Rita’s Brought Back One Fan-Favorite Treat That Has Customers Racing to Beat the Heat

Summer heat waves have a way of making people crave something cold and sweet.

But one popular frozen treat chain just answered their customers’ prayers in the most delicious way possible.

And Rita’s brought back one fan-favorite treat that has customers racing to beat the heat.

Fan demand brings back a gummy bear sensation

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard knows exactly what their customers want – and they’re not afraid to deliver it.

The frozen treat giant just announced the return of their wildly popular Gummy Bear Italian Ice, a flavor that first launched in 2023 and quickly became an obsession among customers.

But Rita’s didn’t just bring back the original.

They took things up a notch with something that’s guaranteed to make both kids and adults smile.

The company also introduced the brand-new Glittery Gummy Bear Gelati – a magical layered creation that combines the beloved Gummy Bear Italian Ice with creamy Vanilla Frozen Custard and a shimmering Unicorn Glitter topping.

This playful flavor features white Italian Ice with that unmistakable gummy bear taste, loaded with actual gummy bear pieces for the ultimate nostalgic experience.

"At Rita’s, we’re focused on creating craveable experiences that tap into nostalgia and spark joy, and the return of Gummy Bear Italian Ice is a perfect example," said Madalyn Weintraub, Senior Director of Marketing at Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard.¹

The perfect antidote to summer’s brutal heat

Anyone who’s experienced this summer’s scorching temperatures knows that sometimes only the coldest, sweetest treat will do.

Rita’s timing couldn’t be better.

With heat waves breaking records across the country, customers are desperately seeking relief – and Rita’s is delivering exactly what they need.

The Glittery Gummy Bear Gelati adds a sweet sparkle to every bite, making it the kind of Instagram-worthy treat that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.

Weintraub explained that the new creation "amplifies everything fans love, with even more magic and visual appeal."²

Whether you’re craving something cool after a sun-soaked day or just chasing your next sweet summer fix, these frozen treats promise to deliver serious summertime joy.

But customers better move fast – both the Gummy Bear Italian Ice and the magical Unicorn Glitter topping are only available at participating locations for a limited time through August 24, while supplies last.

A company that listens to its customers

Rita’s success story is built on understanding what their customers actually want.

The return of Gummy Bear Italian Ice proves that the company pays attention to customer feedback and isn’t afraid to bring back what works.

The Philadelphia-based chain has been spreading "Ice, Custard, Happiness!" since opening its doors in Bensalem, Pennsylvania in 1984.³

Now the largest Italian Ice concept in the world with over 575 shops, Rita’s has built its reputation on freshly made treats featuring real fruit and signature Frozen Custard.

Their Italian Ice is made fresh daily on-site and available in a rotating selection from over 80 flavors.

For customers looking to maximize their Rita’s experience, the company’s loyalty app offers serious perks.

Sign up for their loyalty program and you’ll get a free small treat after making your first purchase.

Beyond that first freebie, the app keeps delivering – birthday surprises, member-only deals, and other perks that loyal customers have come to expect.

As this summer’s brutal heat continues breaking records nationwide, Rita’s couldn’t have timed this launch better.

Look at what they’ve done here: listened to customer demand for the original Gummy Bear flavor, then added that sparkly Gelati twist that’s pure Instagram gold.

That’s smart business – give people what they want, but make it even better than they expected.

¹ Madalyn Weintraub, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, "Rita’s Iconic Gummy Bear Italian Ice Returns with a Sparkly New Sidekick," PR Newswire, July 28, 2025.

² Ibid.

³ Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, "About Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard," Rita’s Italian Ice Press Release, July 28, 2025.