OHIO - If you're looking for a great place to get an ice cream treat in Cincinnati, you've probably heard of Graeter's ice cream. This local favorite has been around since 1870 and has several locations around town. It offers a wide variety of flavors, toppings, and more.
A Cincinnati Icon: The Enduring Legacy of Graeter's Ice Cream
In the heart of Ohio, a sweet tradition has been churning for over 150 years. Graeter's Ice Cream, a beloved Cincinnati institution, is more than just a local favorite; it's a nationally recognized brand celebrated for its rich, handcrafted ice cream and signature chocolate chips. Founded in 1870, this family-owned company has built a devoted following by stubbornly adhering to a time-honored production method that sets it apart in a world of mass production. For anyone seeking a truly premium and indulgent ice cream experience, a scoop of Graeter's is a delicious journey into history.
A Legacy of Perseverance
The story of Graeter's begins with Louis Charles Graeter, who started selling ice cream from a cart in Cincinnati's street markets. The business truly began to flourish under the leadership of his wife, Regina Graeter. After Louis's death in 1919, Regina, a true trailblazer of her time, took the reins. As other companies moved to modern, mass-production methods, Regina stubbornly insisted on continuing to use the traditional, small-batch French Pot process, a decision that has defined the brand's exceptional quality ever since. Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, Graeter's continues this commitment to craftsmanship.
The Secret to the Creaminess: The French Pot Process
What makes Graeter's ice cream so incredibly dense and creamy is its unique French Pot process. This is a slow, artisanal method that has been all but abandoned by the rest of the industry.
- Small Batches: Graeter's makes its ice cream just two and a half gallons at a time in spinning French Pot freezers.
- No Added Air: As the rich, egg custard base freezes, a blade continually scrapes the sides of the pot. This traditional method prevents air from being whipped into the ice cream, resulting in a denser, richer, and more flavorful product.
- Hand-Packed Pints: To this day, every pint of Graeter's ice cream is packed by hand, a final touch that preserves its unique texture.
The Signature Chocolate Chips
No discussion of Graeter's is complete without mentioning their legendary chocolate chips. They are not chips in the traditional sense, but rather massive, irregular chunks of chocolate.
- A Sweet Invention: The process was invented by Wilmer Graeter, who poured a special blend of liquid chocolate into the freezing pot. The spinning blade breaks up the resulting slab of frozen chocolate into the random, melt-in-your-mouth chunks that Graeter's is famous for. This unique method also keeps the chocolate from becoming brittle in the freezer, ensuring a soft and delicious bite every time.
- Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip: The most iconic and beloved flavor is the Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip, which perfectly combines sweet and tart black raspberry puree with those giant, decadent chocolate chunks.
From Cincinnati to the Nation
While Graeter's will always be a Cincinnati icon, its reach has expanded far beyond its hometown. The company now operates dozens of its own scoop shops across the Midwest, including in cities like Columbus, Louisville, and Indianapolis. For those not lucky enough to live near a scoop shop, Graeter's pints can be found in thousands of grocery stores nationwide, including major chains like Kroger, allowing ice cream lovers everywhere to enjoy a taste of this historic brand.