A Match Made in Flavour Heaven
At first, the idea of a savoury, peppery oil on a sweet, creamy dessert can be confusing. But the magic lies in the contrast. A high-quality extra virgin olive oil brings fruity, grassy, and slightly bitter notes that cut through the richness of the vanilla
ice cream, creating a more complex and sophisticated flavour profile. When drizzled over a cold scoop, the oil thickens slightly, creating a silky, velvety coating that melts in your mouth. Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and you have a trio of sweet, savoury, and salty that hits all the right notes, transforming a simple dessert into a gourmet experience. The salt doesn't just add crunch; it amplifies the sweetness of the ice cream and the fruity notes of the oil.
The TikTok and Dua Lipa Effect
While the combination isn't new, its recent surge in popularity can be credited to two powerful forces: celebrity endorsement and TikTok. The trend exploded after pop superstar Dua Lipa mentioned it was her favourite way to eat ice cream in a BBC Radio 1 interview. She confessed to converting many of her friends to the "dark side" of vanilla ice cream with olive oil and sea salt. This endorsement sent social media, especially TikTok, into a frenzy. Influencers and foodies began posting their own videos, trying the combination and reacting to the unique taste. For a generation that drives and discovers trends through short-form video, seeing it repeatedly primes them to try it. The simple, visually appealing nature of drizzling golden oil over pristine white ice cream makes for perfect social media content.
Not a New Invention
As with many viral trends, this one has deep roots. The practice of pairing olive oil with dessert is a long-standing tradition in Mediterranean countries, particularly Italy and Spain. In Italy, "gelato con olio e sale" (ice cream with oil and salt) has been enjoyed for years. For centuries, high-quality olive oil has been a staple not just in savoury dishes but also in sweets, valued for the richness and flavour it imparts. In the US, pioneering ice cream shops like New York's Big Gay Ice Cream and San Francisco's Bi-Rite Creamery have been serving versions of this dessert for over a decade, long before it became a viral sensation. So while Gen Z may have popularised it for a new audience, they are participating in a rich culinary tradition.
How to Get It Right at Home
Ready to try it for yourself? The key is to use high-quality ingredients, as their flavours will be front and centre. Start with a good, creamy vanilla ice cream. This will act as the perfect canvas. Next, and most importantly, choose the right olive oil. You need a good quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), as regular or light olive oil won't have the necessary flavour compounds. Look for an EVOO with fruity or grassy notes. Spanish Arbequina or Italian Leccino oils are great choices as they are known for their buttery, slightly sweet, and peppery profiles that complement ice cream beautifully. Finally, use a flaky sea salt, like Maldon, for that delightful crunch and burst of salinity. Simply scoop your ice cream into a chilled bowl, drizzle (don't drench) the oil over the top, and finish with a pinch of salt.
