If you didn’t grow up in the Midwest, looking at a scoop of Stroh’s ice cream Superman for the first time is a confusing experience. It looks like a primary color explosion. It’s bright red, neon yellow, and a blue so vibrant it feels like it might glow in the dark.
Most people see it and assume it’s a marketing tie-in for DC Comics. Honestly, that’s the most logical guess. But here’s the kicker: the flavor likely existed before Clark Kent ever put on a cape.
In Michigan, this isn't just a novelty. It's a core memory. It’s the sound of a screen door slamming and the sticky feeling of sugar melting down your wrist on a July afternoon in Detroit. While every dairy from Meijer to Hudsonville has their own version now, the "Stroh’s way" is widely considered the gold standard of the original trinity of flavors.
The Prohibition Pivot: Why a Brewery Made Ice Cream
You might wonder why a legendary name in beer—Stroh Brewery Company—is the one we credit with a kaleidoscopic children’s treat.
Basically, the government forced their hand.
When Prohibition hit in 1920, Julius Stroh had a massive facility in Detroit and a lot of workers who suddenly couldn't legally make Bohemian-style pilsner. He had to pivot or go under. He turned the beer-making equipment toward near-beer, birch beer, and eventually, the Stroh Ice Cream Company.
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It turns out that the same cooling systems used to keep vats of lager at the right temperature are pretty great for churning large batches of premium ice cream.
During those dry years, the "Alaska" brand (as it was originally called) became so popular that even after the 21st Amendment passed and the beer started flowing again, Stroh’s kept the ice cream line running. It wasn't just a side project; it was a Detroit institution.
What Does Stroh’s Ice Cream Superman Actually Taste Like?
This is where the arguments start. If you ask ten different people what the flavor profile is, you’ll get ten different answers.
A lot of modern "super" flavors are just vanilla dyed three different colors. That’s the lazy way. That’s the "Lex Luthor" of ice cream, as some locals put it. Real-deal Stroh’s ice cream Superman is a very specific, three-flavor punch:
- Blue Moon: This is the most mysterious part. It’s a Midwestern-only flavor that people describe as tasting like Froot Loops, almond, or marshmallow.
- Red Pop: Based on the iconic strawberry soda from Faygo (another Detroit legend). It’s not just "red"; it’s a sharp, syrupy strawberry.
- Lemon: This is the secret. While many brands use vanilla for the yellow, the original Stroh's recipe used a tart lemon to cut through the heavy sweetness of the Blue Moon.
When you mix these together, it shouldn't work. It sounds like a sugar-induced fever dream. But the citrus from the lemon balances the marshmallowy Blue Moon, and the strawberry ties it all together. It’s a specific kind of Midwestern alchemy.
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Why DC Comics Never Sued
You’d think a billion-dollar comic book empire would have something to say about a "Superman" product they don't own.
The reason they haven't (or at least haven't succeeded) is that the flavor is a "folk" name. Stroh’s and other manufacturers often label it as "Super Rainbow," "Super Hero," or "Scooperman" on the actual packaging to stay in the legal clear.
Because the color combination was popularized in the early 20th century—potentially before Action Comics #1 hit stands in 1938—the "Superman" moniker became a generic term used by the public rather than a trademarked brand name by the dairy.
The Changing Face of a Legend
Stroh’s isn't the same company it was in the 1920s. The family-owned brewery empire eventually collapsed in the late 90s, a victim of over-expansion and the "light beer" craze that they were too slow to join.
The ice cream brand was sold off, eventually landing with Dean Foods and now Dairy Farmers of America.
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Despite the corporate shuffling, the name survived. You can still find Stroh’s in grocery stores across Michigan and in dedicated parlors that refuse to serve anything else. It remains a "premium" product, meaning it has a higher butterfat content and less air (overrun) than the cheap stuff you find in the giant plastic tubs.
How to Find the Real Deal Today
If you’re hunting for the authentic experience, you have to be careful. A lot of shops will tell you they have "Superman," but you’ll take one bite and realize it’s just plain vanilla with a lot of food coloring.
Look for the "Stroh’s" logo specifically.
Many independent parlors in the Detroit area, like those in Wyandotte or near the old Eastern Market site, still carry the official formula. If the yellow doesn't have a faint hint of lemon, you're eating an imitation.
Next Steps for Your Ice Cream Hunt:
- Check the Label: If you're in a grocery store, look for the "Super Rainbow" or "Superman" label under the Stroh's brand specifically.
- The Taste Test: Try a small sample of the yellow section first. If it's vanilla, it’s a modern variation. If it’s lemon, you’ve found the classic recipe.
- Explore the Siblings: While you’re at it, try a scoop of plain Blue Moon. Understanding that flavor is the key to appreciating why the Superman blend works so well.