# Nutty Ice Cream Toppings This Shop Adds Some Texture to Its Ice Cream with Candied Hazelnuts By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-08-23 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/candied-hazelnuts References: [rainorshineicecream](http://rainorshineicecream.com/menu-about/) & [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/rainorshineyvr/) The popular British Columbia ice cream chain 'Rain or Shine' is becoming a popular dessert spot due to [gourmet toppings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carte-dor-sundae) such as candied hazelnuts. While the idea of adding nuts to ice cream is nothing new, the sugary coating on these hazelnuts puts a whole new spin on the popular topping. Rain or Shine has built its reputation on serving Philadelphia-style ice cream made with real dairy and no eggs. The same focus on quality ingredients is also applied to the store's toppings which are handmade from scratch. One of the most popular toppings is the candied hazelnuts, which add a nutty, yet sweet taste to any ice cream. The topping also added a delightful [crunchy texture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hard-top-chocolate-shell-topping) that kids and adults alike can enjoy. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 45% | Activity: 1% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Gourmet Ice Cream Toppings:** Opportunity for creating unique and high-quality toppings that enhance the ice cream experience. - **Artisanal Dessert Chains:** Disruption potential in the dessert industry by offering handmade and quality ingredients for a premium experience. - **Innovative Texture Enhancements:** Opportunity to develop new ways to add crunch and texture to food products like ice cream. ### Where This Applies - **Ice Cream Shops:** Potential for differentiating from competitors by offering gourmet toppings and focusing on quality ingredients. - **Gourmet Food & Beverage:** Possibility for expanding into the gourmet market by developing unique and high-quality ice cream toppings. - **Food Manufacturing:** Opportunity to produce and supply innovative texture enhancements to various food product manufacturers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Flavor-Enhancing Snack Toppings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nut-toppers.md) - [Italy-Sourced Ice Cream Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/milk-chocolate-italian-roasted-hazelnut.md) - [Canada-Inspired Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nuii-peanut-butter-canadian-maple-syrup.md) - [Versatile Nut-Based Recipe Toppers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crunchy-nut-toppers.md) - [Artisan-Style Pistachio Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hagendazs-pistachio-ice-cream.md) - [Hazelnut Ice Cream Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wells-ice-cream.md) - [Pistachio Butter Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alecs-ice-cream-and-graza.md) - [Hazelnut Spread Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nutella-ice-cream-tubs.md) - [Classic Dessert-Inspired Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ben-jerrys-topped1.md)