The Summer Flavor Trends Taking Over the Ice Cream and Sparkling Water Aisles

From nostalgic ice cream flavors to playful, throwback-inspired drinks, the frozen and beverage aisles are becoming go-to destinations for shoppers looking to treat themselves this summer. That shift is being driven by a growing appetite for discovery. Today’s frozen treat shoppers are mixing things up, exploring new flavors and leaning into seasonal moments. Highly engaged consumers are especially fueling this trend, with 77% of those purchasing four or more types of frozen treats saying they like to change their ice cream habits by season.* At Albertsons Companies, that insight comes to life through a focus on seasonal relevance and everyday indulgence, turning trending flavors into accessible Own Brands offerings that invite discovery all summer long. A Season of Flavor and Fun This summer’s limited-edition lineup from Signature SELECT® ice cream and Soleil® sparkling water captures that sense of fun, discovery and nostalgia. The collection pairs familiar favorites with unexpected twists, designed for everything from cooling off on a hot day to elevating a weekend gathering. Signature SELECT ice cream features a mix of classic-inspired flavors and creative combinations: Root Beer Float Caramel Churro Chocolate Covered Banana Strawberry Saltwater Taffy On the beverage side, Soleil sparkling water continues the throwback theme with bright, summer-ready flavors: Retro Rocket Ice PopOrange Cream These crisp, refreshing options reimagine familiar flavor profiles in a sparkling format that fits seamlessly into everyday routines. Designed for Discovery Behind every flavor is a deliberate approach to product development. Albertsons Cos. takes a hands-on role in creating many Own Brands offerings, including operating its own ice cream and beverage facilities. This close connection keeps teams focused on quality, flavor innovation and consistency from concept to shelf. Ice cream production facilities in Phoenix, Arizona, and Bellevue, Washington, along with beverage facilities in Richmond, California; Denver, Colorado; and Bellevue, Washington, play a key role in bringing these offerings to life. This approach helps ensure a level of control and oversight throughout the process while supporting the ability to introduce new, trend-forward products. Bringing Trending Flavors to Everyday Moments Whether it’s the familiar taste of a root beer float in ice cream form or the bright, citrusy refreshment of an orange cream sparkling water, these products are designed to meet shoppers where they are: looking for something enjoyable, approachable and just a little unexpected. Because sometimes, the best part of summer is discovering a new favorite. *Source: Mintel Leap, April 2026