Finally! A list where NM ranks at the top — and it’s delicious

In a rare showing that puts New Mexico near the top rather than the bottom of a national ranking, the Land of Enchantment has emerged as one of the biggest ice cream-loving states in America, second only to New Jersey.

According to a recent nationwide survey of 5,000 Americans conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by Undeniably Dairy for National Ice Cream Month, 56% of New Mexicans proudly identify as “ice cream connoisseurs.” That’s just two points behind New Jersey’s 58%, which took the top spot. Tied for third were California, Kansas, New York, and North Dakota at 55%.

It’s a refreshing bit of good news for a state more commonly associated with grim statistics — bottom-five rankings in education, child well-being, and public safety. But when it comes to America’s favorite frozen treat, New Mexico stands out as a top-tier contender.

The study also found that America’s favorite flavors are still the classics: chocolate topped the list at 15%, followed by vanilla and mint chocolate chip at 12% each.

Yet the joy of a summer scoop is about to get even sweeter — and healthier — thanks to efforts led by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

On Monday, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), representing over 40 major ice cream brands, announced it will phase out all artificial, petroleum-based dyes by the end of 2027. This sweeping change comes after growing pressure from Kennedy’s office to clean up America’s food supply by eliminating unnecessary synthetic additives.

“I’m particularly happy to be here today because this is relevant to my favorite food, which is ice cream,” said Kennedy during a press event celebrating the announcement. “This is a great day for dairy and it’s a great day for Make America Healthy Again,” he added, referencing his health-focused initiative echoing President Trump’s “Make America Great Again” mantra.

The artificial colorings being phased out — including Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 — have been linked in studies to ADHD, cancer, and other health concerns. While banned in countries like Canada and across Europe, these dyes are still prevalent in many American foods — though that’s beginning to change.

Industry leaders, including Turkey Hill CEO Andy Jacobs, acknowledged the move is in step with shifting consumer preferences. “By taking this step now, ice cream manufacturers are ensuring that ice cream remains a special part of our lives as consumer preferences change and the nation’s regulatory priorities evolve,” Jacobs said.

The ice cream industry contributes roughly $12 billion to the U.S. economy and supports more than 27,000 jobs. Americans consume around 19 pounds of ice cream per year on average — and New Mexicans are clearly among the most enthusiastic consumers.

While the FDA under Joe Biden moved to ban Red Dye No. 3 outright, RFK Jr. has taken a “peer pressure” approach — and it’s working. Between 35% and 40% of the U.S. food industry has pledged to remove artificial dyes, with big names like Nestle, General Mills, and PepsiCo already on board.

The voluntary pledge from ice cream makers, however, goes even further — extending the transition deadline beyond Kennedy’s original target to give companies time to rework their recipes without synthetic dyes.

For ice cream lovers in New Mexico and beyond, it’s a win-win: a cleaner scoop and proof that sometimes, the sweetest victories come when states and industries embrace common-sense health reforms.