We Tried Skyline Chili Ice Cream—Should You?

Sound the alarms: Skyline Chili has infiltrated the ice cream aisle. As the Sporked writer who lives closest to the source of this scientific breakthrough, it’s my geographic responsibility to investigate this ice cream hybrid for you good people. When Kroger leaked the first look at a Skyline/Graeter’s collaboration back in 2024, I told Justine (Sporked‘s editor-in-chief), “As a known defender of Cincinnati chili, I have to get my hands on this.” Well, it’s time to cash in on that months-long dibs. I picked up a pint of Skyline Spice at my nearest Graeter’s Ice Cream on launch day, and I have lived to tell the tale. Let’s get chilly. (You know, like chili? Please laugh.)

What makes Cincinnati chili different?

In one word? Spices! Rather than aiming for super savory or spicy, Cincinnati chili leans sweet. It’s made with aromatic spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. It’s also often served on spaghetti or hot dogs. 

For the local’s perspective, I spoke to Mark Borison, the Cincinnati-based host of the Jungle Jim’s Podcast (recorded inside the greatest tourist destination Ohio has to offer). He had this to say: “[Cincinnati chili] has Greek origins that are so powerful it broke through our German-heavy city. The sweet combination of spices may not scream ‘CHILI!’ the way we think of it in other parts of the country, but who wants their food to scream at them anyway?” I couldn’t say it better myself.

What’s the deal with Skyline Chili? 

Skyline Chili a chain of restaurants specializing in Cincinnati-style chili. They’re so good at it, that Skyline Chili is now synonymous with Cincinnati chili. And they joined forces with Graeter’s, an ice cream producer known for dense, “French pot” style ice cream, to make Skyline Chili flavored ice cream (complete with oyster crackers). Let’s get to the review. 

New Graeter’s Ice Cream!

Graeter’s Skyline Spice Ice Cream

Graeter’s Ice Cream

Pros: It tastes exactly like Skyline Chili if you took the meat out. I absolutely believe that Skyline gave Graeter’s their secret spice mix, because this is uncannily accurate to the flavor left in your mouth after you eat Skyline. (I slammed a Skyline Three-Way before trying this ice cream just to be sure.) The oyster crackers in the mix are surprisingly close to their original texture despite having been stirred into ice cream and frozen. This would work really well on spice cake, and I’m tempted to try making a Dr Pepper float with it too.

Cons: Is it weird that I want it to taste like meat? It’d be absolutely insane if it did, but I’m left just a little underwhelmed by how pedestrian this Skyline Chili ice cream is. I got to chat with a few Graeter’s employees about their thoughts, and most were neutral or positive about the flavor. But every single one of them wished there had been just a little more “Skyline” in this spiced ice cream. Maybe some yellow sprinkles to bring that iconic bagged cheese to mind? Don’t get me wrong, it’s good. I just want something more. Hell, put spaghetti in it. Or actual cheese! I’ve had really good pizza-flavored ice cream before, I know it’s possible to make cheesy ice cream work.

Credit: Liv Averett / Graeter’s

Rating:

8.5/10

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