Umpqua Ice Cream, a Southern Oregon gem since 1931, is celebrated for its rich, creamy desserts. This family-owned brand has built a loyal following with award-winning flavors. In 2025, its reputation continues to grow, especially after recent accolades.
Started in Roseburg, Oregon, Umpqua uses local dairy to craft its ice cream. Its 2024 World Dairy Expo win for Lemon Bar flavor has sparked fresh buzz. This article dives into customer reviews, top flavors, and what makes Umpqua special.
Whether you’re a local or visiting the Pacific Northwest, Umpqua is a must-try. We’ll explore taste, texture, and value based on real feedback. Read on to see if Umpqua Ice Cream lives up to its storied reputation.
What Is Umpqua Ice Cream?
Umpqua Ice Cream began as a small ice house in Roseburg, Oregon. Founded by Ormond Feldkamp and Herb Sullivan, it served train passengers in the 1930s. In 2020, Producers Dairy, another family-owned company, took over.
The brand offers over 30 flavors, from Chocolate to Lemon Bar, using local milk and cream. Its pints and quarts are sold in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and Northern California. Umpqua’s focus on quality has earned it multiple awards.
Known for creamy textures, Umpqua avoids artificial additives. Its 2024 Grand Champion win at the World Dairy Expo highlights its excellence. The brand remains a Pacific Northwest favorite.
Why Choose Umpqua Ice Cream?
Umpqua stands out for its rich, mousse-like texture. Customers love its bold flavors and local ingredients. The brand’s affordability makes it a great value compared to premium competitors.
In 2025, new flavors like Maple Nut and seasonal releases keep the lineup fresh. Umpqua’s ice cream bars offer a convenient treat for on-the-go fans. Its award-winning quality draws dessert lovers.
The brand’s regional focus adds a nostalgic charm. Stops at places like K&R Drive Inn on I-5 make it a road-trip staple. Umpqua is perfect for those seeking authentic, high-quality ice cream.
Umpqua Ice Cream Review: What Are People Saying?
Umpqua earns high praise from customers and critics alike. A Daily Meal taste test ranked its Chocolate flavor top among eight brands, scoring 4.8 out of 5 from 200 reviews. Fans call it “luscious” and “complex.”
On X, reviewers rave about the Lemon Bar flavor, a 2024 World Dairy Expo winner. Many highlight the creamy texture and balanced sweetness. Influenster reviews give Maple Nut 4 stars, praising its quality but noting it’s less popular than others.
Some feedback mentions limited availability outside the Pacific Northwest. A few report icy textures if not thawed properly. Overall, Umpqua’s rich taste and awards keep fans loyal.
Top Flavors in 2025
Umpqua’s 2025 lineup blends classics with innovative options. Customer reviews highlight a few standout flavors. Here’s a list of top picks:
- Chocolate: Rich, mousse-like with deep cocoa flavor.
- Lemon Bar: Tangy lemon with buttery crust pieces, a 2024 award-winner.
- Maple Nut: Sweet maple with crunchy walnuts.
- Vanilla: Creamy and floral, great for sundaes.
The Chocolate and Lemon Bar flavors steal the show for their bold profiles. Some find Vanilla less exciting but versatile. Seasonal releases like Pumpkin Spice also draw crowds.
Nutritional Information and Options
Umpqua’s ice cream is indulgent, with calories reflecting its premium quality. A ½-cup serving ranges from 150–250 calories, depending on the flavor. Fat content is higher due to real cream.
| Flavor | Calories (per ½ cup) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | 150 | 8 |
| Lemon Bar | 200 | 10 |
| Maple Nut | 220 | 12 |
Some flavors contain artificial colors, which may concern clean eaters. Allergen info is on the website, but cross-contamination is possible. No-sugar-added options are limited but available.
Taste and Texture: How Does It Compare?
Umpqua’s texture is a standout, described as mousse-like and creamy. The Chocolate flavor offers a rich, velvety mouthfeel, per Daily Meal’s review. Lemon Bar balances tangy and sweet with crusty bits for texture.
Vanilla is smooth but less dense than competitors like Häagen-Dazs, per Portland Monthly. It pairs well with pies or sundaes. Maple Nut delivers a crunchy contrast to its creamy base.
Some note iciness if not softened before scooping. The flavors are bold but not overpowering. Umpqua rivals premium brands in quality and taste.
Pricing and Value
Umpqua is budget-friendly for its quality. Pints cost $3.50–$5, and quarts range from $6–$8 at retailers like WinCo. It’s cheaper than Häagen-Dazs ($5–$7 per pint), per Daily Meal.
The generous mix-ins in flavors like Lemon Bar add value. Ice cream bars, around $3 for a 3-pack, are a steal. Deals at stores like Fred Meyer make it even more affordable.
Some wish for larger containers at the price. Limited distribution can increase costs in non-regional areas. Overall, Umpqua offers great value for premium ice cream.
Pros and Cons of Umpqua
Umpqua has clear strengths and a few limitations. Here’s a breakdown based on reviews:
- Pros:
- Creamy, mousse-like texture with bold flavors.
- Affordable compared to premium brands.
- Award-winning quality, like 2024’s Lemon Bar.
- Local ingredients add authenticity.
- Cons:
- Limited availability outside the Pacific Northwest.
- Some flavors have artificial colors.
- Can be icy if not thawed properly.
These points help you decide if Umpqua fits your dessert needs. Most find the quality worth seeking out.
How Does Umpqua Compare?
Umpqua competes with brands like Tillamook and Häagen-Dazs. Its Chocolate outranks Tillamook’s in richness, per Daily Meal’s taste test. Prices ($3.50–$8) beat Häagen-Dazs but align with Tillamook.
Tillamook offers more flavors and wider distribution, per kw3.com. Häagen-Dazs has a denser texture, while Umpqua’s is fluffier, per Portland Monthly. Umpqua’s local focus gives it a nostalgic edge.
Umpqua’s strength is its balance of quality and affordability. The 2025 lineup, including ice cream bars, adds versatility. It’s a top pick for Pacific Northwest dessert fans.
Tips for Enjoying Umpqua
Let pints sit out for 5–10 minutes before scooping to avoid iciness. Pair Chocolate with hot fudge for a decadent sundae. Try Lemon Bar with berry pie for a zesty contrast.
Check store freezers early for seasonal flavors like Pumpkin Spice, as they sell out fast. Store tubs in the freezer door for softer texture. Follow @umpquadairy on social media for new releases.
Visit K&R Drive Inn in Rice Hill for a classic Umpqua experience. Buy in bulk at WinCo or Fred Meyer for savings. Share quarts with friends to sample multiple flavors.
Where to Buy Umpqua
Umpqua is sold at WinCo, Fred Meyer, Safeway, and Albertsons in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and Northern California. Pints and quarts are priced at $3.50–$8. Check umpquadairy.com for store locators.
Online, select retailers like Amazon Fresh offer limited flavors. Delivery via Instacart is available in some areas. The K&R Drive Inn in Rice Hill, Oregon, is a popular spot for scoops.
Availability is regional, so plan ahead outside the Northwest. Seasonal flavors may require quick action. Check social media for restock alerts and local deals.
Is Umpqua Ice Cream Worth Trying?
Umpqua Ice Cream lives up to its award-winning reputation. Customers praise its creamy Chocolate and tangy Lemon Bar, per Daily Meal and X reviews. The 2025 lineup adds fresh excitement with bold mix-ins.
Limited distribution and occasional iciness are minor drawbacks. At $3.50–$8, it’s a steal for premium quality. The local, family-owned vibe adds charm, especially for Northwest locals.
For ice cream lovers, Umpqua delivers rich taste and value. It’s perfect for road trips or home treats. Seek it out at a retailer or K&R Drive Inn to taste the hype.
Summary
Umpqua Ice Cream, a Southern Oregon staple since 1931, shines in 2025 with creamy, award-winning flavors. Favorites like Chocolate and Lemon Bar earn high praise for their rich taste and texture. The brand’s local dairy and affordable prices make it a Pacific Northwest favorite.
Reviews highlight its mousse-like quality, though availability is limited outside the region. Compared to Tillamook or Häagen-Dazs, Umpqua balances quality and cost. Its 2024 World Dairy Expo win cements its reputation.
Whether you’re craving a classic scoop or a new flavor, Umpqua delivers. Find it at retailers or enjoy a sundae at K&R Drive Inn. It’s a must-try for dessert fans in 2025.
FAQ
What makes Umpqua Ice Cream special?
Umpqua uses local Oregon dairy for a creamy, mousse-like texture. Its award-winning flavors, like 2024’s Lemon Bar, stand out. Affordable prices add value.
Are there dietary-friendly options at Umpqua?
No-sugar-added options are limited but available. Most flavors are indulgent, with 150–250 calories per scoop. Check labels for allergens, as cross-contamination is possible.
How much does Umpqua Ice Cream cost?
Pints cost $3.50–$5, quarts $6–$8 at retailers like WinCo. Ice cream bars are $3 for a 3-pack. It’s cheaper than premium brands like Häagen-Dazs.
Where can I buy Umpqua Ice Cream?
Find it at WinCo, Fred Meyer, and Safeway in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and Northern California. Online delivery is via Amazon Fresh. Check umpquadairy.com for stores.
What are the best 2025 flavors?
Chocolate and Lemon Bar top reviews for richness and tang. Maple Nut is a sweet, crunchy hit. Seasonal flavors like Pumpkin Spice sell out fast.