We all scream for ice cream! In Atlantic Canada, it’s gotta be Moon Mist. There’s some debate about exactly how long this flavour has been around, but it’s safe to say it originated in Nova Scotia over 50 years ago. And it’s many an East Coaster’s childhood favourite. Now making its way west, this colourful treat is as popular as ever.

Unchurning the mistery

Specific dates and details are uncertain, but family legend says Nova Scotian Bruce Hart invented Moon Mist in the 1960s. Before joining his family’s business, Halifax Creamery, Hart went to the U.S. and attended what the family calls “Ice Cream University”. This is where he decided to mix three distinct ice cream flavours—banana, grape and blue raspberry. The result was a colourful swirl of pastel yellow, purple and blue ice cream. Moon Mist was born!

Moon Mist gained popularity in the ‘70s. In 1973, Farmers launched a Moon Mist flavour. Their recipe contained blue raspberry like Hart’s creation. However, when Scotsburn later released their version of Moon Mist, they swapped blue raspberry with a blue bubblegum flavour.

There is an alternative Moon Mist lore that its flavours came from Farmers’ U.S. supplier, but there are no details about who thought to mix them. In the ‘60s or ‘70s, Hart’s family sold its ice cream brand to Twin Cities Co-op Dairy, which later became Farmers. So, Bruce Hart likely deserves credit for the creation.

Childhood favourite

What’s not up for debate is how many Atlantic Canadians, especially in Nova Scotia, love the flavour that’s been unique to the East Coast for decades. Kids in the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s grew up enjoying a scoop of Moon Mist from their local ice cream parlour. Originally, the flavour was only made in 11.4-litre tubs used in ice cream shops. But, given its popularity, in 2015 Scotsburn began making 1.5-litre tubs for retail sale in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island.

When Agropur acquired Farmers and Scotsburn in 2017, they phased out Farmers’ blue raspberry version of Moon Mist. Sales of both recipes were essentially equal, but Scotsburn was already making the smaller tubs.

In a location-based Facebook group, many Nova Scotians shared their love of Moon Mist. Wendi Hill in Lower Sackville said it’s her favourite ice cream flavour, along with her grandchildren. It’s also popular with the Rogers family from Lunenburg. Janice Rogers said it isn’t her top choice, but it does remind her of childhood. Her daughter Stephanie Sheppard Rogers says she loved Moon Mist growing up and still enjoys it today with her two daughters. Third-generation Lucy is also a big fan, especially of the colours.

Gaining traction

Today, Moon Mist ice cream remains popular and has inspired other products including Moon Mist yarn, candles, hoodies, doughnuts, cotton candy and even a flavoured vodka. While it will always be rooted in Nova Scotia, Moon Mist is also spreading west. According to a Toronto Star article, it’s becoming more available in Ontario and has been seen on a smaller scale in other parts of Canada.

Note: A representative of Moon Mist ice cream was unavailable for an interview; the above article is based on third-party research and the opinions of consumers.

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