Beat the Heat: The Best Frozen Treats You’ve Never Tried (But Should)

Summer heat got you wilting like a grocery store basil plant? Same. When ice cream and popsicles start to feel a little too basic, it’s time to expand your frozen dessert horizons. Around the globe, cultures have mastered the art of staying cool—with sweet, surprising, and seriously Instagrammable frozen treats you probably haven’t tried yet (but definitely should).

Whether you're planning your next foodie adventure, scrolling for snack inspo, or just trying to survive another humid afternoon, these frozen finds are about to change your chill game.

1. Halo-Halo (Philippines) — The Ultimate Dessert Mash-Up

Think of halo-halo as the Philippines' answer to the “everything but the kitchen sink” sundae—but make it tropical. This colorful concoction is layered with shaved ice, evaporated milk, sweetened beans, coconut, plantains, jellies, and sometimes even flan or purple yam (ube) ice cream.

It’s chaotic in the best way. Sweet, creamy, chewy, crunchy, icy—all the textures at once. Perfect for sharing or hoarding to yourself in a giant glass.

Try it if you like: boba, parfaits, or the thrill of never knowing what you’re gonna get next in your spoonful.

2. Kulfi (India) — Ice Cream’s Richer, Denser Cousin

Kulfi isn’t your average soft-serve swirl. This traditional Indian treat is slow-cooked down from milk until it's thick and custardy, then frozen into molds—no churning required. Flavors like pistachio, rose, cardamom, and mango make kulfi feel both nostalgic and gourmet.

Pro tip: Look for kulfi on a stick at South Asian grocers or dessert spots, or try it sliced like cake at festivals.

Try it if you like: gelato, fudge pops, or flavor that lingers long after the last bite.

3. Frozen Mochi (Japan) — Ice Cream, But Make It Fashion

You’ve probably seen mochi balls hanging out in the freezer aisle, but don’t sleep on how delightful these chewy, bite-sized desserts are when eaten straight from the freezer. Soft rice flour dough wraps around ice cream in flavors like matcha, black sesame, strawberry, or red bean.

No spoon, no bowl, just pure frozen bliss wrapped in pillowy goodness. A minimalist dream.

Try it if you like: chewy textures, matcha lattes, or things that look super cute on a plate.

4. Granita (Italy) — Grown-Up Snow Cones

This Sicilian classic is what happens when elegance meets shaved ice. Made by freezing fruit juice, sugar, and water—then scraping it every hour for that perfect crystalline texture—granita is light, bright, and not overly sweet. Lemon and coffee are traditional favorites, but watermelon and almond versions are just as refreshing.

Spoon it slowly while pretending you're on a seaside Italian terrace. Bonus points if you serve it with a brioche bun like they do in Sicily.

Try it if you like: slushies, sorbet, or that “I’m on vacation” vibe.

Photo From: Maangchi

5. Patbingsu (South Korea) — Snowy, Sweet, and So Extra

Imagine a snow globe made of dessert. Patbingsu starts with mountains of finely shaved ice and piles on toppings like sweet red bean paste, condensed milk, fruit, cereal, matcha, or even cheesecake. It’s designed for sharing—and social media.

Bingsu cafés in Seoul are next-level aesthetic, but more and more Korean dessert spots are popping up in U.S. cities, too.

Try it if you like: elaborate sundaes, cloud-like textures, or content-worthy desserts that double as table centerpieces.

6. Es Teler (Indonesia) — Coconut-Cool Perfection

Es teler is a tropical fruit cocktail turned icy indulgence. It combines young coconut, avocado, jackfruit, and palm fruit with crushed ice and a splash of sweetened condensed milk (or sometimes coconut milk). Refreshing, creamy, and naturally vibrant.

It’s not a sugar bomb—it’s a chill, tropical hug in a glass.

Try it if you like: coconut water, smoothies, or desserts that feel almost too good-for-you.