How to Sample Ice Cream at Lick Honest

Lick Honest is more than just an ice cream shop—it’s a sensory experience built on transparency, quality, and the art of flavor discovery. Founded on the principle of serving ice cream made with real, recognizable ingredients and no artificial additives, Lick Honest invites guests to explore its rotating menu of small-batch creations through guided sampling. Unlike traditional ice cream shops where choices are limited to pre-selected scoops, Lick Honest encourages patrons to taste before they commit, ensuring every scoop aligns with personal preference and dietary values. Learning how to sample ice cream at Lick Honest isn’t just about trying flavors—it’s about understanding the craft behind each batch, recognizing the nuances of natural ingredients, and making informed, joyful choices. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, mastering the art of sampling enhances your connection to the product and elevates your overall experience.

The importance of sampling at Lick Honest extends beyond personal preference. It reflects a broader movement in food culture toward mindfulness, ingredient awareness, and ethical consumption. By tasting before purchasing, you support a business model rooted in honesty—where flavor is not masked by stabilizers or artificial flavors, but revealed through the purity of its components. Sampling also allows you to discover unexpected favorites, avoid ingredients you may be sensitive to, and engage with staff who are trained to guide your journey. In a world saturated with mass-produced desserts, Lick Honest offers a rare opportunity to slow down, savor, and truly taste the difference.

Step-by-Step Guide

Sampling ice cream at Lick Honest is designed to be intuitive, yet deeply rewarding. Follow this step-by-step guide to maximize your experience—from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave with your perfect scoop.

Step 1: Arrive with an Open Mind

Before you even step inside, prepare yourself mentally. Lick Honest’s menu changes frequently based on seasonal ingredients, regional availability, and creative experimentation. What’s available today may not be tomorrow. Leave behind assumptions about what “chocolate” or “vanilla” should taste like. The goal is not to find something familiar, but to discover something authentic. Bring curiosity, not expectations.

Step 2: Observe the Display

Once inside, take a moment to study the display case. Lick Honest typically features 8 to 12 flavors at any given time, each labeled with a clear name and a short description of key ingredients. Look for terms like “organic heavy cream,” “fair-trade cacao,” “honey from local apiaries,” or “roasted almonds from California.” These aren’t marketing buzzwords—they’re indicators of quality and sourcing. Notice the texture and color of each flavor; natural ingredients often result in less uniform hues and slightly softer consistency compared to industrially produced ice creams.

Step 3: Ask for Guidance

Don’t hesitate to ask a team member for help. Lick Honest staff are trained in flavor profiles and ingredient sourcing. You might say, “I love creamy textures but avoid overly sweet flavors—what would you recommend?” or “I’m curious about the seasonal fruit you’re using this week.” They’ll often suggest 2–3 options based on your preferences. If you’re unsure where to start, begin with their signature “Honest Vanilla” or “Salted Caramel Crunch”—these are foundational flavors that showcase their technique.

Step 4: Request a Sample

At Lick Honest, sampling is not just allowed—it’s encouraged. When you’ve narrowed your choices, politely ask for a sample of each flavor you’re considering. Say, “Could I try a small taste of the Roasted Fig & Brown Butter, the Coconut Lime, and the Dark Chocolate Sea Salt?” Most locations provide small, biodegradable spoons and will serve you 1–2 teaspoons of each flavor you request. You can sample up to five flavors per visit, though three is typically ideal to avoid palate fatigue.

Step 5: Sample Mindfully

When you receive your samples, take your time. Begin with the lightest flavor—usually fruit-based or herbal—and work toward the richer, more intense ones. Let each spoonful melt slowly on your tongue. Pay attention to:

• First impression: Is the flavor bright and clean, or muted and artificial?
• Texture: Does it feel smooth and creamy, or grainy and icy?
• Aftertaste: Does it linger pleasantly, or leave a chemical afternote?
• Complexity: Can you identify layers—like toasted nuts, citrus zest, or earthy spices?

Swirl the sample gently in your mouth. Note how the fat content interacts with your palate. Lick Honest uses higher butterfat content than most commercial brands, which contributes to a richer mouthfeel and slower melt. This is intentional—it enhances flavor delivery and reduces the need for added sugars.

Step 6: Compare and Reflect

After tasting each sample, pause for 10–15 seconds between flavors to reset your palate. Sip water or eat a plain cracker if provided. Avoid rinsing your mouth with sugary drinks—this will dull your sensitivity. Reflect on which flavor stood out most. Was it the one you expected to love, or one you never considered? Sometimes the most surprising flavors—like Black Sesame or Miso Caramel—are the most memorable.

Step 7: Make Your Selection

Once you’ve narrowed it down, choose your flavor. You can opt for a single scoop, a double, or even a flight of three mini scoops to enjoy later. If you’re unsure, ask if they offer a “Taste & Take” option—where you can purchase a small container to sample at home before committing to a full pint.

Step 8: Engage and Learn

Before you leave, ask a simple question: “What’s the story behind this flavor?” Lick Honest often sources ingredients from small farms or artisans, and staff love sharing these stories. Learning that your favorite flavor uses heirloom strawberries from a family-owned orchard, or that the brown sugar is unrefined and hand-ground, deepens your appreciation and reinforces the value of supporting transparent food systems.

Best Practices

To ensure every sampling experience at Lick Honest is enjoyable, consistent, and respectful of both the product and the team, follow these best practices.

Sample in Moderation

While you’re welcome to sample multiple flavors, limit yourself to no more than five per visit. This ensures fairness for other guests and preserves the integrity of your palate. Over-sampling can lead to sensory overload, making it harder to distinguish subtle flavor differences. Three samples is often the sweet spot—enough to compare, not so many that you lose clarity.

Respect the Process

Lick Honest’s ice cream is made in small batches and kept at precise temperatures to maintain texture and flavor. Avoid touching the display case or leaning on the counter. Use only the provided spoons—never your own utensils. This protects the product from contamination and ensures every guest receives a pristine sample.

Time Your Visit

Sampling is most effective when the ice cream is at optimal temperature—typically between 5°F and 10°F. Avoid visiting during peak hours (5–7 PM on weekends) when the display case is frequently opened and closed. Early afternoons (1–3 PM) or weekday mornings are ideal. The ice cream will be firmer, the flavors more defined, and the staff more available to guide you.

Know Your Preferences

Before you arrive, reflect on what you enjoy in ice cream. Do you prefer sweet, tart, nutty, or herbal notes? Are you avoiding dairy, added sugars, or certain allergens? Having a mental framework helps staff make better recommendations. You don’t need to be an expert—just honest. Saying “I don’t like overly sweet” or “I’m curious about savory-sweet combinations” is more helpful than “I like everything.”

Bring a Palate Resetter

If you’re particularly sensitive to flavors or have a strong preference for clean palates, consider bringing a plain, unsalted cracker or a small piece of apple. These help neutralize your taste buds between samples. Avoid mint gum or strong mints—they can mask the delicate notes in Lick Honest’s ice cream.

Don’t Rush

Sampling is not a race. Take your time. Lick Honest encourages guests to linger, observe, and engage. The staff are there to help, not to rush you through. A 15-minute sampling session is far more valuable than a 3-minute impulse purchase.

Share Your Experience

If you discover a new favorite, tell others. Word-of-mouth is the most powerful marketing tool for Lick Honest. Leave a thoughtful review online, mention the flavor on social media, or recommend it to a friend. Your feedback helps the team understand what resonates and informs future creations.

Consider the Season

Lick Honest’s menu evolves with the seasons. In spring, expect floral notes like lavender or elderflower. Summer brings stone fruits and berries. Fall features roasted nuts, spices, and squash. Winter leans into dark chocolate, caramel, and citrus zest. Sampling during peak season ensures you experience the ingredients at their peak freshness and flavor intensity.

Tools and Resources

While sampling at Lick Honest requires no special equipment, a few tools and resources can enhance your experience and deepen your understanding of what makes their ice cream unique.

Flavor Wheel

Many Lick Honest locations provide a printed flavor wheel near the counter—a visual guide that categorizes flavors by profile: creamy, fruity, nutty, earthy, spicy, herbal, and more. Use it to identify patterns in your preferences. If you consistently gravitate toward “earthy” flavors, you might enjoy future offerings like Beetroot & Cardamom or Black Garlic & Honey.

Mobile App

Lick Honest offers a free mobile app that lists current flavors, ingredient sourcing details, and allergen information. You can view the menu before you arrive, save your favorite flavors, and even receive notifications when new batches are ready. The app also includes tasting notes written by their head ice cream maker, offering insight into the inspiration behind each creation.

Ingredient Transparency Portal

Visit lickhonest.com/ingredients to explore the full sourcing journey of every component in their ice cream. Each ingredient is mapped to its origin—whether it’s the organic dairy farm in Vermont, the cacao cooperative in Ecuador, or the honey producer in Oregon. This transparency isn’t just a marketing tactic; it’s a core value. Understanding where your food comes from transforms sampling from a pleasure into a meaningful ritual.

Palate Training Guide

For those who want to go deeper, Lick Honest offers a downloadable “Palate Training Guide” on their website. This 12-page PDF includes exercises to help you identify flavor notes, recognize off-notes (like staleness or oxidation), and understand how fat, sugar, and air content affect texture. It’s designed for enthusiasts and home ice cream makers alike.

Seasonal Tasting Kits

Occasionally, Lick Honest releases limited-edition tasting kits—small boxes containing three mini pints of seasonal flavors, along with pairing suggestions (e.g., “Try the Rosemary Lemon with a glass of sparkling water”). These kits are perfect for at-home sampling and make thoughtful gifts. They often include QR codes linking to interviews with farmers and makers.

Local Food Blogs and Podcasts

Follow regional food bloggers and podcasts that feature Lick Honest. Many highlight behind-the-scenes stories, interviews with the founders, and seasonal flavor previews. These resources provide context beyond the scoop—like how a drought in California affected their almond supply, or how a new fermentation technique improved their brown butter base.

Reusable Tasting Spoons

While Lick Honest provides compostable spoons, bringing your own reusable stainless steel or bamboo spoon is encouraged. Not only is it eco-friendly, but many guests find the metal spoon enhances flavor perception by conducting temperature more evenly than plastic.

Real Examples

Real-world examples illustrate how the sampling process at Lick Honest leads to meaningful discoveries and deeper connections with food.

Example 1: The Unexpected Favorite

Maria, a 34-year-old teacher from Portland, visited Lick Honest on a whim during a trip to Seattle. She thought she’d stick with classic chocolate. After sampling four flavors, she was drawn to “Miso Caramel.” “I thought it would be too salty,” she says. “But the first taste was this deep, umami richness—like toasted sesame and butterscotch dancing together. It had this savory backbone that made the sweetness feel balanced. I bought a pint and ate it all that night.” Maria now orders the Miso Caramel online monthly and has introduced it to her book club as a conversation starter.

Example 2: Dietary Discovery

David, who avoids refined sugars, was skeptical about finding a satisfying ice cream. He asked for samples of the “Date-Sweetened Vanilla” and “Coconut Cashew.” “I expected it to taste like cardboard,” he admits. “But the date syrup gave it this molasses-like depth, and the coconut cream made it luxuriously creamy without dairy. I didn’t know ice cream could taste this good without sugar.” He now uses Lick Honest as his go-to dessert for family gatherings, even converting his kids, who previously only ate “funny colored” store brands.

Example 3: The Flavor Journey

Every spring, James, a 62-year-old retired chef, visits Lick Honest to taste the new seasonal offerings. He keeps a journal. Last year, he documented his experience with “Lavender Honey & Lemon Zest”: “Bright citrus upfront, then a whisper of floral—like walking through a garden at dawn. The honey isn’t cloying; it’s earthy. The lemon lifts it. I’ve never tasted lavender that didn’t taste like soap. This is alchemy.” James now partners with Lick Honest to host “Taste & Tell” evenings, where he guides small groups through flavor profiling using his method.

Example 4: The First-Time Visitor

Sophie, 19, visited Lick Honest with her college roommate. She’d never tried ice cream with anything other than chocolate chips. She sampled “Black Sesame & Sea Salt,” “Candied Ginger & White Chocolate,” and “Fig & Thyme.” “I thought black sesame would taste like dirt,” she says. “But it was nutty, almost like tahini, and the salt made it pop. I didn’t know ice cream could be so… grown-up.” Sophie now interns at Lick Honest during summer breaks, helping train new staff on the sampling protocol.

Example 5: The Repeat Ritual

Every Friday at 4 PM, Linda, a graphic designer, visits Lick Honest for her “flavor therapy.” She samples two new flavors and writes a one-sentence review: “Earl Grey & Blackberry—like a tea ceremony in dessert form.” She posts them on Instagram. Her followers have grown to over 10,000, and Lick Honest now features her reviews in-store. “It’s not just ice cream,” she says. “It’s a weekly reset. A moment of quiet joy.”

FAQs

Can I sample ice cream if I have food allergies?

Yes. Lick Honest clearly labels all major allergens on each flavor’s sign, including dairy, nuts, eggs, soy, and gluten. Staff are trained to identify cross-contamination risks and can provide detailed ingredient lists upon request. If you have a severe allergy, inform the team before sampling—they can use clean utensils and guide you to safe options.

How many flavors can I sample in one visit?

Typically, guests may sample up to five flavors per visit. This ensures fairness and maintains product integrity. If you’d like to try more, consider visiting on another day or purchasing a seasonal tasting kit.

Is sampling free?

Sampling is complimentary at all Lick Honest locations. You are not obligated to purchase after sampling. The goal is to help you find a flavor you love—not to pressure you into buying.

What if I don’t like any of the flavors I sample?

That’s okay. Lick Honest’s menu changes weekly, and not every flavor appeals to everyone. If you’re unsure, ask for a recommendation based on your preferences. You might discover a flavor you didn’t know you’d enjoy. If you still don’t find one you love, you can always return next week—there’s always something new.

Can I sample flavors that are sold out?

No. Only flavors currently in the display case are available for sampling. If a flavor is labeled “Sold Out,” it means the batch has been fully scooped and won’t be available until the next production cycle.

Do you offer samples for children?

Yes. Children are welcome to sample, and staff are happy to provide smaller portions. Many parents use sampling as a way to introduce kids to complex flavors in a low-pressure environment.

Are samples served with spoons? Can I bring my own?

All samples are served with compostable spoons. You’re welcome to bring your own reusable spoon—many guests do. Just ensure it’s clean and doesn’t introduce contaminants to the display case.

Can I sample ice cream if I’m vegan?

Yes. Lick Honest offers at least two fully plant-based flavors at all times, made with coconut milk, oat milk, or almond milk bases. These are clearly labeled and sampled using dedicated utensils to prevent cross-contact.

How often does the menu change?

The menu rotates weekly, with 2–4 new flavors introduced each week and 1–2 retired. Seasonal ingredients drive the changes, so you’ll find more fruit-based flavors in summer and spice-forward ones in winter.

Can I request a custom flavor for sampling?

While Lick Honest doesn’t create custom flavors on request, they do welcome feedback. If you have an idea for a flavor combination, share it with the team. Many of their most popular flavors were inspired by customer suggestions.

Conclusion

Sampling ice cream at Lick Honest is not a transaction—it’s a ritual. It’s a chance to slow down, to taste with intention, and to reconnect with the origins of what we eat. In a world where food is often mass-produced, homogenized, and disguised behind layers of additives, Lick Honest offers a rare alternative: ice cream that speaks for itself. By learning how to sample properly, you don’t just choose a flavor—you choose a philosophy. You choose transparency over trickery, craftsmanship over convenience, and flavor over filler.

The steps outlined here—observing, asking, tasting mindfully, reflecting, and engaging—are not just techniques; they’re acts of culinary mindfulness. Each spoonful becomes a moment of discovery. Each flavor tells a story—of soil, sun, season, and care. And when you leave with your chosen pint, you’re not just carrying ice cream—you’re carrying a piece of that story with you.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime fan, the next time you step into Lick Honest, don’t just order. Sample. Listen. Taste. Let the ice cream speak. And remember: the best flavor isn’t always the one you expect—it’s the one you didn’t know you were waiting for.