Chocolate ice cream is tops — on social media
Social media — or, more accurately, ice cream social media — says chocolate is the best frozen flavor.
A study by analytics company NetBase analyzed social media activity over the course of three months to pinpoint which flavors, brands and retailers associated with ice cream garnered the most attention. NetBase examined social media activity between April 18 and July 10, identifying the top 100 terms associated with ice cream in conversations across social networks, review sites, blogs and forums.
When it comes to the rankings for most-mentioned flavors, chocolate ice cream absolutely dominates. Oreo and mint chocolate chip were noticeably absent from the rankings.
For the conversation around ice cream brands, Ben & Jerry's takes the cake. Blue Bell came at a close second place, with the data adjusted to account for any mention of the recent listeria contamination.
Where it gets really interesting are the rankings for retailers associated with ice cream: McDonald's is king. But the big surprise is Walmart — at the No. 3 spot — beating out Dairy Queen.
Last year, videos showing that Walmart ice cream sandwiches apparently do not melt went viral and questions spread about whether or not the ice cream was real. Walmart responded by saying their ice cream sandwiches melt slower because they have more cream in them. Related or not, the publicity didn't end up hurting its popularity.
At any rate, the NetBase study lands just ahead of National Ice Cream Day on Sunday. Some chains, including Carvel, Friendly's and Cold Stone Creamery, are offering free or discounted ice cream deals on Sunday.