In June 2024, Dove and Doublemint jointly launched a mint chocolate ice cream which has swept through numerous social media in China. As of July 30, over 60, 000 posts mentioned eating experience or recommendations in Xiaohongshu, a Chinese lifestyle-sharing platform, showing that the relatively niche and novel flavor was all the rage in the past summer. Taking advantage of the influence of two renowned brands, the ice cream has appealed to mint-lovers as well as chocolate foodies. The refreshing summer taste of mint, paired with ice cream and a chocolate crust, balances the typical sweetness of ice cream, creating a delightful flavor experience. Since the co-branded ice cream was launched, the wonderful combination has taken the stage in the Chinese market.

Dove & Doublemint Co-Branded Mint Chocolate Ice Cream

The flavor has found its way into myriad categories.

Dove and Doublemint have set a pattern of coupling mint with chocolate. Other ice cream brands in step with the two, have made an attempt to pack the pepperminty excellence in their basic products with chucks of cookies, chocolate and other abundant ingredients to wow enthusiasts’ taste buds. For example, Honeymoon Dessert launched a series of mint chocolate desserts including slush, smoothies, and sandwiches. Dairy Queen made a crunchy minty and creamy collaboration—a mint Oreo Blizzard treat.

Mint Chocolate-Flavored Ice Cream

Diverse freshly-made beverage brands have also caught the growing trend quickly. Drawing inspiration from the trendy flavor, multiple freshly-made beverage brands unveiled new mint chocolate flavored drinks. For example, More Yogurt served its summer release, a mint chocolate smoothie with chocolate chips spread on the wall of cups. Other brands including Sweet 7, Yihetang, and a-little Tea also have made similar efforts to roll out innovative products.

Freshly-Made Mint Chocolate-Favored Tea Beverages

Bakeries also put a mint chocolate twist on baked items, like cheese cake, bagels, and pretzels. Brands like Drunk Baker and PAOPAO Bakery&Cafe have introduced creative mint chocolate bakeries. Fluffy chocolate sponges layered with a mint whipped filling and topped with chocolate chips, which have gained popularity in China.

Mint Chocolate-Flavored Bakery Products

Why the combination of mint and chocolate can be a hit this summer?

The first reason conspicuously concerns that the co-branded ice cream in virtue of the prestige of the established producers set the trend, grabbing consumers’ as well as other producers’ attention. The collaboration of the ice cream, therefore, has pushed the flavor under the spotlight.

In addition, mint itself can help explain the fashion for the flavor. It can easily catch public attention, and stir discussions about the attitude to the food through which people can find kindred spirits. Meanwhile, it is noticeable that China’s consumers, the young generation in particular, have a growing acceptance of creative tastes and goods. The perfect blend of the niche mint and popular chocolates offers an opportunity for them to explore new stuff .

Another reason lies in that colors of mint chocolate-flavored products ideally go with the popular color this summer—mint mambo, an online buzzword to signify the fresh and invigorating shade of mint green and to express a free life attitude. With the same refreshing color and wintry taste, mint flavor echoes the idea of the fashion trend, thus enjoying a great fondness of people.

The Color of Mint Mambo

The Color of Mint Chocolate-Flavored Products

Disclaimer: All images used in the article are from the Internet.