Why The Flavor Of Blue Moon Ice Cream Is Still A Mystery

Blue moon ice cream secret ingredient theories

If you explore recipes for homemade blue moon ice cream, you'll notice that vanilla, raspberry, and lemon are frequently included. However, there's another aspect of blue moon's flavor that is more elusive. Some speculate that the ice cream may be flavored with castoreum, a food additive that has a raspberry-vanilla taste and is secreted by beavers from glands located in a rather unappealing area. If this ingredient is indeed part of blue moon ice cream, it's easy to see why producers might prefer to keep it under wraps.

Others have suggested that the distinctive flavor of Blue Moon comes from nutmeg, which has a subtly sweet and nutty profile. In 2007, Andrew Plennert, the owner of Weber Flavors, the company that holds the trademark for the blue moon recipe, provided some insight into its ingredients. He mentioned to the Associated Press that the secret ingredient is often "used in the pharmaceutical and beverage industries to mask bitter or harsh flavors" (according to Times Argus).

Companies like Weber contribute to the enigma surrounding the blue moon recipe. Ice cream manufacturers often cannot disclose the specific ingredients in their blue moon flavor, even if they wished to, as they typically purchase the flavoring from a different company without access to the actual recipe.

Can you make blue moon ice cream at home?

We might never pinpoint the exact ingredients in blue moon ice cream, but you can try to recreate it at home without needing an ice cream maker. Just be prepared for the possibility that something might feel off. The flavor is often described as a mix of fruity and nutty, so use that as your inspiration when testing out different recipes. Combining raspberry, vanilla, and lemon extracts is a fantastic way to achieve that unique sweetness. Many homemade blue moon ice cream recipes include vanilla pudding and marshmallows, along with almond extract to bring out those nutty notes. If you have your own ideas about what makes blue moon special, feel free to add those ingredients and see how it turns out.

When it comes to the ice cream's vibrant color, it’s not as enigmatic as its flavor; a bit of gel food coloring will do the trick. As you experiment, you might come to the conclusion that the true essence of blue moon is simply ... blue moon. Or, as Hudsonville Ice Cream describes it, "the indescribable flavor of a clear, blue sky" (via Hudsonville).