butter cups, earned third place for The Ice Cream Club, Inc.

Florida International University submitted a coconut and milk fruit bar which took first place in the most innovative novelty category. Second place went to Wells Enterprises, Inc. for its Funwich sandwiches and Cinnamon Bun garnered third place for Yasso Inc.

Pineapple Banana Praline Fosters, which combines pineapple with the flavor of the classic Southern desert of banana praline fosters, was named the most innovative prototype flavor. It was submitted by Fruitcrown Products Corporation. Second place went to Brown Butter Bourbon Truffle submitted by Gertrude Hawk Chocolates while the Pecan Deluxe Candy Company picked up third with its Blueberry Lemon Shortbread.