It’s a Fact: Wisconsin ice cream tastes better. Here’s Why.

By Christina Lorey

May 14, 2025

It’s not just you. Wisconsin ice cream really does taste better, and there’s a scientific reason why.

In 1890, UW-Madison agricultural chemistry professor Stephen Babcock developed the Babcock test for determining the butterfat content of milk. The test immediately advanced the dairy industry, allowing for faster and more accurate grading of milk at markets, discouraging adulteration and thinning practices, and promoting the development of better dairy strains.

🍦You can learn more about Babcock’s revolutionary dairy invention here.

Why does butterfat matter?

Butterfat is arguably the most important factor when it comes to the flavor, texture, quality, and even nutritional content of any given dairy product. In general, a higher butterfat content means a softer, smoother, melt-in-your-mouth taste.

While ice cream’s butterfat content can range anywhere between 10% and 18%, the more the creamier, as far as we’re concerned!

Each of UW’s iconic Babcock Hall Dairy’s flavors falls into one of two categories: regular or super premium. Babcock’s regular flavors contain 12% butterfat, while its super premium contain 17%.

You can grab a scoop (or four) on the UW-Madison campus at the Babcock Hall Dairy Store. Or, if you’re outside the Madison area, try WisconsinMade.com’s shipping service to have your favorite flavor delivered!

MORE: 7 Wisconsin Ice Cream Shops You (Probably) Haven’t Been to (But Should)

Author

Christina Lorey

Christina is an Edward R. Murrow-winning journalist and former producer, reporter, and anchor for TV stations in Madison and Moline. When she’s not writing or asking questions, you can find her volunteering with Girls on the Run, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and various mental health organizations. Send all story tips to [email protected] and sign up for her newsletter here.

View all posts

CATEGORIES: FOOD AND DRINK

Support Our Cause

Thank you for taking the time to read our work. Before you go, we hope you'll consider supporting our values-driven journalism, which has always strived to make clear what's really at stake for Wisconsinites and our future.

Since day one, our goal here at UpNorthNews has always been to empower people across the state with fact-based news and information. We believe that when people are armed with knowledge about what's happening in their local, state, and federal governments—including who is working on their behalf and who is actively trying to block efforts aimed at improving the daily lives of Wisconsin families—they will be inspired to become civically engaged.