It’s that time of year. After a hot afternoon spent playing in the pool, tubing behind a boat, or just lying in the sun, you might find yourself hungry, thirsty, looking for something sweet, or all of the above. Lucky for you, we have a great selection of local and specialty summer treats to satisfy your craving!

Whether you’re in the mood for good ol’ fashioned, right-out-of-the carton ice cream or a novelty frozen treat on a stick, Tacoma Boys and H&L produce have it all. Because we care about local businesses and quality ingredients, we carry products from some of the best ice cream makers in the area. Most of these small businesses commit to sourcing ingredients locally and responsibly. And many of them are not just making ice cream, but also making a difference! We couldn’t be prouder to support a variety of excellent ice cream makers, and we rounded up a few of our favorites for you, right here on our blog!

Tacoma Boy’s Guide to Local Summer Treats

Pure Pints, Plain and Simple

For those moments when all you want is spoonful of sweet creamy frozen goodness, we’ve collected some of our favorite classic ice cream makers. 

Molly Moon’s Ice Cream

It all started with a Seattle woman who dreamed of bringing people together and making them happy with ice cream. Her dream came true in Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream. Committed to sustainability and to the well being of their employees, Molly Moon’s makes ice cream with 90% ingredients sourced in the PNW. Among many other goodwill efforts, Molly Moon’s gives at least 10% of profits to food banks, equity organizations, women and girl empowerment initiatives each year. So, grab a pint of Molly Moon’s Ice Cream and know your money is going toward a great cause!

Flavors to try: Scout Mint, Cookie Dough, Melted Chocolate, Salted Caramel.

ACME Ice Cream

Locally owned and operated, ACME has four scoop shops across Washington state. Their ice cream making process boasts “no air added,” leaving nothing but a thick, rich frozen summer treat. Based in Bellingham, Washington, ACME makes their ice cream with cream and berries from local farms. The simplicity and quality of their ingredients leads to happiness with every bite.

Flavors to try: Dark Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla, Mint Chocolate Chip, Butter Pecan.

Snow Monkey Ice Cream

Why can’t ice cream be healthy? It’s a question the founder of Snow Monkey Ice Cream sought to answer in her college kitchen. And so she created a summer treat that’s both delicious AND nutritious! Snow Monkey Ice Cream makes their ice cream with just 7 ingredients. As a result, it’s vegan and paleo approved, as well as dairy and nut free. They make their product with seeds, fruit, and superfoods, so this ice cream actually fuels your body! If that all isn’t upstanding enough, Snow Monkey proudly empowers female entrepreneurs and is owned and operated entirely by women. If you’re an athlete or just someone who wants healthy food for your body, you’ll love Snow Monkey ice cream!

Flavors to try: Matcha Green Tea, Passion Fruit, Chocolate.

Umpqua Ice Cream

If you’re from the PNW, you’ve likely already tried the mouthwatering summer treats produced by Umpqua Dairy. Made from milk received daily from Oregon farms, Umpqua ice cream has become a summer staple for countless Pacific Northwest families. Since their foundation in 1931, Umpqua has been committed to sustainability and food safety for all of their customers. 

Flavors to try: Espresso Madness, Maple Nut, Chocolate Chip Mint.

What A Novel Idea!

While it’s always nice to sit down at the table with a bowl of ice cream (or on the couch with a carton…you know who you are), sometimes what you need is an on-the-go summer treat..a dripping-down-from-the-stick-onto-your-hand kind of treat..or maybe an ice-cream-squishing-out-from-between-two-cookies kind of treat and we’ve got it all! We’ve rounded up some of our top picks for ice cream novelties here:

Goodpop Popsicle

Based in Austin, Texas, Goodpop believes in wholesome ingredients (organic when possible) and doing good in the world. Fair trade certified and non-gmo verified, Goodpop makes their popsicles with quality ingredients. In addition, they donate to a long list of charities and organizations doing their part to make the world a better place. Because they’re full of real, simple ingredients, you can feel great about feeding your kids (and yourself) Goodpop Popsicles on a hot summer afternoon!

Flavors to try: Strawberry, Chocolate, Cookies n Cream. 

Ruby Jewel Ice Cream Sandwiches

The only thing better than ice cream is ice cream squished between two cookies. At least, that’s what the founder of Ruby Jewel seemed to think when she set out on a mission to create “extraordinarily and distinctly original ice cream sandwiches.” Ruby Jewel sources their ingredients from farmers and food artisans in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, and operates out of Portland. So, you’ll be supporting a fantastic local business when you buy these amazing ice cream sandwiches!

Flavors to try: Dark Chocolate and Fresh Mint (think Girl Scout thin mints, but ice cream), Chocolate Chip and Vanilla Bean, Lemon and Honey Lavender, Double Chocolate and Peanut Butter (like peanut butter cups, but again, ice cream!)

Chuckanut Bay Mini Cheesecakes

Chuckanut Bay Mini Cheesecakes are 3” of heaven. The folks at Chackunat Bay make their cheesecakes with real, all natural ingredients, and have produced a portion size perfect for one. Locally owned and family operated, Chuckanut bay operates out of  Baine, Washington. Grab a few individual cheesecakes and make each of your guests feel special at your next summer get together. 

Flavors to try: Huckleberry, New York Cheesecake, Salted Caramel, Key Lime.

Island Ice Cream Co. Chocolate Dipped Ice Cream Bars

Whidbey Island Ice Cream Co operates out of–you guessed it!–Whidbey Island, Washington. In addition to their own scoop shop, you can find Whidbey Island Ice Cream at the Woodland Park Zoo, the Space Needle, and of course, Tacoma Boy’s and H&L Produce. Hand dipped in Guittard chocolate, you’ll find chocolaty goodness in every bite!

Flavors to try: Now This Is Chocolate, Chocolate Mint, Sea Salted Caramel (proceeds from this flavor help support the Seattle Aquarium), Skagit Triple Berry.

Keep Cool with Tacoma Boys 

However you choose to spend your summer, let us help you keep it cool with unique, quality ice cream and ice cream novelties from local small businesses. Swing by a Tacoma Boys or H&L Produce Location today and check out our freezer section all the best summer treats.