3 Out of 10 Americans Who Eat Out Suffer from This Uncomfortable Condition
I can’t say I “suffer” from this, but when the family and I go out to eat it’s usually a restaurant that we frequently visit, and I know what I…
MARCH 18: Diners at Hobby’s in Newark, N.J., on March 18, 2023.
(Photo by Bryan Anselm For The Washington Post via Getty Images)I can’t say I “suffer” from this, but when the family and I go out to eat it’s usually a restaurant that we frequently visit, and I know what I want before we get there. I do try to be conscious of the waitress or waiter’s time when the restaurant is crowded. This is because they have a lot of tables and customers to serve so they don’t have any extra time to chat.
So, what am I alluding to?
This is really not a problem that is of any serious importance, however, apparently, some people suffer from "menu anxiety." According to a new survey, three in ten Americans suffer from this crippling condition, which leaves them confused, anxious, and nervous at some point after sitting down at a restaurant and start to peruse the menu.
This number jumps to more than 40% of respondents in the younger Gen Z and millennial groups, according to the poll of 2,000 Americans that participated in the survey.
The article points out that perhaps not surprisingly, the demographic that didn't grow up with participation trophies and helicopter parents doesn't suffer from this condition nearly as commonly. Just 15% of Gen X and baby boomers, the demographic between 44 and 77, said they had menu anxiety. It also appears that younger diners were 17% more likely to wait until those in their group ordered first to decide, as compared to the older folks.
Just like with many other fears, exposure therapy is apparently something that helps. 24% of younger respondents say they always check out an eatery's menu online before visiting.
10 Wild Ice Cream Flavors to Try This Season
Summer is officially ice cream season, and July is National Ice Cream Month. Actually, every season is ice cream season, if you ask me. I seriously enjoy scoops of my favorite ice cream whether it's 90 degrees outside or freezing cold. When it comes to ice cream flavors, it's hard to beat the classics. Vanilla, chocolate, chocolate-chip and mint chocolate-chip are always favorites. But, why not switch it up and try some really wild ice cream flavors?
As a graduate of Michigan State University, I've tried many random ice cream flavors at the MSU Dairy Store. MSU is an agricultural college, so it's known for the Dairy Store and having delicious ice cream. Honey Lavender and Spartan Swirl come to mind. But, enough about MSU. You don't have to come to Michigan to get some unique ice cream flavors.
Read on for 10 wild ice cream flavors that you need to try. These flavors are all from major ice cream makers, so they should be fairly easy to find, no matter where you're located. I've also included some non-dairy and gluten-free ice cream options for vegans and those on a gluten-free diet. I'm not vegan, but my favorite ice cream currently is actually non-dairy. Hopefully, there's enough variety on this list for you to find your new favorite ice cream flavor.
It's worth noting that some of these ice cream flavors are seasonal and only available in the summer. That said, the majority of the flavors below are currently available year-round.
Haagen-Dazs - Summer Berry Cake Pop Ice Cream
I've definitely never heard of "Summer Berry Cake Pop Ice Cream." What is a summer berry cake pop? Regardless, it sounds great. "We swirl velvety strawberry ice cream with sweet cream ice cream, add perfect, fluffy cake pieces and then finish with a tangy raspberry sauce," they describe on their website.
Breyers - Layered Dessert Caramel Apple Pie
Breyers' "Layered Dessert Caramel Apple Pie" is a special treat, bringing you that feeling of having a piece of apple pie with ice cream on top. "We start with smooth Breyers® and stir in real apples between two layers of caramel with pie crust pieces. The experience of caramel apple pie topped with Breyers, all in one scoop!" Breyers states on their website.
Halo Top - Blueberry Crumble
Halo Top ice cream is diet ice cream, with way less calories than regular ice cream. Their flavors are pretty standard, but they do have one, "Blueberry Crumble," that's super unique. I don't eat diet ice cream, but my friend had me try this one, and it was good. "Swirls of sweet blueberry pie filling and chunks of pie crust, our Blueberry Crumble light ice cream delivers the best of spring with a good source of protein," Halo Top states on their official website.
Baskin-Robbins - Cookie Monster
When I think of "Cookie Monster" ice cream, I definitely picture something blue, just like the real Cookie Monster. Well, Baskin-Robbins has that flavor of ice cream, and it's blue. They describe it as "sweet cream ice cream stuffed with chocolate sandwich cookie pieces, chocolate-chip cookie pieces and cookie dough batter flavored swirls." That sounds delish.
Dreyer's - Triple Fudge Brownie Boulevard
"Triple Fudge Brownie Boulevard" is a wild take on your typical brownie-packed ice cream. Dreyer's describes it as, "A fan favorite re-imagined: our beloved Double Fudge Brownie now with crispy brownie edges! A delicious pairing of brownie pieces and brownie batter swirls is now complete with extra indulgence for the ultimate brownie lover."
Blue Bunny - Cherrific Cheesecake
Blue Bunny keeps their flavors list pretty classic. That said, they do have a few flavors that stand out. One is "Cherrific Cheesecake," which taste like it sounds. "Cheesecake frozen dairy dessert, cherry and graham swirls," they describe. It's like cherry cheesecake, but it's ice cream.
Ben & Jerry's - Oatmeal Dream Pie
"Oatmeal Dream Pie" from Ben & Jerry's is kind of like those Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream cookies. You know, the soft, tasty, cream-packed oatmeal creams. This is a new flavor from Ben & Jerry's, and this is the non-dairy version. It uses sunflower milk. It's also gluten-free. "Our friends at Partake have provided the oh-my-goodness-this-is-gluten-free!? oatmeal cookie you'll find in this snacktime favorite of a flavor," they state.
Cold Stone Creamery - Oreo Overload
Everyone has heard of cookies and cream ice cream. But, Cold Stone Creamery goes one step further and packs its cookies and cream ice cream with a ton of real Oreo cookies, making it stand out. "It’s just like dipping an Oreo in milk. Except, you know, with chocolate chips. And fudge," they describe. I'm in.
Haagen-Dazs - Black & White Cookie Ice Cream
Here's another unique flavor. I've definitely had cookies and cream ice cream. But what about "Black & White Cookie Ice Cream?" I've never heard of such a thing! Haagen-Dazs describes it as, "Inspired by New York’s classic Black & White cookie, we mixed vanilla bean ice cream with soft cookie pieces and ripples of chocolate frosting. Forget the cookie and grab your spoon."
Dairy Queen - Non-Dairy Dilly Bar
Here's an option for vegans. Dairy Queen offers a "Non-Dairy Dilly Bar," which is "gluten free, dairy-free, and plant-based, made with a coconut cream based protein and finished with our delicious crunchy chocolatey coating," according to their website. So, you can have the fun without the dairy or gluten, which is a good thing for sensitive diets.
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