Mint Chocolate Chip
Cool mint ice cream studded with chocolate pieces, often tinted pale green. Created in England in 1973 and now a global standard.
| Category | Ice Cream & Frozen |
|---|---|
| Maker / Origin | Torquay, England |
| Storage | Keep sealed at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. Mint absorbs and gives off aromas easily, so keep the lid tight. |
| Shelf life | Best within 1 to 2 months at 0 degrees Fahrenheit; the mint flavor fades noticeably with long storage. |
| Best uses | Sundaes, shakes, brownie desserts, and holiday menus. |
| Substitutes | Mint chocolate chip gelato, or chocolate ice cream with mint syrup. |
| Pairings | Chocolate brownies, hot fudge, and chocolate liqueur. |
| Last checked | October 18, 2026 |
About it
Mint chocolate chip was created in 1973 by Marilyn Ricketts, a culinary student in Torquay, England, who entered it in a competition to create an ice cream for the wedding of Princess Anne. It went on to become a worldwide flavor.
Storing it
If the green has paled and the mint tastes flat, the tub is past its best. Store it away from strong-smelling frozen foods, and press parchment onto the surface to limit ice crystals.
Using it
Mint chocolate chip is the refresher among rich flavors: it resets the palate after chocolate-heavy desserts and turns a warm brownie into a complete plate. It also makes a famously green milkshake.
Swaps & pairings
Mint chocolate chip gelato is the denser swap and is often made with white, untinted base. Peppermint ice cream, a seasonal relative, is sharper and usually carries candy pieces instead of chocolate.
More from this maker: Torquay, England