Summer in Hawaii means fresh sea breezes and days spent in the surf and sand. However, all that sunlight can also cause people to overheat, in which case grabbing ice cream is a delicious way to cool down. The flavor of mint chocolate chip, in particular, serves this purpose perfectly, both for its taste and cooling properties.

The History of Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

The origins of mint chocolate chip prove its superiority in terms of taste. Its history goes back to 1973 and the wedding of Princess Anne to Captain Mark Phillips at Westminster Abbey. In honor of the festivities, a challenge was issued for chefs to compete in the creation of delicious ice cream desserts, and the silver cup went to culinary student Marilyn Ricketts for the flavor she called “Mint Royale.”

Chocolate chips were added to this dish later in its history, inspired by Girl Scout thin mint cookies, and the flavor known as “mint chocolate chip” came to be. Alongside this award-winning history, ice cream enthusiasts enjoy the flavor for its crunchy chips and delectable minty aftertaste.

Summertime Benefits

There’s science to back up the claim that mint chocolate chip is the best flavor for summer. Have you ever noticed that your mouth feels cold when you drink water while chewing mint-flavored gum, regardless of whether the water itself is cold? That’s because menthol, the main ingredient in mint flavoring, is a cooling agent. It tricks your brain into perceiving a temperature drop, allowing you to cool down more effectively. 

Whether you’re craving mint chocolate chip, Kona coffee, or another flavor this summer, stop by the Tropilicious Ice Cream Shop for a delicious treat. Since they opened their doors in 1995, they’ve offered a range of handcrafted, locally inspired flavors in Honolulu, along with sherbet and sorbet. Check out their menu online, or call (808) 847-1750 to place an order to go. You can also follow them on Facebook or Instagram for new flavors and updates.