Hudsonville Ice Cream Wins Best Ice Cream Sandwich of 2026

For those of us who grew up in West Michigan, we've been spoiled by Hudsonville Ice Cream. It's a favorite at local ice cream stands and in grocery store freezer aisles. But over the past decade, the rest of the country has discovered what we've known all along: Hudsonville makes some seriously delicious frozen treats.

Now one of them is being called the very best in America!

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From West Michigan to All 50 States

Hudsonville Ice Cream has been making ice cream in West Michigan for more than 100 years, so its roots run deep here. Once headquartered in Hudsonville (as you might have guessed) it was purchased by the Ellens family in 2003 and operations moved to Holland, Michigan.

About a decade ago, the company began expanding into other states. Then came its partnership with Little Debbie.

The Viral Little Debbie Collaboration

It all started with the wildly popular Christmas Tree Cakes Ice Cream in 2021. Before long, Hudsonville's Little Debbie-inspired treats were being sold in all 50 states, with flavors based on Zebra Cakes, Honey Bun, Swiss Rolls, Nutty Bars and more.

I still remember seeing national food websites talking about the partnership and thinking, "Whoa... they're talking about our Hudsonville Ice Cream."

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The collaboration has only grown since then, expanding beyond pints to include ice cream bars and, most recently, ice cream sandwiches. Hudsonville launched its Little Debbie Ice Cream Sandwiches in January with two flavors: Oatmeal Creme Pies and Cosmic Brownies.

Now they're already picking up awards!

Crowned the Best in the Nation

People Magazine has released its 2026 Food Awards, recognizing the best new frozen desserts in grocery stores. Hudsonville's Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie Ice Cream Sandwich earned the title of Best Ice Cream Sandwich in the nation in 2026!

The magazine's review was short and sweet. One staffer summed it up with just three words: "Wow, wow, wow!" after biting into the soft oatmeal cookies wrapped around vanilla ice cream.

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The honor comes just months after the same treat was named "Most Innovative Ice Cream Novelty" by the International Dairy Foods Association.

As someone who's spent a lifetime eating Hudsonville Ice Cream, it's fun seeing a West Michigan company getting this kind of attention! I remember when it felt like Hudsonville was one of Michigan's best-kept secrets. These days, the secret is definitely out.

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Michigan is the 11th largest state in the US, and while large cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor are well known, much of the state's population comes from towns you've never heard of, and likely have never been to.

All population information courtesy of the U.S. Census Bureau.

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill