At the Sassy Cow Creamery near Madison, Wisconsin, a bright blue tub of ice cream consistently catches the eyes of children who eagerly ask for “the blue one,” often without knowing its name. That signature flavor is blue moon—a Midwest classic that stirs both curiosity and nostalgia.
Blue moon ice cream, with its citrusy, sweet flavor, is sold almost exclusively in the Midwest, particularly in Wisconsin and Michigan, both of which claim to be the birthplace of the flavor. Yet, its exact origins remain as elusive as its hard-to-describe taste.
Historical records offer scattered references. A 1931 ad from the Isaly Dairy Company in Ohio lists “blue moon” among available flavors, though it’s unclear if it resembled today’s version. Even earlier ads in the 1920s mention “Blue Moon Ice Cream” in New Jersey, though those seem to refer to shop names rather than the flavor itself.
More concrete evidence links the modern version of blue moon to Petran Products, a Wisconsin company that trademarked the flavor in the 1970s. The company claimed use of the name as far back as 1939. Petran was eventually acquired by Illinois-based Weber Flavors, which now holds the trademark and supplies blue moon flavoring to more than 100 ice cream retailers across the U.S.
“We see the highest demand in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois,” said Melissa Healy, Marketing Manager at Weber Flavors. “But we also sell to shops in places like Arizona and Alabama, often serving Midwest transplants who miss the taste of home.”
The flavor is difficult to categorize. Some describe it as tasting like marshmallows, Froot Loops, or even frozen cereal milk. Others pick up hints of almond, citrus, raspberry, or spice. Sassy Cow’s version, made with local dairy and a small dose of Weber’s flavoring, takes on a sky-blue hue as it churns in the machine.
Blue moon’s broad appeal lies in its vivid color and childhood associations. “People might have been drawn in by the fun color as kids, but kept coming back because they genuinely enjoy the taste,” Healy said. “It’s not too rich—very summery.”
The flavor has become a regional tradition and part of the Midwest’s latest ice cream culture. Ice cream makers now offer unique spins on it: Sassy Cow’s “Cookie Monster” blends blue moon with Oreos and cookie dough, while Milwaukee’s Purple Cow Ice Cream shop offers a violet-hued variation called “Purple Moon.” It’s also famously used in Superman ice cream, a tri-colored Midwestern favorite.
As consumer awareness grows around artificial colors, Weber has adapted by selling both colored and dye-free versions of its blue moon flavoring. Still, the traditional bright blue remains more popular, especially with kids.
Three-year-old Kaida Kohrs, visiting from California, sampled a scoop at Sassy Cow topped with sprinkles. “Good,” she said simply, her lips stained blue, a small reminder of why this quirky, colorful scoop remains a Midwest staple—and why ice cream franchise opportunities that embrace local favorites like blue moon may have staying power in regional markets.
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