Baskin-Robbins is kicking off the \"2026 Gray Flavor Contest,\" inviting customers to pitch their own ice cream recipes. Now in its eighth year, this consumer-driven contest can turn a fan-created recipe into an actual product sold nationwide.
Entrants mix and match flavors, syrups, and toppings, then submit their recipe along with a product name and concept. This year’s lineup includes 66 base flavors, 40 syrups, and 46 toppings—152 options in total, 32 more than last year. Organizers also added local specialty ingredients to reflect the loconomy trend, such as Icheon rice.
The entry period runs from April 28 through May 6. Applicants should submit their recipe combinations, product name, and concept on Baskin-Robbins' official event page. During development, they can use an AI-powered chatbot to brainstorm and refine ideas.
Online voting takes place from May 20 to June 3. Baskin-Robbins will conduct internal screening to narrow the field to 31 finalists, then hold two rounds of voting to select the top three. In July, a judging panel made up of consumers, company employees, and partner representatives will carry out the final evaluation.
Baedal Minjok (Baemin), Korea’s leading food delivery app, is partnering again this year. Baemin will participate in joint judging and support a variety of marketing campaigns.
The final winners will be announced at the end of September. The winning recipes will be released as limited-time offerings at Baskin-Robbins stores nationwide in October.
The total prize pool is 25,000,000 KRW (approximately $18,750). First place will receive 10,000,000 KRW (approximately $7,500) and an award trophy. Second and third place will receive the Baemin Awards of 8,000,000 KRW (approximately $6,000) and 5,000,000 KRW (approximately $3,750), respectively, plus trophies. This year also introduces a Regional Coexistence category to celebrate local partnerships, awarding 2,000,000 KRW (approximately $1,500).
