We’re Calling It Now: Creamsicle Is About to Be the Flavor of the Summer

The sound of an ice cream truck rolling down a neighborhood street, drawing kids in with its cheerful tune, is a cherished memory that permeates so many American childhoods. As a result, enjoying a classic ice cream truck treat — whether in its original form or a modern take — can evoke a sense of nostalgia for so many of us.

Perhaps it’s a cone of artisanal soft serve ice cream that reminds you of Mr. Softee or a box of fudgesicles tucked away in the freezer for those moments when you need a moment of comfort, but the flavors of an ice cream truck do manage to echo into adulthood. And now one of them might be making a comeback for an even bigger moment.

Orange creamsicle has spent the past year gradually making its way back into the spotlight, and you’ll likely be seeing more of it this summer. With an unexpected combination of citrus and dairy, creamsicle-inspired sweets feel both refreshing and decadent at the same time. And as other vintage styles like bucket hats and 80s maximalism experience a resurgence, the food industry seems to be capitalizing on the growing interest in all things retro.

What is a creamsicle?

The very first creamsicle was a specific treat (titled simply Creamsicle) released by the Popsicle brand in 1937. At the time, Popsicle was owned by the Joe Lowe Company, and the first Creamsicle featured vanilla ice cream on a stick, covered in orange sherbet. Today, the word “creamsicle” is trademarked by Unilever — a subsidiary of this consumer goods giant, Good Humor, now owns the Popsicle brand — but it’s often used colloquially to describe snacks, dishes, and drinks that aren’t Unilever products.

I’ve always used the terms “dreamsicle” and “creamsicle” interchangeably, but in pop culture, there are various precise definitions for both. Some sources say that a creamsicle is a popsicle or ice cream bar with a vanilla ice cream center coated in orange sherbet, while a dreamsicle is identical with one exception: its center is made from vanilla ice milk instead of a custard-based ice cream. 

Creamsicle is also the name of a creamy, orange-flavored cocktail; however, some sources claim that the term specifically refers to the ice cream pop product sold by Good Humor. Additionally, there are orange floats, which some people also call creamsicle floats, featuring vanilla ice cream topped with orange soda. 

Throughout the complicated web of dreamsicle versus creamsicle — and the even more extensive range of variations on these names like “orange cream” — there are three common flavors typically found in anything edible that falls under this category: orange, vanilla, and cream or milk.

Who is serving creamsicle-inspired items now?

Last March, Wendy’s announced the launch of a new limited-edition Frosty flavor: the Orange Dreamsicle Frosty. At that time, a spokesperson for the fast food chain described the frozen dairy dessert as “a unique spin on a familiar flavor, packing a spoonful of sweet orange notes combined with the classic smooth vanilla Frosty for a dreamy orange cream experience.”

Nearly one year later, Coca-Cola announced in January 2025 that it would be releasing a new flavor of its classic soda: Coca-Cola Orange Cream. When launching the product, the brand cited increases in Google search traffic and a growing interest in orange cream flavors as inspiration for the soft drink. (You can still snag these orange and red ombré cans in grocery stores now, but they’ll only be available until early 2026.)

For anyone who isn’t a fan of fizz or is looking for something hydrating, coconut water company Vita Coco introduced an Orange & Creme flavor to its coconut water “treats” lineup in March. In a post announcing the launch of the flavored coconut water, Vita Coco described it as “sweet, tangy goodness meets childhood nostalgia.”

It’s not only consumer packaged goods brands that are riffing on classic creamsicles — although restaurants have taken a bit more liberty with the traditional ingredients, sometimes replacing citrus with other orange-hued produce.

In April, New York City-based café Edith’s introduced a limited-edition Carrot Dreamsicle Slushie in collaboration with Philadelphia sandwich shop Middle Child. While it was named the “Wellness From Scratch” smoothie, content creator Nara Smith’s smoothie collaboration with upscale grocery chain Erewhon showcased a suspiciously creamsicle-like flavor profile and appearance, featuring almond milk, kefir, orange juice, mango, pineapple, banana, lemon, vanilla collagen, and coconut cream.

How can you enjoy a creamsicle at home?

This citrusy, creamy flavor profile can be enjoyed through store-bought products, quick two-minute recipes at home, or more elaborate cooking projects. Simply put, you can enjoy creamsicle treats regardless of how much effort you want to invest.

For the easiest option, grab a Good Humor Creamsicle Bar, Coca-Cola Orange Cream, or Vita Coco Treats in Orange & Crème at retailers nationwide. You can also watch for treats that channel this nostalgic flavor combo at local ice cream shops and cafes. If you’re hosting a dinner party soon, I highly recommend making a batch of Buttermilk Creamsicle Panna Cotta. It’s rich and tangy, can be prepared ahead of time, and is refreshing for hot summer weather. 

I love all these options, and there’s no wrong way to consume the creamsicle combo of orange, vanilla, and dairy. But for me, there’s one ultimate dish that truly appreciates the beauty of this classic snack: pouring fizzy orange soda over a tall glass filled with vanilla ice cream.