Almost every student at the University of Connecticut has heard of and gone to the famous, nationwide-known UConn Dairy Bar, which is located right on Horsebarn Hill in Storrs, Connecticut. This ice cream scoop shop attracts tourists, families, students, and even pets from all over the country! Known for its wide assortment of flavors and toppings, the Dairy Bar is the place to go if you need a sweet treat (especially if they’re serving their specialty or seasonal options!).
To get an overall sense of the best ice cream at the Dairy Bar, I asked students around campus what their favorite flavors were or one that that has been recommended by a friend or family member. Here are the top flavors of UConn’s Dairy Bar and a quick snippet about each one, listed alphabetically.
P.S. With UConn winning the NCAA March Madness National Championship just earlier this week and Easter coming up soon, look out for special flavors to celebrate our huge win! (for up to date information and updates, follow their Instagram at @uconndairybar or visit their website).
Black Raspberry
Looking for something sweet on a warm spring afternoon? Black Raspberry’s rich flavor with smooth raspberry tang is magazine worthy, for both looks and taste. While it’s not as popular as you may think, those who have tried black raspberry can say that this is their favorite flavor of all time, and go back to it every time!
This is the perfect flavor for a sunset date on Horsebarn Hill. Try this bold flavor this spring, especially now that the weather is warming up and the birds are singing.
Blueberry Cheesecake
Are you a cheesecake fan? This Dairy Bar flavor takes a sweet spin off cheese cake ice cream with its blueberry combination. This is popular among many tourists from all around the state wanting to try something sweet for their New England style palette.
Chocolate Brownie Fudge
For you chocolate lovers, this flavor will be right up your alley. Chocolate ice cream with fudge swirl and brownie bits is the perfect combination after a hot summer’s day and the ultimate sweet tooth! Chocolate Brownie Fudge is one of the most popular among UConn students, especially for those that would like to enjoy a chocolate delicacy without worrying about nuts.
Want something even sweeter than this fudge masterpiece? Add on some toppings โ brownie bits, hot fudge, Oreo crumbs, chocolate-covered peanuts, and more!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl
Peanut butter lovers are addicted to this flavor. The Dairy Bar’s version of chocolate ice cream with peanut butter swirl will beat any competition it faces by a mile. This is a big fan favorite for both UConn and admitted students of all ages, so take their advice and try it before it’s gone!
Husky Tracks
This flavor wins the Dairy Bar ice cream ranking scale by far; with Husky Tracks rated five stars all over the internet and on campus, you do not want to miss out on this iconic flavor. Vanilla ice cream with fudge swirl and peanut butter cups is to die for!
ALLERGEN TIP: (For those with a nut allergy like myself, stay away! Ask the server for flavors that do not contain peanuts/tree nuts. The Dairy Bar will work with you to clean their machinery or give you an allergen-safe menu.)
Oreo
Looking for something not as extravagant, but is still just as yummy? While the name seems plain, its flavor is quite the opposite. The Dairy Bar’s Oreo ice cream flavor is my personal favorite and another fan favorite of UConn’s student body. (UConn tour guides who work at the Lodewick Visitors Center on campus suggest trying mint Oreo, which is a yummy combo of Oreo and mint chocolate chip ice cream).
This flavor, like other more simple flavors (chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, or coffee) goes perfectly as a milkshake at the Dairy Bar, either normal or malted. Yum!
Salted Caramel Crunch
Salted caramel ice cream with a crunchy tang โ what can get better than this? For caramel fans, this is the flavor you’ll want to order when visiting the Dairy Bar. This flavor will go perfectly in a malted milkshake or a cup with a waffle cone on a sunny day!
Many of the workers at Horsebarn Hill agree that Salted Caramel Crunch is their favorite flavor, and the colors and patterns in the ice cream remind them of their dearest livestock that they work with every day. When you try out the Dairy Bar, be sure to stop by the outside pens and meadows on Horsebarn Hill just around the bend. The animals will love to come over and say hi, especially the cows and sheep! (They are very friendly!)
The Senior Scoop
Every year, UConn’s graduating class can nominate some of their peers to design and name their own unique ice cream flavor. You can check out the previous versions of The Senior Scoop, including the creators and flavors of each year’s class. Unfortunately, the Dairy Bar discontinues the previous year’s ice cream after a few months of its release, but now is the perfect time to try the upcoming graduating class’ ice cream! Or, surprise your graduating senior with a tub of their unique ice cream flavor.
For 2023, the graduating creators came up with almond ice cream combined with dark chocolate flakes and caramel swirl, although they still have yet to decide on a name for their special treat.
Toasted Almond Amaretto
For those with a more mature palette, Toasted Almond Amaretto is right for you. Amaretto ice cream with almonds is the perfect combo, especially for those that like a more relaxing flavor. The Office of Admissions voted this as their overall favorite flavor at the Dairy Bar, with Salted Caramel Crunch running as a close second.
As the weather grows warmer, make sure to try out a new flavor from the UConn Dairy Bar! Without a doubt, they have a flavor for everyone.