Imagine a birthday bash without the sweet indulgence of cake and ice cream—it’s simply unthinkable! And as Brigham Young University (BYU) gears up to celebrate its 150th anniversary, they’ve already taken care of the ice cream part in the most spectacular way. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a university truly capture its essence in a single ice cream flavor? BYU thinks so, and they’re betting big on their new creation, 150 Swirl. Let’s dive into the fascinating journey behind this frozen masterpiece.
Founded on October 16, 1875, as Brigham Young Academy, BYU will officially hit the sesquicentennial mark this Thursday. To mark the occasion, the university has crafted a unique ice cream flavor that’s as bold and vibrant as its history. 150 Swirl combines white chocolate brownie and blue mint ice creams, creating a treat that’s both nostalgic and innovative. But this wasn’t an overnight endeavor—the process began at the end of 2024, involving months of brainstorming, experimentation, and refinement.
And this is the part most people miss: creating a new ice cream flavor is no small feat. BYU executive chef John McDonald shared with Deseret News just how seriously they take this process. It started with a survey sent to ‘a couple hundred’ students, faculty, and staff, gathering ideas and preferences. Over two to three months, BYU’s Culinary Support team transformed the most popular suggestions into roughly 12 experimental flavors. Each flavor required meticulous sourcing—the perfect chocolate, the ideal banana, and more.
These flavors were then tested by students working at the Culinary Support Center. Some were tweaked, while others were scrapped entirely. ‘Sometimes they’re a bust,’ McDonald admitted. ‘When you scale up a small batch, the flavors or inclusions don’t always translate as expected, and we have to go back to the drawing board.’ After testing, the flavors were presented to a committee of 20 students and department chairs, who ranked them until only five remained. Even then, the committee wasn’t convinced—they wanted something that ‘screamed BYU.’
Inspiration struck McDonald during his drive home one day. He decided to create a swirl ice cream, a first for BYU. Combining their beloved mint brownie with white chocolate and blue mint, he added brownie and caramel pieces for texture. The committee loved it, and 150 Swirl was born. But what about the runners-up? Flavors like Huckleberry Chocolate Truffle and Cougar Tail might just make their way to the creamery in the future.
Production takes place at the BYU Culinary Support Center, where the university’s ice cream is made. With two freezing barrels, the center can produce up to 300 gallons of ice cream per hour—though they rarely run at full speed. ‘We want lots of candy in it,’ explained dairy manager Benjamin Boone. Typically, they produce 1,500 gallons of ice cream per day, four times a week, totaling between 4,500 and 7,000 gallons weekly. Their top-selling flavor? Graham Canyon, followed by Cookies and Cream and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Why do certain flavors become instant classics while others fade away? McDonald notes that popularity often grows over time, as seen with Graham Canyon, which has climbed the ranks since its debut in 2011. ‘People gravitate to certain flavors based on popularity,’ he said. But predicting which flavors will stick is a gamble. Once produced, the ice cream is packaged and distributed to Creamery locations for eager consumers.
Tanner Shupe, a pre-business student at BYU, recently tried 150 Swirl and was impressed. ‘It’s a good combination of mint, cookie dough, and brownie—all flavors I love,’ he said. While he appreciates the novelty of the limited-edition flavor, he thinks it could have staying power. ‘It’s BYU Blue, so it’s a great representation of the university,’ he added.
So, does 150 Swirl truly capture the spirit of BYU? And could it become a permanent addition to their lineup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear if you think this flavor deserves a spot in the BYU ice cream hall of fame!
