Little Fox Cups & Cones: The Most Unique Ice Cream Flavors
Ice cream rarely challenges convention—it’s comfort food, familiar and predictable. But every once in a while, someone comes along who changes the game entirely, crafting flavors that push boundaries and redefine what frozen desserts can achieve. Meghan Koll of Little Fox Cups and Cones in Oceanside, California, is exactly that kind of culinary revolutionary. She serves up the most unique ice cream flavors we’ve ever tasted, including a new one soon to hit her stores, and it’s a delicious, compelling argument for why prunes belong in contemporary kitchens. If you think you’ve tasted all the ice cream flavors the world has to offer, think again.
A Sweet Revelation
At first glance, Little Fox Cups and Cones is charming enough—bright, inviting, nestled comfortably in sunny Oceanside. But step closer, and you quickly realize something extraordinary is unfolding here. Meghan, a passionate lover of good and good-for-you food and the force behind the counter, isn’t content serving up the usual suspects. Instead, she explores flavors from the earth around her. Think roasted carrots, avocados plucked from Jason Mraz’s farm, lavender kissed by California sunshine, and among these dazzling innovations, there’s one unexpected hero that is about to take center stage: California Prunes.
Yeah, prunes!
“Winging It”: The Flavor That Breaks the Mold
Meghan recently teamed up with Jaíne Mackievicz, a culinary creator whose journey spans California, Brazil, and France. Together, they conjured an extraordinary flavor called “Winging It.” Jaíne describes the flavor as a meeting point of cultures: “We have prunes as the star of the show. We have dulce de leche, a very traditional Brazilian combo with prunes, and we have coconut. Then, the prunes are stewed in Pinot Noir, which adds a French flair, and Cara Cara orange to give a little zest. The coconut adds a beautiful textural element. It’s really, really good.”
What makes prunes so special in ice cream, Jaíne emphasizes, is their innate versatility and texture. “If you are just now trying prunes, I’m sorry to say you’re late to the party. Prunes are amazing,” she insists. “In an ice cream, they don’t harden; they remain soft, melting seamlessly with the dairy. It’s magical.”
California Prunes: An Underrated Culinary Treasure
Let’s get one thing straight—California prunes are culinary gold. Not only are they rich in antioxidants, packed with fiber, and bursting with potassium, they’re also stunningly complex. Prunes bring subtle sweetness, depth, and a hint of umami to any dish, from savory stews to sophisticated desserts. Meghan notes, “Figs have this big name, but prunes can replace figs in so many recipes. They pair beautifully with cheese, are incredible in jams, and shine brilliantly in savory dishes.”
The “Winging It” ice cream doesn’t just use prunes; it elevates them. California Pinot Noir gently simmers with the prunes, intensifying their natural sweetness while adding layers of dark fruit and subtle spice. Cara Cara oranges lend brightness and a touch of acidity, balancing the creamy sweetness of the Brazilian dulce de leche and the soft crunch of coconut cookies. Every bite is an exploration—a journey through flavor, texture, and cultural storytelling.
Why Prunes Matter in the Ice Cream Revolution
Meghan’s ethos around ingredients is crystal clear: local, seasonal, purposeful. Her commitment doesn’t just stop at good intentions—it’s deeply rooted in culinary excellence. Choosing California prunes wasn’t simply about novelty; it was about quality and sustainability. “By supporting California agriculture, we’re supporting our local community,” Meghan emphasizes. “Produce here travels short distances, ensuring freshness and flavor. The quality is incomparable.”
Jaíne, too, celebrates this approach: “California is avant-garde in respecting food workers, the environment, and delivering exceptional produce. Working with prunes highlights everything that’s wonderful about California agriculture.”
A Seasonal Symphony
Little Fox Cups & Cones menu dances to the rhythm of the seasons. As Meghan explains, “Our menu is constantly changing, dictated by what the farmers have available. Flavors are fleeting but intensely special because they’re tied directly to the season.” California prunes, available year-round thanks to careful harvesting and drying processes, offer stability and versatility. They serve as a consistent yet ever-inspiring canvas for culinary creativity.
The Flavor You Didn’t Know You Needed
If you think you’ve tasted all the ice cream flavors the world has to offer, think again. Meghan and Jaíne’s collaboration, “Winging It,” isn’t merely ice cream—it’s a delicious, compelling argument for why prunes belong in contemporary kitchens. It’s a story of cultural exchange, sustainable choices, and fearless flavor exploration. It’s California creativity, perfectly scooped into cones and cups, waiting for adventurous palates.
Experience the Magic of These Unique Ice Cream Flavors Yourself
Ready to dive into this prune-powered phenomenon? Visit Little Fox Cups and Cones in Oceanside, California, and taste the innovation firsthand. Discover what happens when passionate creators, exceptional local ingredients, and culinary courage collide in a scoop.
In Meghan’s own words, “Ice cream is my way of showing people how much I care.” Trust us—you’ll feel it in every single bite.
This article was written by Meg van der Kruik. Photo credit James Collier for California Prunes.