Chili-Flavored Ice Cream With Oyster Crackers—Genius or Just Unhinged?

Two Ohio-based brands are teaming up to bring us the flavor mash-up we didn’t know we needed. Graeter’s Ice Cream and Skyline Chili are launching Spice Ice Cream, a limited-edition dessert that blends French Pot ice cream with oyster cracker bits and chili spice mix. 

If you’re unfamiliar with French-style ice cream, it’s a rich and creamy variation involving eggs and custard speed-churned inside of a 2 ½-gallon pot. A special in Cincinnati, the process creates denser ice cream with more butterfat that’s creamier. Graeter’s has been employing the method for over 100 years. 

“Everyone who knows chili knows Skyline and, as longtime fans ourselves, we were eager to collaborate on a one-of-a-kind, must-try flavor, said Graeter’s President CEO Richard Graeter. “Last year, speculation about our unconventional and somewhat polarizing partnership started a social media frenzy. We spent months perfecting the recipe and are extremely happy to confirm the rumors are true — and the flavor will surprise you.”

Skyline is another Cincinnati staple known for its sweet and savory chili that’s popularly used atop spaghetti or hot dogs. This is the first time Skyline has done a dessert collaboration, and what brand to partner with than another local favorite? 

“This is the first time Skyline has done a dessert collaboration, so we knew it needed to be worth it,” said Dick Williams, chairman and CEO, Skyline Chili. “Graeter’s Skyline Spice Ice Cream has the heart and soul of both beloved Midwest-born brands in every bite.”

Graeter’s Skyline Spice is now available online while supplies last in 6-pint packs for $84.95 and 12-pint packs for $129.95.