CT loves ice cream, but what brands are at the top?

There are many options for ice cream at the grocery store, but what brand is Connecticut’s favorite?

According to a report by InnerBody, it’s a regional classic – Friendly’s.

Massachusetts and Connecticut shared the favorite brand while brands such as Cold Stone Creamery, Halo Top, Turkey Hill and others were favorites across the country.

“National names like Halo Top and Cold Stone Creamery show up across wide swaths of the country, but many states still lean toward brands with regional roots,” according to InnerBody. “Cold Stone Creamery has the strongest state-by-state footprint, leading in 13 states, especially across the West and Mountain West. Since it was founded in Arizona, perhaps it’s not surprising to see it lead there.”

One of the most-searched brands nationwide was Halo Top, which appeared as a favorite across several regions.

A map of favorite ice cream brands across the United States from a report by InnerBody. (InnerBody)

Some fun facts about the research:

Texas sticks with Blue Bell, founded in Brenham in 1907.
Vermont backs Ben & Jerry’s, born in Burlington in 1978.
Oregon leans toward Tillamook, which began making ice cream there in 1947.
Pennsylvania favors Turkey Hill, a Lancaster County staple since 1931.
Ohio sticks with Graeter’s, a Cincinnati original dating back to 1870.
Iowa turns to Blue Bunny, founded in Le Mars in 1913.
Massachusetts opts for Friendly’s, a Springfield-born chain serving ice cream since 1935.
Even Arkansas follows the hometown pattern, with Walmart’s Great Value brand coming out on top.

According to InnerBody, favorite brands sometimes come down to logistics.

“Ice cream requires strict temperature control, and according to industry research, the majority of ice cream sold in the U.S. is produced and marketed regionally to help maintain product quality throughout distribution,” it said. “Changes in elevation and pressure during transport can also affect texture and stability, reinforcing the advantage of staying closer to home. Over time, that kind of regional footprint can help local brands build strong followings in their own markets.”