Mexican Ice Creams: 20 Most Popular Frozen Desserts

Mexican ice creams are cool for the summer.

Beat the heat with these 10 mouth-watering Mexican frozen treats.

From fruity Paletas to traditional, hand-cranked Nieve de Garrafa, there’s something for everyone on this list.

Discover downright delicious Mexican ice creams!

Mexican Ice Creams

Get ready to indulge in some of the most popular and tasty frozen desserts south of the border.

These are the coolest, fruitiest, RICHEST Mexican ice creams ever!

1. Paletas

If there’s fruit, it’s healthy, right?

Traditional Mexican ice pops (popsicles), often made with fresh fruit, Paletas are a popular and refreshing street food for a hot summer day.

They come in a variety of flavors, from sweet and fruity to tangy and spicy, and are a staple of Mexican food culture.

Paletas are typically made by blending fresh fruit with sugar and water, and then freezing the mixture in molds to create a creamy and flavorful frozen treat.

These ice pops can be found in many Latin American countries, as well as in Mexican communities around the world.

Related: 38 Mexican Fruits You Must Try

2. Raspado

Raspado is a type of Mexican dessert that consists of shaved ice that is flavored with a variety of syrups and toppings, such as fruit, nuts, and condensed milk.

It is often served in a tall glass or a plastic bag and is a popular treat in Mexican cuisine.

Raspado has a refreshing and slightly sweet taste and a smooth and slightly icy texture.

It is often served at any time of day and is typically eaten with a spoon.

3. Nieves

Nieves is a traditional Mexican ice cream, often made with milk, cream, and fruit.

This dessert has a rich and creamy texture, and is a staple in Mexican cuisine. It is enjoyed by people of all ages and is often served as a sweet treat after a meal.

Nieves is known for its unique flavors, which range from fruity and sweet to spicy and tangy.

It is also a popular ingredient in various Mexican ice cream sundaes and is often served with toppings like chocolate sauce, nuts, and fresh fruit.

4. Helado

Helado is a type of Mexican ice cream, often made with milk, cream, and various flavors.

It is a creamy and smooth dessert that is enjoyed by people of all ages in Mexico. Helado is known for its rich flavor and is often enjoyed as a treat after a meal.

It is also a popular ingredient in various Mexican ice cream sundaes and is often served with toppings like chocolate sauce, nuts, and fresh fruit.

5. Sorbete

Sorbete is a type of Mexican sorbet, made with fruit, water, and sugar.

This dessert is a lighter and less creamy alternative to traditional ice cream, making it a popular choice for people who are looking for a lighter dessert option.

Sorbete is often enjoyed during the warmer months, as it is a refreshing and fruity treat.

It is also a popular ingredient in various Mexican ice cream sundaes and is often served with toppings like chocolate sauce, nuts, and fresh fruit.

6. Churro con Nieve

Churro con Nieve is a type of Mexican ice cream sundae, often featuring churros and various ice cream flavors.

SO cool…pun intended.

This dessert is a unique combination of crunchy, flaky churros and creamy, smooth ice cream.

Who knew churros so good cooled down?

It is a popular treat in Mexico, and is often enjoyed as a special treat after a meal.

Churro con Nieve is known for its delicious combination of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for anyone visiting Mexico.

7. Mangoneada

Mangoneada is a type of Mexican ice cream, often made with mango and chili powder. GENIUS.

This dessert is a unique combination of sweet and spicy, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy bold flavors.

Mangoneada is often enjoyed as a treat after a meal and is also a popular ingredient in various Mexican ice cream sundaes.

This dessert is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is known for its delicious combination of flavors and textures.

8. Tejuino con Nieve

Tejuino con Nieve is a type of Mexican ice cream sundae, often featuring tejuino (a traditional Mexican drink made from fermented corn) and various ice cream flavors.

This dessert is a unique combination of sweet and sour, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy bold flavors.

Tejuino con Nieve is often enjoyed as a treat after a meal and is also a popular ingredient in various Mexican ice cream sundaes.

This dessert is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is known for its delicious combination of flavors and textures.

9. Helado de Coco

Helado de coco, or coconut ice cream, is made with coconut milk and coconut meat, giving it a rich and creamy texture.

Hot days just got sweeter.

This type of ice cream is perfect for those who love the sweet, tropical flavor of coconut and want a lighter alternative to traditional ice cream.

10. Flan de Helado

Flan de helado is a dessert that consists of a scoop of ice cream on top of a slice of flan (a caramel-topped custard).

This treat is perfect for those who love the combination of creamy ice cream and rich, caramel-flavored custard.

It’s a decadent dessert that’s sure to satisfy sweet cravings.

11. Helado de Paila

Helado de Paila is a traditional Mexican ice cream made using a large metal bowl and a hand-cranked churn.

The mixture of ice cream is frozen in the bowl, which is then placed in a mixture of ice and salt and churned until it reaches the desired consistency.

This method of making ice cream results in a creamy and rich texture that’s different from the more common machine-churned ice creams.

The flavor options for Helado de Paila are endless, but it’s common to find traditional Mexican flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.

12. Bionicos

Bionicos is a type of Mexican ice cream sundae that’s known for its fresh and vibrant flavors.

It’s typically made with fresh fruit, granola, and a variety of ice cream flavors, resulting in a sweet and refreshing dessert.

Bionicos are a popular treat in Mexico, especially during hot summer days.

The combination of fresh fruit and ice cream creates a unique taste and texture that’s hard to find in other types of ice cream.

13. Cono de Nieve

Cono de Nieve is a type of Mexican ice cream cone that’s often filled with a variety of ice cream flavors.

This dessert is perfect for those who love classic ice cream cones, but with a Mexican twist. The cone itself is crispy and sweet, while the ice cream inside is creamy and flavorful.

The variety of flavors available for Cono de Nieve means that there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer fruity, chocolatey, or creamy ice cream.

14. Helados Holanda

Helados Holanda is a brand of Mexican ice cream that is known for its rich, creamy flavor and texture.

It offers a variety of flavors including traditional Mexican flavors such as rice pudding and cinnamon, as well as classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla.

The ice cream is known for its creamy texture and rich flavor, making it a popular treat for both kids and adults.

15. Helado de Leche Condensada

Helado de Leche Condensada is a type of Mexican ice cream made with condensed milk, giving it a creamy and rich taste.

The flavor options for this ice cream are vast, ranging from classic vanilla to more unique flavors like guava or tamarind.

The addition of condensed milk to the ice cream mixture creates a smooth and velvety texture that’s perfect for those who love creamy and indulgent desserts.

16. Nieve de Garrafa

Nieve de Garrafa is a traditional Mexican ice cream made using a hand-crank machine.

This method of making ice cream results in a unique and creamy texture that’s different from the more common machine-churned ice creams.

Nieve de Garrafa is often sold at street markets and fairs in Mexico, and its unique flavor options, like avocado or tequila, make it a popular choice among locals.

The hand-cranking process adds a special touch to this ice cream, making it a nostalgic treat for many Mexican families.

17. Nieve de Sabores

Nieve de Sabores is a type of Mexican ice cream made with a mix of different flavors.

This dessert is perfect for those who like variety and can’t decide on just one flavor.

Nieve de Sabores is a great option for trying a little bit of everything and discovering new flavor combinations.

From fruity to chocolatey, there are countless options for the flavors in this ice cream, making it a popular choice among those who love sweet and refreshing desserts.

18. Bola de Nieve

Bola de Nieve is a type of Mexican ice cream ball that’s often filled with a variety of flavors.

This dessert is a fun and unique take on traditional ice cream, and is perfect for those who love to try new and exciting treats.

Bola de Nieve is typically sold in street markets and fairs.

19. Agua Fresca con Nieve

The most refreshing ice cream ever!

Agua Fresca con Nieve is a type of Mexican ice cream sundae that features the traditional Mexican drink, Agua Fresca.

This drink is made from fresh fruit and water, and it is combined with various ice cream flavors to create a unique and refreshing dessert.

20. Tepache con Nieve

Tepache con Nieve is another type of Mexican ice cream sundae that features Tepache, a traditional Mexican drink made from fermented pineapple.

This drink is combined with various ice cream flavors to create a sweet and tangy dessert that is popular in Mexico.

21. Mexican Fried Ice Cream

Mexican fried ice cream is a dessert dish made by coating a ball of ice cream with a mixture of crushed cornflakes, cinnamon, and sugar, then deep-frying it until the coating is crispy and golden.

The ice cream is then typically served in a crispy tortilla bowl, topped with additional toppings such as whipped cream, honey, or fruit.

The result is a warm, crunchy exterior that surrounds a creamy, cold center.

Mexican Ice Creams FAQs

What are Mexican ice creams called?

Mexican ice creams are called Paletas, Helado de paila, Helado, Sorbete, and Bionicos among others

What is the most popular ice cream in Mexico?

The most popular ice cream in Mexico is Helados Holanda, which has the largest market share.

What makes Mexican ice cream different?

Mexican ice cream is different from other ice creams because it is often made with ingredients such as condensed milk, and is often creamier and smoother than other ice cream. Hand-crank machines are also sometimes used to make Mexican ice cream.

Why does Mexican vanilla ice cream taste different?

Mexican vanilla ice cream tastes different because it is often made with a different type of vanilla bean, and it can also be made with additional ingredients such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and rum.

What is Michoacán style ice cream?

Michoacán style ice cream is a type of Mexican ice cream that originated from the Michoacán region and is known for its smooth and creamy texture and the use of fresh ingredients.

What is Oaxacan ice cream?

Oaxacan ice cream is a type of Mexican ice cream from the Oaxaca region that is known for its unique flavor and texture, made with traditional ingredients and hand-crank machines.

Why is Mexican ice cream stretchy?

Mexican ice cream is stretchy because it is made with a mixture of ingredients such as condensed milk and often contains less air than other ice creams.

What is Chongos ice cream?

Chongos ice cream is a traditional Mexican dessert made from sweetened condensed milk and cinnamon, often served in a cup and topped with cinnamon.

What’s the difference between Mexican ice cream and American ice cream?

The difference between Mexican ice cream and American ice cream is that Mexican ice cream is often made with ingredients such as condensed milk, and it is creamier and smoother, while American ice cream is made with milk and heavy cream.

What makes Mexican ice cream so good?

Mexican ice cream is so good because of the use of fresh ingredients, hand-crank machines, and traditional recipes passed down for generations.

What is horchata ice cream made of?

Horchata ice cream is made of a traditional Mexican drink called horchata, which is made from rice, cinnamon, vanilla, and almonds, and is transformed into a creamy and delicious ice cream flavor.

What are Mexican snow cones called?

Mexican snow cones are called Raspado or Nieve.