The History of Hoodsie Cups

Hoodsie cups are a classic New England treat (for the uninitiated, they are small, lidded cups filled with both chocolate and vanilla ice cream). Hoodsie cups were invented in 1947 by the popular New England ice cream brand H.P. Hood in Boston, Massachusetts. Originally retailing for a nickel each, the treats quickly became a hit with kids and adults alike. The company began printing celebrity faces on the lids of the cups, including then-popular stars like Bob Hope, Tony Curtis, and Jane Powell. Hoodsie cups originally came with a wooden spoon and this was a significant part of the eating experience. While the company phased this out in the 1990s, some current Hoodsie packages once again include a utensil. Today, Hoodsie cups are still a popular summer treat or after-school snack and the brand is even affiliated with the Boston Red Sox.