Tubs 101
Efficient ice cream storage and presentation starts with understanding your tubs—how to use them, store them, and make the most of every scoop. Whether you’re serving up the perfect scoop or making the most of leftovers, we’ve got all the tips you need to optimize your tubs and keep your ice cream fresh!
Positioning Flavours for Optimal Results
Let’s start by building the perfect freezer arrangement! Stocking a variety of flavours—and knowing where to place them—helps you get the best texture, scoopability, and customer appeal.
Classics
We’ll kick it off with the classics: Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberries ‘N’ Cream are timeless flavours that will never go out of style. Other tried and true flavours include Pralines ‘N’ Cream, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Butterscotch Ripple. Keep these flavours in the center of your freezer for easy access.
Inclusion-Packed
Tuck high-sugar flavours – like those with ripples, chips or nuts – into the cold corners of your freezer, to keep them firm. Think flavours like Big Foot, Monster Cookie, or Grand Slam.
Kid’s Choice
Display bright, fun flavours such as Captain Cyclone, Moon Mist or Birthday Cake in the front row to catch the eyes of kids (or kids at heart!)
Fresh and Fruity
Make sure to include refreshing picks like Lavender Lemonade and Raspberry Sherbet – perfect for summer!
Chocolate Delights
Stock up on rich chocolatey favourites like Chocolate Salty Caramel and Chocolate Fudge Brownie.
Health-Conscious Options
Round out your line-up with health-conscious options for those seeking a lighter treat. Our No Sugar Added line delivers full flavour with less sugar, while sorbets and Oat-Based Vanilla offer delicious dairy-free alternatives.
Flavour Rotations
There are so many amazing Central Smith flavours to scoop, and only so much freezer space to do so. Flavour rotations are the perfect solution!
Pair similar flavours in one spot and rotate them when restocking. For example, in a Kid’s Choice spot, you could rotate Blue Bubblegum and Captain Cyclone. When one runs out, swap it with the other, and restock the next rotation’s tub underneath. This way, every flavour gets a chance to shine, and customers always have something new to try.
Storage
To keep your ice cream at its best, the temperature is key!
❄️ Keep scooping and display cabinets at -14°C
❄️ Store ice cream long-term at -23°C
Proper temperature is key to avoiding issues such as…
❌ Ice crystals
❌ Shrinkage
❌ Poor texture
Once tubs are open, they will stay fresh for about one month with proper care. To maintain quality:
✔️ Replace lids overnight or on days when you are not scooping
✔️ Use a spade to smooth and press down the ice cream along the sides of the tub—this reduces air exposure, helps prevent freezer burn, and makes it easier to scoop.
✔️ Avoid letting tubs sit out of the freezer for extended periods—return them promptly after restocking or serving.
Size Breakdown
11.4L Tubs
Ideal for food service and scooping parlours, our 11.4L tubs are the industry standard for high-volume operations. Each tub yields approximately 60 scoops (based on 3 oz portions), making them perfect for serving up scoops and smiles to many.
4L Tubs
Some of Central Smith’s most beloved flavours are also available in convenient 4L tubs. With about 25 scoops per tub, these are great for smaller operations or for families looking to enjoy a larger quantity of their favourite flavours at home.
Hand-Packed Smaller Portions
Many parlours choose to hand-pack smaller containers from larger tubs. This is an excellent way to make the most of slower-moving flavours and offer customers a unique take-home experience. Since Central Smith ice cream isn’t available in grocery stores, hand-packed tubs create an exclusive, branded offering that your customers can’t get anywhere else.
Upcycling Your Empty Tubs
Reduce, reuse, recycle! From convenient storage solutions to beach toys and beyond, the possibilities for repurposing empty ice cream tubs are endless. Click here to explore our blog post with more creative ways to make the most of your empty tubs!
Get the Scoop and Stay in the Loop
Love all things ice cream? Follow us on social media for more scooping tips, behind-the-scenes fun, and flavour inspiration!
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Photography by Heather Doughty