Why is Ice Cream the Future of Experiential Food?

When most people think of ice cream, they think of summer. Nostalgia. A cone on a hot day.

But what if I told you that ice cream isn’t just a seasonal treat, it’s a platform for innovation?

As the founder of Milksmith, an ice cream shop in Winnipeg that specializes in rolled ice cream, small-batch churned creations, and boba-inspired drinks, I’ve come to see ice cream as something far more than dessert. It’s a medium for storytelling, experience, and connection and I believe it’s at the heart of where the food industry is headed.

Here’s what I’ve learned building a brand that blends playfulness with creativity, and why I think we’re just scratching the surface of what ice cream can do.

Ice Cream Is a Canvas—And the Best Ones Tell a Story

A great ice cream doesn’t just taste good. It has something to say.

At Milksmith, we’ve launched flavours inspired by cultural moments and personal memories—like Bao and Sushi ice cream for Asian Heritage Month or Jeanne's Bakery Marble Cake ice cream which nods to Winnipeg childhood celebrations. These flavours spark conversations. They draw people in not just for the taste, but for the experience.

The future of food is emotional and ice cream is perfectly positioned to deliver that.

People Don’t Just Want Treats. They Want Moments

We serve a generation that craves more than consumption, they crave connection. That’s why we focus on the whole experience:

• Customization (allowing our guests to personalize their experience)

• Aesthetic presentation (Instagram-worthy and shareable)

• Playful vibes that don’t feel too polished or corporate because you should walk in here and leave feeling like this place was made for you.

Local Is Not a Trend. It’s the Standard.

Supporting local used to be a niche concept. Now it’s a requirement. And it’s not just about ingredients, it’s about relationships. Whether it’s partnering with a nearby bakery for a cookie crumble topping or featuring mini cone tokens that support our local St. Boniface Hospital NICU, ice cream becomes a vehicle for community building. It connects people to something bigger than themselves. We know our business is part of a larger ecosystem.

The Ice Cream Industry Needs More Creators

One of the reasons I started Milksmith was because I didn’t see myself—or my ideas—represented in the existing ice cream landscape. I wanted to create something different. Something fun, unexpected, and intentional.

We hope to see more people asking: “What if ice cream could…?”

What do you think the future of ice cream looks like? I’d love to hear your thoughts.