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Summertime brings back long days, sunshine, and an affinity for some great ice cream. Scroll down below for some good words on Bar Ape flavors.
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EXPLORE EACH FLAVOR
Updated: 19 July 2025
Guide
👑 Top Flavor
🌿 Vegan
🥄 Sampled
Salted Caramel & Banana Twist
9/10
🌿 Banana
👑
Upon the warm waves of a tropical forest, a delicate banana twist washes up on your shore. A true salty and sweet classic, this flavor was a perfect blend of a pure, overripe banana flavor and a light salted caramel that highlighted the fruity undertones of the banana.
Blueberry Caramel Sundae
3/10
A classic sundae, this flavor was a bit underwhelming. The caramel was not present, and it was mostly a blueberry sundae. The overwhelming presence of sugar, and lack of tartness made it hard to balance.
Italian Sour Cherry Sundae
5/10
Another Bar Ape sundae, the sour cherry helped balance the plain vanilla flavor of the sundae. It could have used a bit more tartness in the flavor, but it was overall a wonderful sundae.
Orange Creamsicle Bar
2/10
Your basic gelato bar, I think it was very good for what it was, but I expected a stronger contrast between the orange and cream flavors. It seemed more like a blend of milk gelato and orange chocolate more than anything.
Mango & Natural Yogurt Twist
7/10
🌿 Mango
A bit reminiscent of Mango Lassi, the blend of these two flavors connect a bright mango towards the natural aromas of warm milk. A bit of tart and sour, combined with the fruity mango made it a classic collection of flavors. I would have preferred for it to be a bit more tart to highlight the yogurt flavor better.
Mango
7/10
🌿
A fruitful blend of Alphonso mangos surround this tropical flavor. It was very refreshing and well executed, and was distinctly fruity and faintly floral. It may be improved by adding a hint of salt to the notes to bring out that floral undertone. I will say it was a bit muted in that regard.
Olive Oil
10/10
👑
A titillating flavor of sorts, the olive oil flavor was a true highlight of the capabilities of well executed ice cream. It combines that classic creamy Bar Ape gelato soft serve, and adds a velvety touch with a light olive oil flavor, reminiscent of a floral and green frolic on the California Coast. Truly a unique flavor – don’t knock it until you can try it. A bit salty too, but if you can add your own salt, I’d imagine it would elevate the flavors even more.
Ricotta Lemon
8/10
Warm, melancholy of a field of lemon groves in a fading summer heat – Ricotta Lemon blends in the sunshine of a quiet, blazing hot summer afternoon, and adds in that delicate twist of creamy ricotta to add a bit of warmth to kick in the evening. It’s a dreamy lemon; an ode to a warm summer night ahead. The ricotta adds a touch of creamy sourness that hits the right notes, highlighting the lemon’s tart and floral taste.
Earl Gray
6/10
A linear flavor of vanilla, and a hint of lavender underneath a question of black tea, Earl Gray was a hint of woebegone, floating teas on a gray Vancouver day. I would have preferred a stronger floral flavor, coming from a bergamot base. I didn’t really get that from this flavor, but I’d love to see them execute it again.
Pomegranate & Pistachio Twist
7/10
🌿 Pomegranate
🥄
Beautiful. The pomegranate brings a strong, swift kick of tartness right to your mouth, highlighting the juiciness of each seed that went into making this flavor. It’s a true representation of a bright, bold fruit that is combined with the warmth, nuttiness, and hint of salt that is Pistachio. They somehow work well together, each highlighting their truths in this world. I don’t think they would have gotten a better review if they were identified separately, but together they highlight each other enough to bump up their score.
Peach Yuzu Sundae
5/10
🥄
The power of peach capsizes this sundae, which features almost no yuzu – a flavor that typically overwhelms with its bright floral and fruity shine. If this was a linear peach sundae, I would be happy. Albeit disappointed, this is a reminder that competition is important to achieving a delicate profile.
Limeleaf
7/10
Was anyone a bit surprised with the fact that Limeleaf tastes like Froot Loops? I never really paid much attention to that fact, but since Froot Loops are my favorite cereal, I had to give this a try. The first thing that hits you is the milky flavor of Froot Loops… so they’re valid for that. Has a hint of a vaguely floral aftertaste at the end. The base flavor turns a bit nutty after a while. A interesting flavor, but a bit linear in profile.
Black Sesame & Okinawa Lime Twist
7/10
🌿 Okinawa Lime
A segregated blend of Black Sesame and Okinawa Lime join us in matrimony. The Black Sesame was a well executed flavor, but a standard one at that. A subtle tangy and floral aroma is enveloped by the strong Lime flavor of the Okinawa Lime – with the texture of a sorbetto. Although connected, the flavor doesn’t outright remind of Yuzu, but happens to glance upon it. Combined however, I fear that it was a bit of a far graze than a strong glance. The sorbetto-like texture of the Okinawa Lime, combined with the strong lime flavor did not reveal the intricacies of Black Sesame, which stripped its flavor and abused itself in a pattern of tart. If the Black Sesame was toasted, and a stronger floral presence was detected, it would’ve kept these two flavors in sync – alas, it wasn’t meant to be.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bar
7/10
Honestly, a pretty Plain Jane gelato bar. However, it’s a well executed cookie dough bar — not too chocolatey, a very decent amount of cookie dough that’s not super overpowering with a classic vanilla gelato base. Some may find it disappointing, but it’s a classic gelato bar done right ; decadent, but not overpowering, with a broad tapestry for textures.
Fresh Mint & Chocolate Twist
5/10
Inoffensive and delicate, Fresh Mint serves as the gateway to a classic flavor combination. In this case however, it’s hard to say if it can supplicate for a symbiotic relationship with its counterpart. Chocolate arrives in a tsunami-like wave – in fashion, but not needed for the moment. Alas, while Fresh Mint provided a light and innocuous graze of refreshing flavor, its peaceable attitude towards life was bulldozed over by an unnoticeable, yet belligerent chocolate flavor. This twist is akin to two parallel lines that should never intersect.
Pink Grapefruit & Sweet Cream Twist
6/10
🌿 Pink Grapefruit
🥄
A light pink dream wafts into your inner consciousness with this flavor. A light, wafting hint of grapefruit sits with itself, mesmerized by the dreamy, yet creamy Sweet Cream. While complimentary, I’m not sure why Pink Grapefruit decided to not to submerge itself into the flavor pool. Are you required to push yourself to your limit? No, but it’s puzzling why Pink Grapefruit decided to sit this one out today. Overall, I would have enjoyed it more if the Pink Grapefruit flavor wasn’t just a form of mild tartness.
Coffee Bar
6/10
On a smoggy summer’s eve, the smoke lifts to reveal a gentle covering of coffee and chocolate together. A light chocolate coating envelopes a warm, fleeting coffee cream that bites, leaving a bitter punch behind. A light, floral note lingers on the back of the tongue – unsure if it comes from the chocolate, or the coffee. A bit unassuming, but well executed. Chocolate coating highlights light coffee bean specks, which burst additional coffee flavor into the void. Altogether, a solid flavor in the pack, but ultimately not earning a place in the front row.
Ontario Strawberry
8/10
🌿
As the morning sun transpires onto a fruit field, Ontario Strawberry arises with a fresh, industrious flavor. Despite being a vegan flavor, the creaminess melts a strong and bright strawberry flavor – it truly feels like you’re biting into a juicy, lustrous berry. Although a simple flavor, the effect of this flavor is profound – one of the stellar examples of strawberry done right. Points off as strawberries are not my favorite fruit.
Ontario Strawberry & Buttermilk Twist
7/10
🌿 Ontario Strawberry
A poignant return of a beloved classic, the Ontario Strawberry and Buttermilk Twist reveals a perhaps unfazed tryst between two flavors. The buttermilk returns a delicate, almost yogurt like flavor, while the strawberry returns a classic fresh berry bite. While I prefer the strawberry salsa on its own accord, this twist is not what I would consider to be tort. The buttermilk highlights a hint of sour in strawberry’s shadow, a farewell of sorts to another summer day.
Blended Cookies & Cream
7/10
Is Blended Cookies and Cream not just milk chocolate? That’s what I thought last year when I grazed upon this flavor, and chose to savor the peach instead. This year however, I landed on this blend’s doorstep. It’s a more delicate chocolate, I fear. I don’t see the vision of a cookie with a touch of cream, but I do think this is a wonderfully light gelato. The blend provides a cream forward flavor with a light touch of chocolate – perfect for ones who may enjoy a lighter vision for chocolate.
Pineapple
8/10
🌿
As summer blossoms, so does Pineapple. In Pineapple’s fruitful treasure, it reveals a tart, almost citrine colored serving. Pineapple provides a tart, yet fruitful challenge to the plethora of fruits that have arrived on our shores. Even as a fresh new arrival, it somehow manages to outshine many of its peers. A fruity, floral pineapple is omnipresent, seeping with flavor on a tart summer’s day. Enjoy in small quantities, as tart may rear its ugly head. Photo by J. Ho.
Coconut & Pineapple Twist
8/10
🌿
🥄
On this tropical island, Coconut and Pineapple immerse themselves in a pool of palm trees and “Dosas and Mimosas”. Pineapple’s tart head collides with Coconut’s sweet shadow. In all of its glory, does it live up to its sandy allure? Yes. Pina Colada. Get it if you are willing to wear an Aloha Shirt out in the Midwest. if you’re not feeling tropical perchance, this may not be your week. Photo by J. Ho.
Lemon
4/10
🌿
When life gives you lemons, you can make many things. I chose to make nothing, and instead lose six dollars to Bar Ape’s Lemon flavor. A flavor evocative of a suburban lemonade stand on a ninety degree day, Lemon punches you with the tart taste of life. A more slushy flavor, the grittiness of this lemon is comparable with how puckered your lips may be. Sour Skittle lovers may be enthused with Lemon, others beware of the acidic pleasures of a citric life.
Raspberry & White Chocolate Twist
9/10
🌿 Raspberry
On a day of melancholy proportion, does a flavor of berry enthuse me. A subtle, wafting chocolate flavor envelopes a succinctly sweet and tart raspberry, plucked out of a orchard. White Chocolate, as its muted muse, inspires Raspberry to seductively unravel its membrane, and embrace a subtle, yet sweet underbelly. I was not enthralled by this combination upon the first listen, but the combination of a slightly alkaline, yet tart fruit flavor enveloped with the milkiness of chocolate was worth it.
Strawberry Basil & Sweet Milk Twist
8/10
🌿 Strawberry Basil
A herbaceous addition to a true classic, the Strawberry Basil retains the industrious flavor of a fresh Ontario strawberry, while the suggestion of a forest lingers onto your mind. Combined with Sweet Milk, the strawberry morphs into a more timid, yet subtle flavor, stripping out sourness for a more tangy dress. Delectable in its own right, the basil feels overcrowded and decides to come back another day. Maybe next time they can leave more space for their own bretheren.
Coffee Ice Cream
5/10
A heavier note, the coffee ice cream lands on another summer’s day. A returning classic, I might add, but a diversion from the classic soft serve gelato. Coffee reveals itself to be of the orogenic type, folding itself with the layers of heavy cream and sugar, relaxing as the sun sets. For me, this dream is too creamy and light to immerse within. A stronger coffee note would have been appreciated, creamy in its own skin…
Passion Fruit & Guava Twist
5/10
🌿
A psychedelic twist of tropical lovers? I think so! Passion Fruit and Guava combine to form a idyllic partnership, a tango of Latin lovers making their way through a continental city in North America. However, they may have twisted their way too far — Passion Fruit’s sour underbelly scarring the surface of Guava’s soft and sweet interior. Trouble in paradise? A sweet, herbaceous dash might just save this relationship for me.
Pineapple Cilantro
8/10
🌿
Pineapple’s herbaceous and slightly sassy cousin has arrived on my doorstep! Featuring the same classic pineapple taste, the flavor gains a fresh perspective with the addition of cilantro. Slightly cooling, the hints of cilantro evenly mixed into the gelato presents itself as the elevated version of a true classic. Brighter, a bit more astringent – qualities truly tangoed with its tart, fruity counterpart. Photo by C. Lam.
Arnold Palmer (Iced Tea Lemonade)
7/10
🌿
Last CA$6 Bar Ape 😔. To many, this flavor may remind you of the fairways on a scorching summer’s day. For me, this flavor reminds me of a humid day in Hong Kong. Tea is omnipresent, peeking out of the shadows of the dominant lemonade. I wish it was slightly more tea forward, but alas the pucker of a lemon overshadows the day. Although a true delight on this shockingly hot summer’s day, the tea flavor may have been better highlighted as a creamy component to mellow out lemon’s tortured cries.
Passion Fruit Coriander Seed & Sweet Milk Twist
7/10
🌿 Passion Fruit Coriander Seed
Remember last week how I was not happy with how sour Passion Fruit ended up being? This week, the creators at Bar Ape mellow it down with a citrus twist – Coriander Seed. The Coriander Seed however, was barely detectable, a disappointment that I didn’t appreciate. However, the Sweet Milk was truly needed to bring out Passion Fruit’s tender floral notes, boosting the profile of this combination. In the end, a much better profile for my tart lovers, but not as herbaceous as I wanted it to be.
Gooseberry and Tahitian Vanilla Bean Twist
7/10
🌿 Gooseberry
A summer burst meets a classic highlight with Gooseberry and Vanilla. I personally have never had a Gooseberry, so I was enthused to try it, to say the least. The Gooseberry was a generally sour, and fruity like flavor, with no discernable notes of fate. Tahitian Vanilla in comparison, was a rich, wealthy flavor, full of laughs and French sunshine in Tahiti. A well executed vanilla dream. A perfect combination with the Gooseberry, a sour flavor highlighted with the dreamy waves of Vanilla. Compared to other milky combos, a stronger yet creamy partner makes perfect sense.
Landing Soon
?/10
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Knowledge Cove
Do you have a detailed interpretation of the ranking scale?
The ranking scale has been optimized to remove positive leaning bias from the scale, and is specifically tailored towards Martin’s personal preferences. These may differ from yours. Please kindly respect that fact.
Rankings are ultimately determined by five different factors: Taste (how good does it taste), Uniqueness (is this flavor often found elsewhere), Execution (were they successful in replicating the flavor to my heart’s content), Texture (Does the flavor meet the expected texture for soft serve gelato), and Craveability (would I want it again)
0 / 10
Cancelled; Completely unsatisfied on all five main factors.
1 / 10
Inedible, would demand a refund. Completely unsatisfied with at least two of the main factors, and highly unsatisfied with all remaining main factors.
2 / 10
Nauseating, would demand a remake. Completely unsatisfied on at least one of the main factors, highly unsatisfied with at least one or two main factors, and unsatisfied with all remaining main factors.
3 / 10
Disappointment, the lowest tier before notifying the staff. Highly unsatisfied on at least one of the main factors, and unsatisfied on at least two of the main factors.
4 / 10
Slight disappointment; highly unsatisfied on at least one of the main factors and not satisfied with at least one additional main factors.
5 / 10
Neutral; satisfied with at least two of the main factors.
6 / 10
Slightly satisfied; highly satisfied with at least one of the main factors and satisfied with at least one additional main factors
7 / 10
Satisfied; highly satisfied with at least one of the main factors and satisfied with at least two additional main factors
8 / 10
Fulfilled; completely satisfied with at least one main factor, highly satisfied with at least one or two main factors and satisfied with all remaining main factors
9 / 10
Estatic; completely satisfied with at least two of the main factors and highly satisfied with at all other main factors
10 / 10
Cartwheeling; Completely satisfied with all five main factors.
What are you including in your Bar Ape reviews?
At this time, we are reviewing all food items at Bar Ape, including Gelato Soft Serve, Special Feature Soft Serve, Gelato Bars, Daily Feature, Sundaes, and Take Home Cups.
Although our team has been a long time supporter of Bar Ape, we have decided not to include reviews from past seasons (before Season 11). This is due to the fact that the reviews would not be current to our taste profile. We are anticipating returning flavors and will review them when the time comes.
Why not create an Instagram page?
Thank you for your interest in a Instagram page. We have received feedback about this topic, as some of our readers find it easier to use Instagram versus our website.
At this time, we have not created an Instagram account. Our intent is to create an experience that nurtures intense interest and dedication, which is not possible when our reviews compete against an algorithmically driven pipeline of content. We have committed to reviewing this decision at the end of Season 11. We hope you understand our reasoning behind this decision, and we thank you for your commitment in reading our reviews.
Can rankings change at any point?
Yes. While rankings do tend to stay the same, we have altered rankings at times to better reflect the proper profile for each flavor. A list of changes are kept here.
- Lemon (5/10) to (4/10)
Clarification on vegan indicators
Please note that vegan flavors may not be completely vegan when combined with another flavor (i.e. a twist). The vegan component of the twist is indicated below the name.
Strawberry Basil & Sweet Milk Twist
🌿 Strawberry Basil
This indicates that out of the two components, only Strawberry Basil is vegan.
Coconut
🌿
This indicates that the entire flavor is vegan.
Information on vegan flavors are collected from the signboard at Bar Ape on the day of consumption. We cannot verify that the information is accurate, and the indicator presented is for entertainment purposes only.
When do reviews go up?
We strive to upload all reviews within 24 hours of consumption. We reserve the right to upload new reviews beyond this timeline, without notice.
Order of flavors
All posts are in chronological order starting from May 2025. All flavors are from the 2025 season (Season 11).