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The Sweet History of Thrifty Ice Cream: Why It’s Still a West Coast Favorite

Thrifty Ice Cream has been a West Coast favorite since 1929, known for its iconic cylindrical scoops, budget-friendly prices, and nostalgic flavors like Chocolate Malted Krunch. From its beginnings in Los Angeles drugstores to Rite Aid counters and now grocery shelves, Thrifty remains a sweet tradition nearly a century later. 🍦

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Last Updated on August 31, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Thrifty Ice Cream

For many West Coasters, the mere mention of Thrifty Ice Cream stirs up sweet memories—soda fountain counters, colorful scoops, and that oh-so-satisfying cylindrical shape. But Thrifty isn’t just nostalgia in a cone; it’s a brand with a rich history, consistent quality, and a surprisingly resilient future. Let’s dig into why this creamy California icon has been loved for nearly a century—and where you can still find it today.

A Brief History of Thrifty Ice Cream

The story begins in 1929, when brothers Harry and Robert Borun, along with their brother-in-law Norman Levin, founded Thrifty Drug Stores in Los Angeles. Times were tough during the Depression, so they lured customers in with a sweet deal: scoops of ice cream for just 5 cents. It was an instant hit.

By 1940, Thrifty was making its own ice cream in Hollywood. The brand quickly became famous for offering affordable, high-quality scoops that families could count on. As the drugstore chain expanded across California, Nevada, and Arizona, the ice cream counters grew right along with it.

In 1976, production moved to a bigger facility in El Monte, California—where ice cream is still churned out today. Employees there became part of the tradition, often staying for decades and even hand-signing cartons with their names.

When Rite Aid acquired Thrifty in 1996, they wisely kept the ice cream counters intact, ensuring that generations could still grab a scoop while running errands.

Thrifty Ice Cream

Why Thrifty Became So Popular

So what’s behind Thrifty’s enduring charm?

Affordability – From 5¢ scoops to today’s still-reasonable prices, Thrifty built its reputation as the treat anyone could afford. Consistency & Quality – The recipes have stood the test of time, with real milk, fruits, cookies, and chocolate. Thrifty has racked up 1,600+ medals at dairy competitions. That Famous Cylindrical Scoop – The flat-topped, cylinder-shaped scoop is as iconic as the ice cream itself. It’s neat, stackable, and instantly recognizable. (Yes, you can buy the scoop today!) Flavor Variety – From timeless classics like Mint Chip and Chocolate Malted Krunch to playful experiments like Sriracha Swirl, Thrifty knows how to keep things interesting. Nostalgia Factor – For Californians especially, it’s more than dessert—it’s a memory of childhood, family trips, and after-school indulgences. Convenience – Where else could you pick up prescriptions and grab a double scoop of Circus Animal Cookie ice cream?

The Challenges (and the Comeback)

Thrifty’s story hasn’t been all sprinkles and whipped cream. With Rite Aid’s bankruptcy filings and the closure of hundreds of its stores, many scoop counters disappeared in recent years. Fans began to worry: was this the end of Thrifty Ice Cream?

Fortunately, there’s good news. In mid-2025, Hilrod Holdings—run by the executives behind Monster Beverage—purchased Thrifty for about $19 million. Their goal? Preserve its heritage while expanding into new retail spaces, scoop shops, and maybe even wider national distribution. The scoop lives on!

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Where You Can Still Find Thrifty Ice Cream

Even with Rite Aid closures, you can still get your hands on this West Coast treasure:

Rite Aid Counters – Some locations still scoop it up, though they’re dwindling. Pre-Packaged in Grocers – Look for cartons or pints at Albertsons, Vons, Safeway, and select Rite Aids. Water n Ice Stores (Arizona) – In Tempe and across Phoenix, these shops are local go-tos for scoops and cartons of Thrifty. Independent Outlets – Some franchise scoop shops, even in Mexico, still carry it. Online & At Home – Buy a pint through Instacart or grab the iconic cylindrical scooper online and recreate the magic in your own kitchen. New Scoop Shops – Tucson, AZ is getting a Thrifty Ice Cream pop-up at the Tucson Mall in late 2025—a hopeful sign of more to come.

Final Scoop

Thrifty Ice Cream isn’t just dessert—it’s history, affordability, quality, and nostalgia all rolled into one. From its 5-cent beginnings during the Depression to its modern revival, it has remained a beloved part of West Coast culture.

Whether you’re chasing down Chocolate Malted Krunch, stacking up scoops of Rainbow Sherbet, or finally buying that famous cylindrical scooper, one thing’s for sure: Thrifty Ice Cream proves that the sweetest things in life really can last forever.

👉 Have you tried Thrifty lately? What’s your all-time favorite flavor? Share your memories in the comments—we’d love to hear your scoop!

Related Links for Thrifty Ice Cream Content

  1. Official Thrifty Ice Cream Website – About, flavors, and FAQs

    https://www.thriftyicecream.com

  2. Thrifty Ice Cream on Rite Aid – Product info and store locator

    https://www.riteaid.com/thrifty

  3. History of Thrifty Drug Stores (Wikipedia) – Corporate history and acquisition

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrifty_PayLess

  4. Article: Thrifty Ice Cream’s Nostalgic Appeal – Overview of flavors and cultural impact

    https://alumninews.ie.edu/thrifty-ice-cream-a-nostalgic-scoop-of-american-history

  5. Recent News: Thrifty Ice Cream Acquisition – Hilrod Holdings buys the brand in 2025

    https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/new-owners-expand-california-ice-cream-20816693.php

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  6. Where to Buy Thrifty Ice Cream in Arizona – Local scoop shops and grocery availability

    https://www.reddit.com/r/phoenix/comments/17k6a8d/water_and_ice_stores_have_thrifty_ice_cream

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Food and Beverage

Easy, Restaurant-Worthy Meals for Busy Days

Restaurant-Worthy Meals: When life gets busy, your home should be a place of reprieve, not extra stress – and that includes your kitchen. In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes like this Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet or Egg Roll in a Bowl.

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(Feature Impact) When life gets busy, your home should be a place of reprieve, not extra stress – and that includes your kitchen. If you’re juggling work, chores, errands, hobbies, studies, a social life, caretaking or the other million-and-one things keeping your schedule full right now, the idea of spending an hour putting together a home-cooked meal might sound exhausting or downright impossible.

In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes that offer nutritional balance and don’t skimp on flavor. By using pre-seasoned Minute Rice Cups – like the new, crave-worthy Garlic Parmesan to satisfy comfort cravings and Veggie Stir-Fry that lets you enjoy the flavor of takeout without the wait – you can have a flavorful base for your meals ready in 1 minute. You won’t even have to pull out the rice cooker or go scrounging in the spice cabinet.

If you’re craving a savory, cheesy dinner, this high-protein Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet, ready in only 6 minutes, is an ideal choice for busy home chefs searching for that elusive balance between simple and sophisticated. Plus, the recipe can easily be adapted to your household’s tastes; try tossing some spinach or chickpeas into the skillet or swapping the shrimp for chicken or tofu.

To enjoy takeout flavors without the trip, opt for this restaurant-inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe. Savor the umami notes of soy sauce and enjoy the convenience of tender onions, carrots and peas mixed into the stir-fry rice cup that forms the base of your meal. The toppings are what give this recipe its deconstructed egg roll vibe: flavorful sauteed cabbage joins crunchy wonton strips and a protein of choice for a bowl that comes together in just 20 minutes.

For more meal ideas to keep you going when life is moving quickly, visit MinuteRice.com.

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Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet

Prep time: 1 minute

Cook time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1-2

  • 1          Minute Garlic Parmesan Rice Cup
  • 1          tablespoon olive oil
  • 8          ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1          tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4       teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1          tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)
  1. Heat rice according to package directions.
  2. In medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp to skillet and cook until pink, about 3 minutes. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. In same skillet, add rice, lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and heat through, 1 minute. Return shrimp and stir to combine.
  4. Garnish with parsley. Squeeze lemon wedge over top, if desired, and serve.

Substitution: Use sauteed mushrooms or crispy tofu to make vegetarian.

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Egg Roll in a Bowl

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 18 minutes

Servings: 2

  • 1          Minute Veggie Stir-Fry Rice Cup
  • 1/2       pound ground turkey or pork
  • 1          cup coleslaw mix
  • 1          garlic clove, minced
  • 2          tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1          teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
  • 1/2       teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2       cup fried wonton strips
  • 2          tablespoons sweet and sour sauce
  1. Heat rice according to package directions.
  2. In large pan, cook meat over medium heat 10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Add coleslaw, garlic, soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil to pan. Cook 8 minutes, or until coleslaw is softened. Add rice during final 4 minutes.
  4. Top with wonton strips, drizzle sweet and sour sauce and serve.

Tip: To add more vegetables, try mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas or green onions. For extra spice, drizzle on sriracha or hot sauce of choice. collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures track

    

SOURCE:

Minute Rice

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Food and Beverage

Supercharge Summer Grilling with Tender Pork Chops

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(Feature Impact) If you’re planning on firing up the grill for an upcoming summer gathering, you might be trying to brainstorm options beyond the traditional burgers and dogs. Luckily, there are recipes that let you keep things interesting without becoming too complicated.

These Super Moist Boneless Pork Chops might just make you the favorite grill master in the neighborhood. Salt, sugar and aromatic ingredients like juniper berries and bay leaves give the meat a rich, complex flavor, and the combination of brining and grilling helps you achieve a tender but juicy finished product.

Since the recipe features Coleman Boneless Pork Chops, which deliver exceptional flavor from pork raised with no antibiotics ever and no added hormones, it’s easy to elevate your cookout with high-quality protein that you can feel good about serving to family and friends. Make it an extra memorable occasion with family-favorite sides like grilled asparagus, a light summer salad, diced potatoes and dinner rolls then round out your flavor-infused evening with an all-American tradition such as apple pie.

If your grilling plans get rain-checked, you can easily sear the pork chops in a skillet or bake them in the oven to take the party indoors.

Find more summer recipe ideas by visiting ColemanNatural.com.

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Super Moist Boneless Pork Chops

Prep time: 7 hours

Cook time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

  • 1          quart water
  • 1/2       cup brown sugar
  • 1/2       cup kosher salt
  • 1          bay leaf
  • 12        juniper berries
  • 6          cups ice
  • 4          Coleman Boneless or Bone-In Pork Chops (1 1/2 inches thick)
  • 1          teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1          teaspoon sea salt
  • 2          scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish
  1. In large pot, heat water, brown sugar, kosher salt, bay leaf and juniper berries over high heat until sugar and salt are dissolved.
  2. Remove from stove and add ice. Liquid should be cool to touch.
  3. Add pork chops to liquid, cover and refrigerate 4-6 hours, or overnight.
  4. Approximately 10-15 minutes before grilling, heat grill to medium heat, remove chops from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Season with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt.
  5. Grill until desired doneness, or until internal temperature reaches at least 145 F for medium finish. Garnish with scallions. Serve with side dishes of choice
    
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SOURCE:

Coleman Natural Foods

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Food and Beverage

Decadent Sticky Rice Recipes for Dessert

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Last Updated on July 9, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Decadent Sticky Rice Recipes for Dessert

Decadent Sticky Rice Recipes for Dessert

(Feature Impact) Although many people associate rice with savory dishes, this staple grain can actually level up your dessert game too. Cultures from around the world have invented a variety of creative ways to turn the sticky rice in your pantry into treats you can whip up when you’re on the prowl for something sweet.

Sticky rice, also known as sweet rice, is a specific type of short- or medium-grain rice that, as the name implies, becomes sticky when cooked. With Success Boil-in-Bag Sticky Rice, it’s simple to make sweet, soft, perfectly cooked rice for desserts without extra steps, equipment or hassle. In only 12 minutes, you’ll have an ideal base to use for your favorite recipes.

A rice-based take on a quintessential British dessert, this Sticky Toffee Pudding is decadent and full of mouthwatering flavor. With the rich sweetness of brown sugar and vanilla imbued in every bite, it’s a warm, comforting dessert you might find yourself craving on a rainy day or cold night. Take it to the next level by adding caramelized banana and toasted coconut toppings.

For a more refreshing, summery option, transport your kitchen to the tropics with this Thai-inspired Sticky Rice with Mango and Coconut. Creamy coconut-infused rice contrasts with juicy ripe mango slices, nutty black sesame seeds and cooling mint-leaf garnishes for a fun, fresh blend of textures and flavors that might have you picturing palm trees. If you’re not a mango fan, feel free to swap in a different tropical fruit of your choice.

The versatility of rice makes it an excellent mainstay to keep on hand in your kitchen, adding ease and flexibility to your daily meal routine. For more ideas on how to use rice for dessert – or for breakfast, lunch and dinner – visit SuccessRice.com.

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Sticky Toffee Pudding

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Servings: 2-4

  • 1          bag Success Sticky Rice
  • 3/4       cup milk
  • 2          tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3/8       teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1          stick unsalted butter
  • 1/2       cup brown sugar
  • 1/2       cup heavy cream
  • 1/2       teaspoon vanilla extract
  • toasted coconut, for garnish

Caramelized Banana:

  • 1          tablespoon butter
  • 1          tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1          banana, sliced into coins
  • 1/4       teaspoon vanilla extract
  1. Prepare rice according to package directions.
  2. Remove rice from bag. Return to pot and stir in milk, brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Simmer 5 minutes.
  3. In small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar 2 minutes, or until dissolved. Whisk in cream and bring to simmer. Cook 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and remaining salt.
  4. To make caramelized banana: In medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar until syrupy. Add banana coins in single layer and cook 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drizzle vanilla on top.
  5. Add rice to bowl. Pour toffee sauce on top. Garnish with caramelized bananas and coconut. Serve warm or chilled.
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Sticky Rice with Mango and Coconut

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 12 minutes

Servings: 2-4

  • 1    bag Success Sticky Rice
  • 1 1/2    cups water
  • 1 1/4    cups coconut milk, divided
  • 3 1/2    tablespoons brown sugar, divided
  • 2          mangoes, sliced
  • 1          tablespoon black sesame seeds
  • fresh mint leaves, for garnish
  1. Prepare rice according to package directions using 1 1/2 cups water, 1 cup coconut milk and 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar rather than 4 cups water.
  2. In separate small saucepan over medium heat, bring remaining coconut milk and brown sugar to boil. Cook, stirring often, 8-10 minutes, or until thickened and syrupy.
  3. Divide rice among four serving bowls. Arrange mango slices over top; drizzle with coconut milk syrup. Garnish with black sesame seeds and mint.

Substitution: Use pineapple, guava or papaya for mango, if desired. collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures track

    

SOURCE:

Success Rice

🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News Food and Drink newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!

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