Recipes

Top 7 Best Soft Serve Ice Cream Flavours for Restaurants in Canada

Discover the best soft serve ice cream flavors to sell at QSRs. Enhance your menu with these delectable options that will attract customers.

Introduction to Soft Serve Ice Cream Flavours

Soft serve ice cream remains a beloved staple in Canadian QSRs thanks to its light texture, irresistible taste, and operational efficiency. Unlike traditional hard ice cream, soft serve incorporates more air during freezing, which creates a smoother, creamier dessert that’s easier to dispense and customize. Served at a slightly warmer temperature than traditional ice cream, it’s the go-to summer treat—and a profit-driving menu item.

What makes soft serve ice cream unique?

The uniqueness of soft serve lies in its lower milk fat content (3–6%) and special serving temperature, resulting in a lighter, creamier texture that encourages creative flavour profiles.

This style of ice cream is ideal for customization. Whether it’s a swirl of two flavours or the perfect foundation for toppings, it adapts well to fast-paced foodservice environments—especially when paired with commercial soft serve machines engineered for consistency and speed.

➡️ Looking to add or upgrade your soft serve program? Explore our soft serve equipment options.

A variety of Taylor commercial ice cream machines, including countertop and floor models, ideal for restaurants, cafés, and frozen dessert businesses.

Top 7 Soft Serve Ice Cream Flavours for QSRs

1. Vanilla & Chocolate

Vanilla and chocolate are still the top-performing flavours in QSRs across Canada. These classics appeal to nearly every demographic and serve as a base for dozens of topping combinations. Their consistency and universal appeal make them essential for any operation.

According to The Daily Meal, vanilla soft serve is often “the benchmark against which other flavours are measured.”

2. Cookies and Cream

Crunchy cookie pieces in a creamy base offer nostalgia and indulgence. A proven favourite across age groups.

3. Mango

Tropical and refreshing, mango is perfect for summer promotions or limited-time offerings.

4. Matcha Green Tea

An increasingly popular option among health-conscious and trend-seeking customers, matcha adds sophistication and uniqueness.

5. Salted Caramel

Sweet meets savoury. This indulgent favourite offers bold flavour that pairs beautifully with toppings.

6. Peanut Butter Cup

A rich, nutty base combined with chocolate elements creates a decadent, crave-worthy experience.

7. Boba Tea Soft Serve

Capitalize on the bubble tea craze. Infuse soft serve with milk tea flavour and top with chewy boba pearls for a creative dessert hybrid.

Soft Serve Ice Cream Flavour Comparison Table

Flavour

Description

Cookies and Cream

A nostalgic favourite with cookie crunch in every bite

Mango

Light, fruity, and ideal for summer menus

Matcha Green Tea

Earthy and elegant—perfect for modern palettes

Salted Caramel

Sweet and salty indulgence that works solo or with toppings

Boba Tea Soft Serve

Bubble tea-inspired twist with a chewy finish

Why Flavour Variety Matters for QSRs

Expanding beyond the basics helps attract new guests, increase visit frequency, and upsell desserts. According to Top Creamery, unique flavour offerings increase perceived value and encourage customers to try something new—especially when paired with seasonal or LTO strategies.

Offering diverse soft serve flavours:

  • Boosts customer satisfaction

  • Encourages repeat visits

  • Increases average cheque sizes

  • Differentiates your brand from competitors

Maximize Your ROI with the Right Equipment

Premium flavours deserve premium equipment. TFI Food Equipment Solutions supplies QSRs across Canada with high-performance commercial soft serve machines from trusted brands like:

➡️ Not sure what model is right for your business? Contact our sales team today for expert guidance.

Enhance Your Menu with a Reliable Equipment Partner

TFI Canada delivers more than just machines, we offer:

  • Flexible rental & leasing options (preserve your cash flow)

  • 24/7 emergency repair services

  • TFI Total Care monthly service plans for predictable, no-surprise equipment maintenance

✅ Ready to serve up high-margin desserts with confidence? Book a soft serve equipment consultation today.

FAQs About Soft Serve Ice Cream

Is soft serve different from regular ice cream?

Yes. Soft serve contains more air and is served at a higher temperature, resulting in a creamier, less dense texture.

What toppings work best with soft serve?

Popular choices include:

  • Rainbow sprinkles

  • Mini chocolate chips

  • Crushed cookies

  • Fresh fruits

  • Whipped cream

  • Caramel or chocolate sauce

Final Scoop

Adding a variety of soft serve ice cream flavours can drive traffic, boost profitability, and differentiate your QSR brand. Back it with the right commercial soft serve machine and a partner that supports you every step of the way.

➡️ Ready to upgrade your dessert game? Explore soft serve equipment or contact us today.

Nicole Camposeo-Cheung is the Director of Marketing, People & Culture at TFI Food Equipment Solutions, Canada’s leading provider of premium commercial foodservice equipment. She combines her expertise in business management and fashion arts to foster a dynamic, innovative, and people-centric corporate culture. Passionate about empowering teams, building strong client relationships, and driving growth through creativity and collaboration, Nicole plays a key role in shaping TFI’s brand and workplace culture. She also shares her industry expertise and insights through the TFI blog, helping foodservice professionals stay informed about the latest trends, best practices, and innovations in commercial food equipment.

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