The holiday season is creeping upon us—and with it comes one of the most anticipated returns for dessert lovers: Publix’s annual holiday ice cream lineup. This year, the retailer is reviving 16 festive flavors, blending familiar favorites with new taste adventures.
From Peppermint Stick to Rum Nut Bread Pudding, the collection is poised to make your freezer feel like the coziest place on earth.
Below, we break down every detail you’ll want to know—what’s back, what’s new, how they’re sold, and what to expect when you scoop into the season.
What’s Back & What’s New: Flavor Lineup in Detail
Publix’s 2025 holiday collection mixes time-tested classics with bold newcomers. The half-gallon sizes bring nostalgia, while the pint editions offer creative spins and seasonal exclusives.
| Format / Category | Returning Favorites | New Additions / Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Half-Gallons (classic seasonal favorites) | Peppermint Stick; Eggnog; Pumpkin Pie; Deep Dish Apple Pie; Santa’s White Christmas; Marshmallow Candy Cane & Cookie Blast | None brand new in half-gallon; focus is on reintroducing holiday staples |
| Pints / Smaller Editions | (some classic flavors adapted) | Coffee Chai Latte (white coffee base + chai swirls); Rum Nut Bread Pudding (vanilla-rum raisin base with pralines & brownie pieces) |
| Mix-in / Swirl Features | Peppermint candy bits, pie crust pieces, sauce ribbons, whipped cream swirls | Brown sugar molasses, blondie chunks, cinnamon crème drizzle, praline pecans |
In total, Publix claims 16 festive flavors this year—an elevated menu compared to past seasons. The goal: to cover the full holiday spectrum, from minty and cool to warm, spiced, and indulgent.
Spotlight on the Classics: Why They Matter
Many of Publix’s holiday favorites are returning because they’re deeply beloved:
- Peppermint Stick: This vanilla base with crushed peppermint is a holiday staple.
- Eggnog: Rich and creamy with nutmeg undertones—Publix’s version is one of the signature items.
- Pumpkin Pie: Featuring whipped-cream ribbons and buttery crust chunks, this flavor leans into fall traditions.
- Deep Dish Apple Pie: Cinnamon sauce, tender apple chunks, and crust bits form a “slice in ice cream” experience.
- Santa’s White Christmas: Coffee ice cream married with cocoa espresso flakes for a hybrid winter pick-me-up.
- Marshmallow Candy Cane & Cookie Blast: A swirl of marshmallow ice cream, minty candy cane bits, and chocolate cookie ribbons for festive complexity.
These classics anchor the holiday collection, delivering reliability for longtime fans. Their consistent quality helps maintain brand trust even as new flavors are tested.
The New Stars: Coffee Chai Latte & Rum Nut Bread Pudding
Publix is also betting on two new flavor innovations to carry the holiday cheer forward:
- Coffee Chai Latte: A warm, aromatic option—a white coffee base interlaced with cinnamon molasses cookie pieces and white chocolate chai swirls. It’s perfect for those craving both coffee and spice in frozen form.
- Rum Nut Bread Pudding: A dessert in a pint—vanilla-rum raisin ice cream base, praline pecans, blondie brownie bits, and a cinnamon crème swirl. It aims to evoke cozy evenings and indulgent desserts in every spoon.
Early feedback (from test markets) suggests these new entrants are drawing attention, especially from those looking for something beyond the usual holiday flavors.
Things to Watch
- Whether Publix truly stocks all 16 flavors across its full geographic range (some stores may carry fewer).
- How quickly the pints sell relative to half-gallons—this might influence future product planning.
- Customer reviews and social media buzz about new flavors—these often guide next year’s lineup.
- Shelf life and quality—seasonal flavors must maintain texture and flavor even with extended displays.
Publix’s decision to bring back a 16-flavor holiday ice cream lineup reflects a confident embrace of seasonal indulgence.
By combining time-tested favorites like Peppermint Stick, Eggnog, and Deep Dish Apple Pie with bold newcomers like Coffee Chai Latte and Rum Nut Bread Pudding, the brand caters to both tradition and curiosity.
This release is more than a dessert catalog—it’s a statement that Publix intends to make the freezer aisle feel festive again.
For shoppers, it means more delicious options to celebrate the season at home. Whether you stick with your yearly favorite or branch out to something new, these flavors are designed to sweeten your holiday experience.
FAQs
When will Publix’s holiday ice cream flavors be available?
They usually debut in September and last through the winter months—or until inventory runs out.
Are all 16 holiday flavors available in both half-gallon and pint sizes?
Not necessarily. The classics tend to appear in half-gallon containers, while new or experimental flavors may be offered in pint sizes as limited editions.
Will these flavors be sold everywhere?
Publix aims to distribute them broadly across its stores, but availability may vary by region or individual store, especially for rare flavors or pints.
