Nelson’s is a heritage premium ice cream brand with over a century of family tradition and flavor. Born on a Pennsylvania dairy farm in 1916, Nelson’s has built a standout reputation for quality, using real cream, rich milk, and pure flavors in every batch. Scoop shops that partner with Nelson’s can offer more than 20 delicious flavors, from classic Vanilla Bean and Cookies & Cream to unique favorites like Black Raspberry and Salted Caramel.
You’ll get generous portions, strong brand recognition, and options for customers with dietary needs. Serving Nelson’s gives your shop a boost in both variety and quality, backed by top-notch support and time-tested recipes. When you’re ready to treat your customers to the “Famous for Flavor” experience, Nelson’s makes it easy to get started.
Serving Nelson’s at your scoop shop is about more than just adding new flavors to the menu. With each scoop, you’re offering a piece of tradition, a taste of real cream, and a value your customers will remember. Here’s why Nelson’s stands apart from other brands—and why customers keep coming back for more.
Nelson’s roots run deep in the world of ice cream—spanning four generations and over a century of commitment to sweet, simple goodness. The Nelson family began their dairy journey in Pennsylvania in 1916. Soon after, the business was built around quality milk and traditional recipes. Fast forward to today, Nelson’s is still family-owned and run with the same values: treat people right, stay true to your homemade recipes, and support the local community.
Customers feel the legacy in every scoop. Nelson’s isn’t just a brand—it’s a family tradition your shop can share.
Nelson’s ice cream stands out because of what’s inside. Only fresh, local milk and cream go into every batch. The company refuses to take shortcuts, proudly sticking to high butterfat content (well above industry average) for rich, velvety texture and bold taste. Proprietary flavors are developed in-house, using real ingredients rather than artificial fills or industrial bases.
The difference? Your customers can taste it. Premium ice cream isn’t just about flavor—it’s about texture, smell, and that satisfying finish with every spoonful.
Photo by Kjalil Beyruti Garcia
Known throughout the region for massive servings, Nelson’s delivers unbeatable value with every order. When customers visit a shop serving Nelson’s, they walk away with a cone or cup piled high—sometimes even challenging themselves to finish an entire “Lumberjack” or mega-sundae.
This generous approach turns a simple treat into an experience worth sharing. Customers feel like they’ve discovered a hidden gem, and they’re quick to tell friends and post on social media about the value they received. Serving Nelson’s is more than selling ice cream—it’s giving real value, every day.
Nelson’s brings an ice cream menu that balances nostalgia and surprise. Their lineup covers the can’t-miss classics, fan-favorite signatures, and bold new flavors ready to capture attention. Alongside the staples, they rotate in limited edition and specialty pints—so there’s always a reason for customers to come back and try something new.
Photo by Huy Phan
Nelson’s doesn’t mess around with the basics. Their scoop shops keep a dependable lineup of classic and signature flavors that everyone knows and loves. These creamy favorites are made using the best ingredients—real cream, fresh milk, and honest flavorings.
Here’s just a taste of what you’ll find:
Signature treats like Black Raspberry, Bullwinkle, and Graham Slam are also popular, giving scoop shops crowd-pleasing staples and attention-grabbing originals.
Nelson’s is serious about meeting today’s dietary needs. They’re not just a dairy brand—they’re about treating everyone.
Their lineup now features:
By including these options, Nelson’s makes it possible for more customers to enjoy a cone—whether they’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or have food allergies. These aren’t afterthoughts; they taste as good as the classics and are proudly served from the same case.
If you want your menu to stand out, Nelson’s seasonal and rotating flavors keep things fresh. Limited edition releases spark excitement and give regulars a reason to return.
Shops can expect:
Nelson’s changes these special flavors throughout the year. Whether it’s something wild, nostalgic, or inspired by the season, these one-time picks drive word-of-mouth and make your scoop shop an ice cream destination.
From dependable classics to creative innovations, Nelson’s gives scoop shop owners flexibility and fun in every freezer.
When your scoop shop teams up with Nelson’s, you get more than delicious flavors in your freezer—you gain real advantages that help your business stand out. Nelson’s goes beyond just supplying premium ice cream. You join a family with deep local roots, flexible options, and a reputation people know and trust.
Nelson’s is a name customers recognize. With over 100 years in the business, it has become woven into the local story. Scoop shops that serve Nelson’s aren’t just offering a product—they signal credibility right from the first dip.
Nelson’s doesn’t just show up at your shop, it brings the kind of hard-earned trust you can’t buy. Locals who grew up with Nelson’s return as adults, bringing their kids to build new memories. For scoop shops, this connection means steady foot traffic and a reputation that grows stronger with every scoop.
Nelson’s believes variety is key. Their wide flavor list gives you room to shape a menu that fits your customers—no cookie-cutter approach needed.
Photo by Julia Filirovska
Shops get creative freedom with Nelson’s—change menu offerings every season or respond to what’s trending locally. You keep your menu fresh and your customers excited.
Nelson’s isn’t just a supplier—they’re a real partner. From startup to daily service, their team is there to make life easier for your shop.
With Nelson’s, you’re not left to figure it out alone. Their support helps you run smoother, serve faster, and sell more ice cream. That’s the kind of partnership that makes a real difference for independent scoop shops.
Keeping Nelson’s premium ice cream at its best, from our dairy to your scoop shop, is a careful dance of timing, temperature, and smart planning. Whether your shop is serving classic Vanilla Bean or daring Death By Chocolate, fresh flavor and signature creamy texture depend on solid logistics and a strong cold chain. Here’s how we get each tub into your freezer in perfect condition—and how you can help keep it that way.
Photo by Julia Filirovska
Ice cream is one of the most sensitive foods in retail. Temperature slips of even a few degrees can turn a batch grainy, cause freezer burn, or dull those rich flavors. A strong cold chain keeps Nelson’s scoops creamy and crave-worthy all the way to your case.
Key practices for freezing and storing include:
During delivery, Nelson’s uses insulated trucks designed to move large volumes without breaking the cold chain. Quick transfers into your storage reduce “soft spot” risks, so you can be confident every scoop stays as good as it was in the dairy.
Ordering Nelson’s is designed for shop owners who don’t want headaches—just fresh, delicious supply on time. The routine is simple but deliberate, tuned for peak freshness and minimal waste.
Here’s what you can expect:
By following this process, your scoop shop always gets ice cream at peak freshness. No guessing, no melt spots, no compromise. Serving Nelson’s means you deliver a consistent experience—taste, texture, and quality—every time you hand over a cone.
