The Truth Behind Frida's Viral Ice Cream
Following a flurry of online buzz, parenting company Frida partnered with New York's OddFellows Ice Cream Co. to launch a peculiar new flavor in August 2025. The product, marketed as “breast milk-flavored ice cream,” sparked curiosity and controversy across social media. However, the product is not made with human breast milk, but rather with a mixture of cow's milk, bovine colostrum, and other ingredients to achieve a similar taste profile. This move was a deliberate, viral marketing campaign coinciding with the launch of Frida’s new 2-in-1 Manual Breast Pump.
The ice cream was described by Frida as having a sweet and slightly salty flavor with hints of honey and a distinct yellow tinge from the bovine colostrum. This ingredient, similar to human colostrum, is packed with nutrients and was a key part of the flavor profile, adding to the intrigue of the product. Despite the unusual flavor concept, the campaign effectively captured public attention and drew significant interest to the parent company and its products.
The Purpose Behind the Marketing Stunt
This limited-time offer was designed to generate conversation and awareness, tapping into the growing public curiosity around breastfeeding. By making a statement with a product that was both shocking and symbolic, Frida was able to highlight a new breast pump in a memorable way. The use of “breast milk” as a flavor, rather than an ingredient, sidestepped food safety regulations regarding human bodily fluids, which have created issues for similar products in the past. The promotion also tapped into existing trends, like celebrities discussing trying their own breast milk, further fueling the conversation.
What's Really in the Ice Cream?
The ingredients in the Frida and OddFellows ice cream were chosen to mimic the taste and appearance of human colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk produced by new mothers. While it lacked the direct immune-boosting benefits specific to human milk, it included a blend of typical ice cream components along with some key additions to achieve the viral effect.
- Cow's milk and heavy cream: The standard base for most traditional ice creams, providing the smooth, creamy texture.
- Bovine colostrum: Added for its nutritional profile and to replicate the distinctive yellow tint of human colostrum.
- Honey and salted caramel: These ingredients contribute to the sweet and slightly salty flavor profile described by the company.
- Food coloring: A yellow coloring was added to enhance the visual resemblance to colostrum.
Historical Context of Breast Milk Ice Cream
While the Frida campaign was a major viral moment in 2025, the concept of breast milk ice cream is not new. In 2011, a London-based company, The Icecreamists, made headlines for selling ice cream made with actual donated human breast milk, but sales were halted by officials due to public health concerns. This historical precedent highlights why the Frida and OddFellows version, which used a human milk flavor instead of the real thing, was a much safer and legally sound marketing strategy.
Frida's Breast Milk Ice Cream vs. Other Breast Milk Ice Cream
| Feature | Frida's (OddFellows) Breast Milk Ice Cream | Past Human Breast Milk Ice Cream | Homemade Breast Milk Ice Cream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Ingredient | Cow's milk and bovine colostrum | Donated human breast milk | Fresh, expressed human breast milk from a single source |
| Purpose | Viral marketing stunt for a breast pump | Public novelty and unique menu item | Personal consumption, often by parents |
| Food Safety | Standard food safety protocols for cow's milk products | Significant health and safety concerns from officials; requires stringent donor screening and pasteurization | Health is dependent on the individual's proper handling, storage, and health status |
| Availability | Limited time, nationwide shipping | Extremely limited, location-specific, often halted | As available from the individual's supply |
| Legality | Permissible under food regulations | Legally and ethically complex; subject to scrutiny | Varies by location and context, but generally permissible for personal use |
Where to Find the Ice Cream
Since the product was released for a limited time in August 2025, it is no longer available for purchase. It was initially sold at an OddFellows pop-up location in Brooklyn, New York, and also offered for nationwide shipping via Frida's website. Pints quickly sold out due to the high demand and intense public interest surrounding the concept.
Conclusion: A Masterclass in Viral Marketing
Ultimately, the Frida breast milk ice cream was not a real breast milk product, but a clever and well-executed marketing campaign. By leveraging a provocative and taboo-breaking idea, Frida successfully generated massive public attention for its new product launch. The collaboration with OddFellows and the deliberate use of ingredients that mimicked, rather than actually used, human milk allowed the brand to create a sensation while staying within legal and food safety boundaries. The campaign's legacy is a testament to the power of provocative marketing in the digital age and the ongoing cultural fascination with human milk. For those still curious about the flavor, reviews suggested it tasted like a sweet, creamy, vanilla-like ice cream—nothing too out of the ordinary, despite the name.
For more insight into the history of controversial food items, explore this article on Foods That Caused a Stir Throughout History.
