By Tegan Beese | Photos courtesy of Kurschner’s
Cheese. Brats. Beer. Cranberries.
These are things that Wisconsin is commonly known for, but now the Badger State can also claim ice cream championship status. Kurschner’s Super Premium Ice Cream from Chetek, Wisconsin was awarded the Grand Champion in Ice Cream at the 2025 World Dairy Expo Product Contest. Only open for one year, Kurschner’s is taking the ice cream world by storm.
Entering their Peanut Butter Chocolate, it won first place in open class flavors, which lead to the champion round, where it beat out all other classes of Ice Cream, Sherbet, Frozen Yogurt and Gelato. Alongside winning the Grand Champion in Ice Cream, they were first place in the Regular Vanilla Ice Cream Class, second place in the Open Class Ice Cream with their Lemon Poppy Seed and fourth place in the Open Class Ice Cream with Nuts with their Pistachio.
I was lucky enough to get to interview Kurschner’s owner, Alan Kurschner, about his ice cream journey and what he sees in their future.
Tegan Beese: I saw in the press release that you’ve been open for one year, I was wondering how you got started making ice cream?
Alan Kurschner: Before I could remember, I loved ice cream. However, ice cream has become highly processed, containing unpronounceable artificial ingredients, dyes and other additives. I was determined to change this artificial trend of America’s favorite frozen dessert. My answer was returning to natural, high-quality, homemade ice cream. I attended the Short Course on Ice Cream Making at UW-Madison and Scoop School, a popular ice cream school in St Louis. MO.
TB: How did you decide on the flavors that you entered for each category?
AK: I decided on ten of our most popular flavors, including our Peanut Butter Chocolate, which has been our most requested flavor.
TB: Without giving anything away, and I know it’s early, but have you already been brainstorming for flavors for next year?
AK: A few new flavors we are making next year include Blue Moon, Vanilla Malt, London Fog, Sweet Corn, Peppermint Crush, Aztec, Salted Caramel, Fudge Swirl, Red Raspberry Cobbler and Cherry.
TB: What is one thing you’d like readers to know about Kurschner’s?
AK: We are the only ice cream shop in Wisconsin that has never used artificial dyes. In addition, our ice cream is handmade in small batches, using natural, high-quality ingredients. We are also gluten-free and carrageenan-free, and our delicious homemade waffle cones are made with gluten-free ingredients and do not contain artificial ingredients.
TB: What is your personal favorite ice cream?
AK: I love Mint Cookies & Cream and Butter Pecan.
Ice cream lovers that find their way up to Chetek should be sure to visit Kurschner’s and try their award winning flavors. Their ice cream is made on site, so freshness is ensured. For loyal customers, a punch card is available. No matter the season, visitors can indulge as they have both an indoor dining area and walk-up window. This shop is sure to make your Wisconsin visit sweet.