CuriosiD: What is Superman ice cream? And where does it come from?

The article explores the origins and characteristics of Superman ice cream, a multi-colored, multi-flavored frozen dessert popular in Michigan and parts of the Midwest. The earliest historical reference found for a three-colored ice cream named "Superman" dates back to a 1941 newspaper advertisement from Lancaster, Wisconsin, describing it as a 25¢ pint, a "3-color brick with whole nut meats." Decades later, specifically 25 years after this initial mention, the All-Star Dairy Association, a cooperative representing numerous independent dairies, released a line of Superman-licensed ice cream products, extending licensing rights to non-members. The flavor profile of Superman ice cream is a notable aspect of its complexity, as it is not uniform across all manufacturers. While many versions incorporate cherry, vanilla, and Blue Moon flavors, other combinations include cotton candy, lemon, and bubblegum. The most consistent and defining feature of Superman ice cream across all variations is its distinctive red, yellow, and blue color scheme, which is widely believed to be inspired by the colors of the iconic superhero's costume. Ray's Ice Cream in Royal Oak, a long-standing establishment since 1958, frequently observes Superman ice cream as a consistent seller, particularly appealing to children due to its vibrant colors. Ryan Aretha, a shift manager at Ray's, notes that while the red and blue flavors are typically cherry and Blue Moon, the yellow component can vary between lemon and vanilla. The article highlights that the specific flavors associated with each color can differ significantly between producers. Red might be cherry, strawberry Redpop, or cotton candy; yellow could be vanilla, lemon, or banana; and the blue flavor is most commonly Blue Moon, itself a mysterious flavor often described as tasting like pineapple or marshmallows. Some ice cream shops simplify the flavor profile by using colored vanilla, leading to a misconception among consumers that different colors equate to different tastes. The article also addresses the naming conventions, noting that many ice cream shops use alternative names such as "Super Scoop," "Tie-Dye Burst," or "Scooperman" to avoid potential legal conflicts with DC Comics, which holds the trademark for the "Superman" name. This practice reflects efforts to circumvent copyright infringement issues. At Stroh's Ice Cream Parlour in Wyandotte, the flavor is known as Super Rainbow and is a top seller. The owner, Kirsten Labadie, suggests that the ice cream is primarily found in Michigan and specific areas of the Midwest, contributing to its regional appeal. She also mentions a common belief that Superman ice cream originated in Michigan, attributing this to the use of flavors like Blue Moon, Redpop (a Faygo-based flavor originating from Detroit), and lemon. Faygo's strawberry-flavored Redpop has roots in early 20th-century Detroit. The origins of Blue Moon, however, are less clear, with one company in Wisconsin claiming a trademark since 1939, though earlier examples exist in other states. Independent Dairy in Monroe, a family-operated business since 1934, manufactures Superman ice cream, which is its best-selling flavor distributed across Michigan. The owner, Jeffrey Hutchison, details the production process, explaining how three separate barrels flavor Blue Moon, vanilla, and cherry before they are mixed and extruded at a rate of 1,200 gallons per hour. While Independent Dairy does not claim to be the original creator, they have been producing it for over 50 years, suggesting its presence since at least the 1970s. Hutchison speculates that the ice cream might have originated in Detroit in the late 1930s, possibly from Stroh's, correlating with the debut of the Superman character in comics and a general ice cream boom during the Prohibition era. However, these are anecdotal accounts, as confirmed by a spokesperson for Stroh's current owner who stated they do not know if the company invented it. The constant evolution of ice cream recipes and branding reflects an entrepreneurial spirit, particularly in regions like Metro Detroit. Jason Eddleston, the "chief scooper" at Ray's Ice Cream, attributes the numerous variations and origin claims to Michigan's history as an innovation hub. The article concludes that the true inventor of Superman ice cream remains elusive, even for a super sleuth. The inspiration for the article came from a listener, Julia Callis, a lifelong Detroiter who wondered about regional delicacies and the scarcity of ice cream parlors during her upbringing, acknowledging that while she prompted the inquiry, she herself hasn't had the ice cream recently, humorously questioning if she even likes it anymore. #SupermanIceCream #IceCreamHistory #MichiganFood #DetroitCulture #FoodOrigins #RegionalDelicacies #CuriosiD #IceCreamFlavors #FaygoRedpop #SupermanIceCream #IceCreamHistory #MichiganFood #DetroitCulture #FoodOrigins #RegionalDelicacies #CuriosiD #IceCreamFlavors #FaygoRedpop