What is neapolitan ice cream?

Neapolitan Ice Cream

Neapolitan ice cream is a type of ice cream composed of three distinct flavors (vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry) arranged side-by-side in the same container without any packaging in between.

  • Origins: It's believed to have originated in Naples, Italy, hence the name. Italian immigrants brought their ice cream making expertise to the United States in the 19th century.
  • Flavor Combinations: The classic combination is vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, chosen because these were reportedly the most popular ice cream flavors in the United States at the time of its introduction.
  • Popularity: Neapolitan ice cream became widely popular in the late 19th century and remains a common choice today.
  • Variations: While the original and most common version features vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, variations with other flavors exist.
  • Presentation: The characteristic presentation of the three flavors side-by-side is part of what defines Neapolitan ice cream.