Great ice cream isn't judged by the scoop alone. Today's customers notice every detail of the experience, from the flavour and presentation to the cup they're handed and the spoon they eat with. For premium ice cream brands, packaging is no longer an afterthought. It's part of the product itself.
Over the last decade, the ice cream industry has evolved dramatically. Independent parlours are creating small-batch recipes, seasonal flavours and handcrafted experiences that rival the very best food and drink brands.
The packaging surrounding that experience is evolving too.
Operators are increasingly looking for ice cream packaging that reflects the same quality, care and attention they've invested in every scoop. The cup and spoon may only be used for a few minutes, but they're often the final touchpoint customers remember.
That's what inspired The Perfect Pair; a complete serving solution that combines our new seaweed-coated ice cream pots with our award-winning seaweed spoon, helping operators deliver a premium experience from the first scoop to the final spoonful.
Great hospitality businesses understand that customers remember the small details.
The presentation, materials and finishing touches all contribute to how people feel about a brand. Packaging isn't just functional anymore; it's part of the story customers take away.
Whether an ice cream is served from a neighbourhood gelateria, a busy visitor attraction or a luxury leisure venue, the packaging says something about the business behind it.
Increasingly, customers notice what their ice cream is served in. They ask questions about materials. They appreciate thoughtful design. They remember brands that go beyond expectations.
For many operators, choosing better packaging isn't about following a trend. It's about creating an experience that's consistent with everything else they do.
As Fabio Pomaro, Founder of Chill Gelato, explains:
"I didn't just want to say I was sustainable because it was fashionable."
Instead, sustainability became another expression of the craftsmanship and quality that already defined the business.
The best ice cream packaging should do more than simply hold a scoop.
It should:
For operators, practical considerations matter too. Packaging needs to be easy to source, simple to manage and suitable for busy foodservice environments.
That's why more businesses are moving towards complete serving solutions rather than sourcing cups and cutlery separately.
Many ice cream businesses buy cups and spoons from different suppliers, often managing different materials, specifications and ordering processes.
The Perfect Pair simplifies that.
The range combines our new single and double-scoop seaweed-coated ice cream pots with our award-winning seaweed spoon to create one complete serving solution designed specifically for modern foodservice.
Our ice cream pots are made from responsibly sourced paperboard with Notpla's unique seaweed-based coating.
They're:
Alongside them sits our award-winning seaweed spoon, made from natural materials and recognised as not plastic under the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive.
Together, they provide operators with one supplier, one ordering process and one consistent customer experience.
The conversations we're having with ice cream businesses aren't really about packaging.
They're about customer experience.
They're about creating memorable moments.
They're about ensuring every detail reflects the quality of the product being served.
At Ice Cream Union, introducing the Notpla seaweed spoon felt like a natural extension of the way the business already approaches innovation.
As the team told us:
"We seek to break the conventions of making ice cream, adopting the philosophy of 'it can always be better'."
Rather than simply introducing a new product, the team worked closely with Notpla to trial, test and refine the spoon through customer feedback.
Chill Gelato has taken a similarly thoughtful approach, carefully considering every element of the customer experience, from ingredients through to serving materials.
Businesses like Sticks & Cones have adopted the same mindset from day one, recognising that packaging can reinforce product quality rather than simply contain it.
For years, the spoon has been treated as little more than a necessity.
Today, it's becoming part of the conversation. Customers notice when a spoon feels different. They're curious when they discover it's made using seaweed rather than plastic. Those small moments often become the stories people share with friends and family.
It's a simple interaction, but one that can leave a lasting impression.
For businesses that invest heavily in creating exceptional ice cream, every detail matters.
What is the best packaging for artisan ice cream?
The best packaging complements the quality of the product while delivering a great customer experience. Many premium operators are choosing plastic-free, high-performance materials that align with their brand values without compromising functionality.
Are seaweed-coated ice cream pots recyclable?
Yes. Notpla's seaweed-coated paper pots are designed to be recycled through existing paper recycling streams where facilities exist, while also being completely free from conventional plastic coatings.
Are Notpla's ice cream pots PFAS-free?
Yes. Our seaweed-coated ice cream pots are both plastic-free and PFAS-free, helping operators prepare for changing customer expectations and evolving legislation.
What makes the Notpla seaweed spoon different?
Unlike conventional plastic cutlery, the Notpla seaweed spoon is made from natural materials and is recognised as not plastic under the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, while still delivering the performance customers expect.
Why are premium ice cream businesses changing their packaging?
More operators are recognising that packaging plays an important role in customer experience. Better materials help reinforce product quality, strengthen brand perception and create memorable moments long after the final spoonful.
Premium ice cream continues to evolve.
Packaging is evolving with it.
The businesses leading the market understand that every customer interaction matters, from the ingredients they source to the spaces they create and the packaging they choose.
The Perfect Pair was developed with exactly that in mind.
Not simply as a new cup or a new spoon, but as a complete serving solution that helps operators deliver a consistent, premium experience from beginning to end.
Because when you've spent hours perfecting every scoop, your packaging should tell the same story.
Whether you're running a neighbourhood gelateria, supplying leisure venues or serving thousands of scoops every week, The Perfect Pair has been designed to help you deliver a premium customer experience without compromising on performance.
Request a sample to experience the range for yourself, or download the Notpla Foodservice Catalogue to explore our complete collection of plastic-free food packaging solutions.
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