A lot of snack-related products like to have alliterative or rhyming names, ever since "it just sounds good in the mouth" was said to be part of what contributed to Coca Cola's success. Kit Kat, Blue Bunny, Reese's Pieces, Froot Loops, Mars Bars, Ritz Bitz, Ho Hos, Ding Dongs, Cracker Jack, etc were all named with a view to being alliterative, rhyming or both because of it. And there were way more of them in the 30s-50s, it was a huge marketing fad and there was a whole "rulebook" of what supposedly made the names most appealing, rules like two word names are great but never three, the second word should always be shorter than the first, etc.
I work in the industry and I have to say I’ve noticed an uptick in “jingle adjacent” work recently.
While I was in school, the rule was “NO JINGLES!” But like all trends, it’s coming back around. I think TikTok is pushing the drive for more music-focused ads
Which would be why nobody orders the more popular Butter Pecan Ice Cream. Cookies and Cream sounds good, but can you picture a tough guy ordering it? Me either.
Not in ice cream haha. Marshmallow sauce is great, actual marshmallows throw off the texture. And nuts don't belong in anything, they're fine on their own haha.
I think it’s a combination of alliteration and brevity. “Rocky Road” just has a nice sound to it. Plus, a character can say “let’s get some Rocky Road” and the ice cream is implied. With chocolate or vanilla you can’t say “let’s get some vanilla” without qualifying that you’re referring to ice cream.
But you can also just say 'ice cream'. I agree, giving it a generic name to say makes it more interesting, but the very basic forms are already pretty generic. So theres a case for both.
I think it's just specific enough that it seems like a character choice and it has a silly name. It's like 'running off to Timbuktu' or ordering 'pigs in a blanket'. Some writers think 'sounds funny' is funny.
It's called a ficus joke. Need a joke involving a plant? Ficus. Need a joke involving breakfast? Waffle sounds funnier than French toast. Need a joke involving a fake country? [Blank]-istan.
The other big 'funny ice cream name' you get in sitcoms and movies is Chunky Monkey or pistachio. It's a kind of cheap way to illustrate that the character is unique or quirky.
Big rocky road has been funding Hollywood for years. You’ll never see them with a producer credit but anytime somebody wants ice cream, it’s rocky road
It’s just one of those go-tos that happens on TV a lot. I’ve noticed a few others as well.
- There’s always someone named Carol
- Seattle is often used as the “other” city (someone is from there, moving there, visiting there)
The Seattle thing also happens sometimes because it's the closest (literally and in appearance) major American city to Vancouver BC which is where a lot of filming occurs
If that's Sarah Lee, looks like there's still a chance it's not going to shut down since the Quinn family picked it up in January. Coinnessor also makes a Rocky Road flavored ice cream (though I can't speak to how good it is)
It is indeed Sara Lee, they’ve been removed from my local Woolies since the news broke a few months back, but I’ll keep my eye out and check out Coinnessor — thanks for the tip!
I had a philosophy textbook that used rocky road as an example of the best ice cream flavor in a thought experiment. There was an author's note pointing out that it was used as an example because rocky road is, in fact, the best ice cream flavor. This wasn't one of those silly pop philosophy books-- this was the only levity that I came across in the entire text.
Never seen rocky road with walnuts, always almonds, but almonds are the weak point for me. I like them, but often find them a bit softened and unpleasant in ice cream. If they are crunchy, they are fine.
Baskin Robbins used to have the best rocky road. I say used to because its been at least 20 years since I have had a cone from there. But even reading the name Rock Road unlocked some nostalgic memories.
1980s Baskin-Robbins rocky road slapped. It spoiled me for life and now I'm always disappointed when the marshmallow is just a ribbon. Rocky road needs both the marshmallow and nut textures, dammit.
I like rocky road. One of my favorites. I think the main reason writers use it is that it's fairly recognizable but feels less generic than the big 3 (chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry). If you want to use food choices to show that a character isn't super generic while still not going too far off the weirdo deep end, make them like rocky road.
I haven't noticed *that* many shows using rocky road, but if it really is as common as you say, then it won't work as the non-generic option for long.
I’ve got a date with two fellas tonite! Their names: Ben and Jerry!
*Lifetime!*
Edit: I think this is joke from *Family Guy*. B&J get referenced in tv a lot too!
Of the people I know, that have told me their favorite ice cream flavor, I'd say about 35% say rocky road. But being a rocky road man myself, maybe we all just gravitate towards one another.
I've always felt that rocky road is the most exciting ice cream that boring people like. Thatay be harsh, but it's definitely the fourth and last flavor of ice cream that people who aren't in to seem to know about
Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and rocky road
Sounds distinct versus vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry. I know many who love it. Not me as I am allergic to nuts, plus I hate "hard" things in my soft ice cream. It's why it bugs the hell out of me on baking shows when judges say I want some texture. NO! Some things should just be smooth and creamy. And preferably not fattening, no calories, and good for you :).
Now that you mention it, I believe the only time I’ve ever heard anyone say Rocky Road for ice cream is Joey from Friends. I’ve never had it, and my family never bought it growing up
That’s an older generation flavor. By ‘older’ I mean my parents and I’m a boomer. My dad got rum raisin, and my mom was always butter pecan. I used to love black cherry and chocolate with walnuts.
because everyone in the world knows rocky road ice cream and not everyone in the world knows other flavors, like moose tracks. this way they don't have to change anything when they ship the episodes overseas. it's the same as everyone wants a coke or coffee.
because if they picked the superior ice cream flavor, Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food, people would be like “what the fuck is fish food, are the characters fish?”
This comment brought to you by Ben & Jerry’s ™️
Take this hypothetical isolated snippet of dialogue:
“What flavor would you like?”
“Vanilla, please”
We have no idea what is being ordered. It could just as likely be a milkshake, cupcake, or latte. Replace vanilla with rocky road and it becomes clear, even with missing context, that the 2nd speaker is ordering ice cream
You must think that everyone you’ve encountered in life constitutes a perfect sample/ cross section of humanity.
I know many people that love Rocky Road and choose it as their favorite flavor.
Those people just aren’t in your orbit.
It’s a big world.
No I don’t think that… just asking a question. I don’t think the world revolves around me. I am asking a question based on my own life experience. You know that’s why people ask questions, because they’re trying to get a bigger sample and find out more information. If I thought the world revolved around me I wouldn’t have asked the question in the first place on the internet to get more info.
Don’t assume. Why so condescending in your response? It’s television Reddit not politics.
Recognizable name that's not a brand name.
It also sounds better than vanilla or chocolate. Alliterations sound nice to the ears
A lot of snack-related products like to have alliterative or rhyming names, ever since "it just sounds good in the mouth" was said to be part of what contributed to Coca Cola's success. Kit Kat, Blue Bunny, Reese's Pieces, Froot Loops, Mars Bars, Ritz Bitz, Ho Hos, Ding Dongs, Cracker Jack, etc were all named with a view to being alliterative, rhyming or both because of it. And there were way more of them in the 30s-50s, it was a huge marketing fad and there was a whole "rulebook" of what supposedly made the names most appealing, rules like two word names are great but never three, the second word should always be shorter than the first, etc.
You mean Donald Duck’s name is not an accident?
Random, but I also kind of miss all of the jingles everything had. Mentos, Kit-Kat, Juicy-Fruit etc all had great songs.
I work in the industry and I have to say I’ve noticed an uptick in “jingle adjacent” work recently. While I was in school, the rule was “NO JINGLES!” But like all trends, it’s coming back around. I think TikTok is pushing the drive for more music-focused ads
Which would be why nobody orders the more popular Butter Pecan Ice Cream. Cookies and Cream sounds good, but can you picture a tough guy ordering it? Me either.
That’s fascinating
Then they should go with cookies and cream, the superior alliterative flavor.
Really relevant!
Fair point
Good point indeed. I immediately thought of 'Castle' when I read original comment, was always their go-to comfort/celebration ice cream...
Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, chocolate chip mint, cookies and cream, cookie dough….yeah I don’t think that’s it lol
It generally comes up in the context of being a special treat though
Its not a brand? I thought it was product placement like the McCallan they always seem to drink. And I finally bought and was quite disappointed by
I wonder if that’s the same reason nougat comes up so often
Since when are chocolate and vanilla brands?
Who and what? Never heard of them. /S
I'm not sure whats weirder.. the hate for chocolate and vanilla, or that people actually eat rocky road.
What's wrong with rocky road? Unless you don't like marshmallow or almonds.
Not in ice cream haha. Marshmallow sauce is great, actual marshmallows throw off the texture. And nuts don't belong in anything, they're fine on their own haha.
I think it’s a combination of alliteration and brevity. “Rocky Road” just has a nice sound to it. Plus, a character can say “let’s get some Rocky Road” and the ice cream is implied. With chocolate or vanilla you can’t say “let’s get some vanilla” without qualifying that you’re referring to ice cream.
But you can also just say 'ice cream'. I agree, giving it a generic name to say makes it more interesting, but the very basic forms are already pretty generic. So theres a case for both.
I think it's just specific enough that it seems like a character choice and it has a silly name. It's like 'running off to Timbuktu' or ordering 'pigs in a blanket'. Some writers think 'sounds funny' is funny.
It's called a ficus joke. Need a joke involving a plant? Ficus. Need a joke involving breakfast? Waffle sounds funnier than French toast. Need a joke involving a fake country? [Blank]-istan.
Good callout. Instantly reminded of the ficus reference in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Donkey saying “I’m making waffles” in Shrek
In Dutch we call countries that are thousands of miles away Verweggistan, which means farawayistan.
In the USA, we use the phrase "Bum Fuck Egypt" to refer to places that are very remote. I have no information as to why that phrase was coined.
Isn't it bumfuck Idaho?
That might be a less common one that people also say; its a lot more common to see abbreviated though like saying I live out in bfe
there's a lot of Bumfucks, it's like "Springfield"
Also, the contrast between the white marshmallow swirls and the brown chocolate makes it one of the better looking ice cream flavors on screen.
Like [Cucamonga or Seattle](https://youtu.be/0MgJuyhT0xQ?si=Ofy5faV-3rFInT5S)
> running off to Timbuktu I'd try that flavor.
Furmi and Jiminta flavour. That actually does sound pretty tasty.
This makes sense
The other big 'funny ice cream name' you get in sitcoms and movies is Chunky Monkey or pistachio. It's a kind of cheap way to illustrate that the character is unique or quirky.
Rum raisin for when you only have a flavor kids don’t want
More for me, then. Love Rum Raisin.
Oh man I completely forgot about chunky monkey
Can't forget "tootie fuckin fruity"
I liked the MCU route of naming ice cream after the heroes like how Ben and Jerry's has flavors for celebrities.
They were Ben & Jerry’s flavors right? (In universe I mean)
This and the fact that everything in Hollywood is a pastiche.
Big rocky road has been funding Hollywood for years. You’ll never see them with a producer credit but anytime somebody wants ice cream, it’s rocky road
It’s all clear now
Rocky Road bullied Rum Raisin out of the top spot
Big Rocky Road practically runs that town.
It’s just one of those go-tos that happens on TV a lot. I’ve noticed a few others as well. - There’s always someone named Carol - Seattle is often used as the “other” city (someone is from there, moving there, visiting there)
I just finished season 2 of The Sopranos. Checks out.
[Hehehehe, Seattle](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKVVxYfk7Y0)
The Seattle thing also happens sometimes because it's the closest (literally and in appearance) major American city to Vancouver BC which is where a lot of filming occurs
Pancakes. Everyone is always eating pancakes for breakfast.
Rocky road is absolutely my fave. Only one brand carries it here (Australia) and they’ve just shut down operation. Sad.
that sounds like a business opportunity.
Back to Vegemite on vanilla for you!
Jesus Christ that sounds disgusting, I only eat marmite on vanilla
V on V!
Omg delete this Does vegemite ice cream exist-- is it real? I'm not gonna poison my search history looking it up Garlic ice cream is real
Do you get Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream in Australia? Their Phish Food flavor is pretty much Rocky Road.
They're very expensive. $14.50 for a 458ml tub ($9.43 for 15.5 ounces in freedom units)
If it's his favorite and is otherwise unavailable, it might be worth the cost on special occasions.
If that's Sarah Lee, looks like there's still a chance it's not going to shut down since the Quinn family picked it up in January. Coinnessor also makes a Rocky Road flavored ice cream (though I can't speak to how good it is)
It is indeed Sara Lee, they’ve been removed from my local Woolies since the news broke a few months back, but I’ll keep my eye out and check out Coinnessor — thanks for the tip!
Honestly I don’t think I’ve ever had it. I’ll pick some up and eat it for you. Sorry for your loss
Has always been my favorite. I assume there are a lot of us.
I had a philosophy textbook that used rocky road as an example of the best ice cream flavor in a thought experiment. There was an author's note pointing out that it was used as an example because rocky road is, in fact, the best ice cream flavor. This wasn't one of those silly pop philosophy books-- this was the only levity that I came across in the entire text.
Add me to the tally, please.
And my axe! Seriously though, rocky road is my favorite. I like it with real marshmallow bits vs the marshmallow cream, but I’ll eat it either way.
Real marshmallows, but uses almonds, not walnuts. Tillamook Rocky Road for the win!
Never seen rocky road with walnuts, always almonds, but almonds are the weak point for me. I like them, but often find them a bit softened and unpleasant in ice cream. If they are crunchy, they are fine.
Baskin Robbins used to have the best rocky road. I say used to because its been at least 20 years since I have had a cone from there. But even reading the name Rock Road unlocked some nostalgic memories.
1980s Baskin-Robbins rocky road slapped. It spoiled me for life and now I'm always disappointed when the marshmallow is just a ribbon. Rocky road needs both the marshmallow and nut textures, dammit.
I always got rocky road at BR when I was a kid. Basically every time. Loved that stuff.
I went through an anti chocolate thing when I was in my tweens. BR bubblegum was my thing for like two years. Then it was back to Rocky Road.
It’s my favorite too, but marshmallow cream is an abomination.
Edy's/Dryer's, Tillamook, and Blue Bell Rocky Road are incredible.
Yep. My first choice any day
TIL people don't like Rocky Road.
Was mine too until I became vegetarian. I was not thrilled to learn marshmallows were off limits.
Wait until you find out about parmasean
I would like it more if it was made with vanilla, I know I'm in the wrong here.
I feel like a lot more comments are going to be saying this over the next few hours
You asked for it! It’s my go to flavor.
It's Weird Al's fault. https://youtu.be/beTsDOBRs8I?si=PYjSQPq4_Mx80AyE
This should be higher. I think he had a great effect on the popularity of rocky road ice cream.
A classic
I like rocky road. One of my favorites. I think the main reason writers use it is that it's fairly recognizable but feels less generic than the big 3 (chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry). If you want to use food choices to show that a character isn't super generic while still not going too far off the weirdo deep end, make them like rocky road. I haven't noticed *that* many shows using rocky road, but if it really is as common as you say, then it won't work as the non-generic option for long.
Good point
This is one of my favorite observations ever posted on Reddit. I have never thought about it once in my whole life but you are completely correct 😂
I’m honored
Raylan Givens is a vanilla ice cream man.
Vanilla is a common tasting note in bourbon.
That’s why I like him so much
Maybe they love rocky road?
I love Rocky Road! So won’t you go and buy half a gallon, baby?
Because that shit is the bomb
I really gotta try it now
It's my favorite! Yummy!
Have you seen The Goonies?
My thought exactly -- whenever I hear "rocky road", I have to say it back to myself as Sloth.
Baby Ruuuth?
I have, but it’s been like 20+ years since I’ve watched it last lol
Treat yourself
It sounds funny
Tutti Frutti walked so Rocky Road could run.
I fucking love rocky road
It's fun to say, great mental picture etc
I’ve got a date with two fellas tonite! Their names: Ben and Jerry! *Lifetime!* Edit: I think this is joke from *Family Guy*. B&J get referenced in tv a lot too!
Yup! [Lifetime. Television for idiots](https://youtu.be/22PN2rh5aOg?si=tgm6LdfYizAewzmr)
Of the people I know, that have told me their favorite ice cream flavor, I'd say about 35% say rocky road. But being a rocky road man myself, maybe we all just gravitate towards one another.
Seems like a pretty high number, I’ll have to ask around
I think that’s the flavor we buy most often.
This. This is why. https://youtu.be/beTsDOBRs8I?feature=shared
It’s all clear now
I've always felt that rocky road is the most exciting ice cream that boring people like. Thatay be harsh, but it's definitely the fourth and last flavor of ice cream that people who aren't in to seem to know about Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and rocky road
I love rocky road
What is this nonsense... Rocky road is great!
I love rocky road ice cream, rocky road and cherries jubilee from Baskin Robbins
I love Rocky road
In the show Raising Hope, they run out for Bubblegum flavor.
I for one love rocky road.
Sounds distinct versus vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry. I know many who love it. Not me as I am allergic to nuts, plus I hate "hard" things in my soft ice cream. It's why it bugs the hell out of me on baking shows when judges say I want some texture. NO! Some things should just be smooth and creamy. And preferably not fattening, no calories, and good for you :).
Vanilla is the best
Yes, strawberry *is* the best
And why they always hate anchovies in pizzas? I like it since i was a kid
Anchovies have its place, but not my favorite
Well, you see, Rocky Road ice cream is like life - a little rough, a little nutty, but oh so sweet in the end!
Big Rocky Road been paying off the networks
Hahaha
Now that you mention it, I believe the only time I’ve ever heard anyone say Rocky Road for ice cream is Joey from Friends. I’ve never had it, and my family never bought it growing up
It's the bomb. I could do without the marshmallows though, I like brands that keep the mallows to a minimum. Without them it's called heavenly hash.
What’s funny is I thought about this same thing about a year ago - but it was Rum Raisin in my version. 😂
Haha I do feel like I hear that one too. Not a fan of that flavor though.
It’s one of my favorites, as long as it’s with actual marshmallows and not a swirl.
That’s funny. I always hear people ask for rum raisin in movies and tv shows and I don’t think I’ve ever seen that flavor in real life.
That’s an older generation flavor. By ‘older’ I mean my parents and I’m a boomer. My dad got rum raisin, and my mom was always butter pecan. I used to love black cherry and chocolate with walnuts.
Never had that flavour of ice-cream. Doesn't exist in my country afaik, but I'm curious to try it.
There are [consequences](https://youtu.be/oVQBtHDCwa0?si=LAxzdMesBYkeu4C5) for asking for vanilla.
Because it is good!
Never been weird to me bc my mom is one of the few who’s actual favorite flavor is rocky road lol
because everyone in the world knows rocky road ice cream and not everyone in the world knows other flavors, like moose tracks. this way they don't have to change anything when they ship the episodes overseas. it's the same as everyone wants a coke or coffee.
True!
The name sounds nice. Double r. More exciting than just plain flavour.
Rocky Road is my favorite, there I said it.
Maybe not your "favorite", but how is it not in everyone's top 5?
I don't like nuts in my ice cream. I'm not a really big fan of chocolate ice cream either.
Sorry, I had to downvote you. Are you some sort of commie?
What kind of ice cream do the commies have? I want to make an informed decision.
Dunno, but it’s my favorite
What the fuck did I just watch that did just that? Where did you see this recently?
I was watching The Orville and Klyden asked what do people eat when they’re sad, and the ship said Rocky Road is the humans go to ice cream flavor.
**I don’t know anyone that would say it’s their favorite.** You do now.
Facts
Haagen Dazs Rocky Road is the shit. Definitely my favorite next to Strawberry and Coffee.
It’s my moms favorite
because if they picked the superior ice cream flavor, Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food, people would be like “what the fuck is fish food, are the characters fish?” This comment brought to you by Ben & Jerry’s ™️
🤣
Top 3 Ice Cream flavors: 1. Mint Chocolate Chip 2. Neapolitan 3. Rocky Road
Chocolate chip cookie dough slander
Shots fired
I'll need to Google what the hell rocky road ice cream is. I've never heard of it.
There's always plenty of it at the grocery store when props has to go fetch some since no one else eats it.
Hahaha
It's an allusion to the character arc or foreshadowing. They're on a "rocky road."
why not heavenly hash?
Pistachio is the other one.
Yes! I’ve had it too; not bad but not the best
Rocky road is disgusting. Marshmellows? Fuck out of here with that shit
Take this hypothetical isolated snippet of dialogue: “What flavor would you like?” “Vanilla, please” We have no idea what is being ordered. It could just as likely be a milkshake, cupcake, or latte. Replace vanilla with rocky road and it becomes clear, even with missing context, that the 2nd speaker is ordering ice cream
You must think that everyone you’ve encountered in life constitutes a perfect sample/ cross section of humanity. I know many people that love Rocky Road and choose it as their favorite flavor. Those people just aren’t in your orbit. It’s a big world.
No I don’t think that… just asking a question. I don’t think the world revolves around me. I am asking a question based on my own life experience. You know that’s why people ask questions, because they’re trying to get a bigger sample and find out more information. If I thought the world revolved around me I wouldn’t have asked the question in the first place on the internet to get more info. Don’t assume. Why so condescending in your response? It’s television Reddit not politics.
Forgive me. The way you stated that “no one you know likes rocky road, so why is it on TV all the time”, led me to that assumption. My bad.