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GRAND HAVEN, Mich. -- Sweet Temptations, an ice cream shop in Grand Haven has once again received a prestigious blue ribbon from the North American Ice Cream Association for its vanilla bean ice cream. Owner Kelly Larson expressed pride in the achievement, stating, "For an independent shop like us, this is the best of the best." The shop's vanilla bean ice cream was one of only nine to earn the award out of over 1,000 entries nationwide.
The competition involves a rigorous evaluation process. According to WOODTV.com, samples are sent to Cornell University, where a trained dairy sensory team assesses them on flavor, texture, bacteria, and color, with flavor and texture being the most critical factors. Larson noted the importance of using high-quality ingredients, such as Madagascar bourbon vanilla, to achieve the ice cream's smooth finish.
Sweet Temptations is now aiming for the Grand Master award, which requires winning three blue ribbons within five years. Having already secured blue ribbons in 2022 and 2025, the shop has a promising chance to earn this honor in 2026.