Call for scoops: Help us create the University of Minnesota's 175th anniversary ice cream flavor

Since its founding in 1851, the University of Minnesota has grown from a single campus into a university that serves every corner of the state. As the University prepares to celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2026, this milestone offers an opportunity to engage the entire University community in a way that reflects both our land-grant heritage and Minnesota spirit.

The University of Minnesota and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) invite all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters to submit their ideas for the 175th Anniversary Commemorative Ice Cream Flavor. This contest is open to everyone.

The challenge

We want a flavor that tells the story of our shared history. Is it inspired by our "North Star" roots? A nod to a statewide tradition? Whatever your vision, we want to hear the story behind your flavor profile and how it connects to our 175-year legacy.

Once submissions are in, a panel of University of Minnesota experts will review the entries. They will be looking for a flavor that balances technical feasibility with a creative story that resonates with our 175-year legacy. The finalists will move on to testing to ensure the winning scoop is as delicious as it is meaningful.

From concept to the creamery

The winning flavor will be brought to life inside the Joseph J. Warthesen Food Processing Center — better known as the Pilot Plant on the St. Paul campus.

The Pilot Plant is a hub of dairy innovation where food science students and researchers master the art of production. Under the guidance of professional staff and faculty, the winning recipe will be scaled up from a creative idea into a super-premium production batch.

The commemorative flavor will be featured during the Minnesota State Fair and at 175th Anniversary events system-wide. It will be available to purchase at the Meat and Dairy Salesroom, Goldy's Gameroom, the Gopher Spot, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and other locations across campus. 

How to enter

Think you have the winning scoop? The contest is open now! We’re looking for a catchy name, a description of your flavor, and the story it tells. The creator of the winning flavor will earn a place in University history. 

Submit your winning flavor idea here 

Submissions close on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Help us celebrate 175 years of sweetness across the entire University of Minnesota system.

Terms and Conditions

• By participating in the University of Minnesota 175th Anniversary Ice Cream Flavor Contest, contestants are certifying that all submitted proposed flavor names, description of flavor and written information about the flavor's representation of the University of Minnesota are original to the participant and were not created using artificial intelligence.
• Participants grant the University of Minnesota the right to use, modify, or adapt submitted flavor names, descriptions, and submitted stories for production, marketing, and sales without compensation or royalties.  
• The final flavor selection is at the sole discretion of the judging panel and the University's production team. Technical constraints (allergens, sourcing, or manufacturing limits) may result in adjustments to the original concept. The winning flavor will be announced in summer 2026.