Costco's Kirkland Signature ice cream is notably thick because it is classified as "super premium" ice cream, a designation that indicates a higher concentration of milk fat and a lower amount of air, resulting in a richer, denser product.
Understanding Super Premium Ice Cream
The term "super premium" isn't merely a marketing label; it signifies a specific quality standard within the dairy industry. For ice creams like Costco's, this classification means the product contains a significantly greater milk fat density and less overrun (the industry term for air whipped into the ice cream) compared to standard or even regular premium ice creams.
Here's how these factors contribute to its distinctive thickness:
- Higher Milk Fat Content: Milk fat is the primary component that gives ice cream its luxurious mouthfeel, creaminess, and body. A higher percentage of milk fat translates directly to a denser, smoother, and less icy texture. This increased fat content makes the ice cream feel substantially thicker and richer on the palate.
- Lower Air Content (Overrun): While some air is essential for the characteristic light and scoopable texture of ice cream, "super premium" varieties minimize the amount of air incorporated during the churning process. Less air means more actual ice cream per spoonful, contributing significantly to its perceived weight and thickness. This low overrun is why Costco's ice cream often feels much heavier and more substantial than many lighter, more aerated store-bought options.
This deliberate combination of high milk fat and reduced air is precisely what gives Costco's ice cream its unique, thick, heavy, and rich consistency, distinguishing it from most other vanilla ice creams available in stores.
