Known as the "Garlic Capital of the World," Gilroy embraces its aromatic identity in every way imaginable, even in desserts! For adventurous foodies, our city offers some garlic-infused treats that have become local novelties, from cookies to ice cream and gourmet popcorn, here's your guide to finding unique garlic-inspired treats when visiting Gilroy, California.
Garlic Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Sweet Classic with Savory Notes
One of Gilroy's newest garlic treats is the Garlic Chocolate Chip Cookie, a local creation by “Kandi’s Kitchen” that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. These novelty treats are carried exclusively at Garlic World, an emporium devoted to all things garlic and a popular pit stop for visitors and road trippers.
The cookies feature a subtle garlic flavor that doesn't overpower the sweetness but adds an unexpected depth that makes these cookies truly unique. Visitors who have tried them report that the garlic flavor is faint but adds a wonderful warmth to the traditional chocolate chip cookie. Find the Garlic Chocolate Chip Cookies in 2-packs by the register or pick up a box of frozen cookie dough to take and bake at home!
Garlic World is located at 4800 Monterey Highway, where you'll find not only these special cookies but also a vast array of other garlic products to take home as souvenirs or gifts, a garlic bulb photo-op outside, and delicious BBQ served only on the weekends.
Garlic Ice Cream: Gilroy's Famous Frozen Delight
Perhaps the most talked-about garlic treat in Gilroy is Garlic Ice Cream, available in both vanilla and chocolate varieties! The ice cream features a classic creamy base with just a hint of garlic ... enough to intrigue your taste buds without overwhelming them. Most people taste the familiar vanilla or chocolate flavor first, followed by subtle garlic notes that settle in as you continue to enjoy it. Whether you are a self-proclaimed garlic lover, or if you’re more cautiously inclined when it comes to wacky flavors, this ice cream is worth trying at least once!
This frozen treat has become something of a local legend, originally made famous in the early Gilroy Garlic Festival years, with visitors coming from far and wide to taste this unusual flavor combination. According to a local publication, the Gilroy Dispatch, this unlikely blend was invented by Gentry, a local food company with multiple food processing interests, in the early 80’s as a novelty treat specifically for the Gilroy Garlic Festival.
Today, you can find Garlic Ice Cream year-round at several locations throughout Gilroy:
- Cold Stone Creamery - Serving their specialty ice cream flavors, you can also request garlic ice cream. Located at 681-98 Arroyo Circle.
- Fifth Street Coffee - This downtown coffee shop serves garlic ice cream alongside other popular traditional flavors. Located in downtown Gilroy at 7501 Monterey Rd.
- Garlic World - Along with their famous Garlic Chocolate Chip Cookies, they also carry garlic ice cream offered in vanilla and chocolate flavors (giving potential for a particularly garlic-y ice cream sandwich!) Located at 4800 Monterey Highway.
- Icicles Gilroy - Specializing in rolled ice cream made with fresh ingredients, watch them make garlic ice cream using dried garlic chips. Located at 7210 Camino Arroyo Dr #105.
- LJB Farms - Find garlic ice cream in vanilla and chocolate flavors, along with many more, at this family farm offering seasonal produce and local goods, located at 585 Fitzgerald Ave.
- Savvy’s Sweets - Known for handcrafted sodas, sundaes, shakes, fine truffle chocolate, and an assortment of candies all served in a nostalgic retro setting, you can get the novelty garlic ice cream as well. Located in downtown Gilroy at 7357 Monterey St.
- The Garlic Shoppe - Another great spot to find this unique frozen treat is inside the Garlic Shoppe and Rapazzini Winery, located at 6905 Monterey Rd.
- Top-a-Lot Frozen Yogurt at Gilroy Premium Outlets – On top of delicious frozen yogurt flavors, this locally owned business carries garlic ice cream. Located at 8155 Arroyo Circle, Suite A003.
Gilroy Garlic Pop: A Savory Gourmet Popcorn
For those who prefer to savor the garlic flavor, Cornology at the Gilroy Premium Outlets offers an incredible "Gilroy Garlic Pop” bursting with a blend of garlic and herb flavors.
This premium popcorn flavor pays homage to Gilroy's reputation as the "Garlic Capital of the World." Crafted with organic, non-GMO, California grown corn, the Gilroy Garlic Pop delivers a savory experience that combines the rich taste of garlic and aromatic herbs with the satisfying crunch of freshly popped popcorn. It's a popular choice among visitors seeking a unique snack or a flavorful souvenir. Cornology makes their popcorn fresh daily, ensuring the most flavorful experience possible. You can find them at the Gilroy Premium Outlets, where they also offer many other unique popcorn flavors to satisfy all taste preferences.
Plan Your Self-Guided Garlic Tour
To get the full experience of Gilroy's garlic offerings, we recommend planning a "Road to Garlic" day where you can visit all of these locations. Pick up a free souvenir “Road to Garlic” map at the California Welcome Center Gilroy, located in the Premium Outlets, and find some unique Gilroy souvenirs to remember your sweet and savory adventure. Commemorate your visit by snapping a picture inside the Garlic Cut-out Photo op!
Whether you're a die-hard garlic fan or just a curious foodie craving something new, Gilroy's garlic-infused sweets and savory treats promise a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure. If all this garlic talk has your mouth watering, you're in luck! Gilroy serves plenty of flavorful Garlic Dining options. Savor local favorites like the Garlic City Burger at Garlic City Café, the Garlic Festival Pasta at Westside Grill, or even whole roasted Gilroy Garlic at Old City Hall.
Savor the Spice of Life in Gilroy! Book a room at one of our budget-friendly hotels and plan the ultimate foodie adventure.
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