Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions. Grandma raised us to answer them honestly.
Where can I find Thelma’s?
The next best thing to Grandma’s house? A store near you. Visit our Find Thelma’s page to find Thelma’s ice cream sandwiches in your area.
What makes Thelma’s different from other ice cream sandwiches?
It all starts with Grandma Thelma’s cookie recipe. We bake chewy-from-the-freezer cookies, pair them with rich, creamy ice cream, and make every sandwich with the belief that real ingredients and a little nostalgia make everything taste better. One bite, and you’ll understand why Thelma’s is more than just dessert…It’s a tradition worth sharing.
What is a snickerdoodle?
A snickerdoodle is a soft sugar cookie rolled in cinnamon sugar, made with cream of tartar—the signature ingredient that gives it its distinctive flavor and chewy texture, setting it apart from an ordinary sugar cookie. It’s a Midwest kitchen-table classic — and it’s the cookie that started Thelma’s. It’s the Original Snickerdoodle Ice Cream Sandwich™.
What’s the “little oven box”?
Before the ice cream sandwich, Thelma’s sold warm cookies in Des Moines, Iowa, delivered in patented little oven boxes — a design that went viral and won international recognition. It’s where the company started, and why the cookies will always come first. You can read more about it in Fast Company.
How long has Thelma’s been around?
Grandma was around for 108 years. Her snickerdoodle recipe? Maybe forever. We’ve been making Thelma’s ice cream sandwiches with that recipe since 2012!
Was Thelma a real person?
Yes — Great Grandma Thelma was a real person, born August 13, 1904 on a family farm near Monroe, Iowa. She lived to 108, played piano, and was famous for her snickerdoodle cookies. A variation of her original recipe is used in every Thelma’s ice cream sandwich today, and her great-grandson Dereck Lewis founded the company in 2012.
Does Thelma’s use real dairy?
Yes. Thelma’s ice cream sandwiches are made with real dairy ice cream and cookies baked with real butter. No imitation, no shortcuts — Grandma wouldn’t have it.
Where are Thelma’s ice cream sandwiches made?
Every Thelma’s ice cream sandwich is handmade in our own manufacturing facility in Des Moines, Iowa. Our facility is SQF (Safe Quality Food) certified, a globally recognized certification that verifies rigorous food safety and quality standards through independent third-party audits.
Are Thelma’s ice cream sandwiches Kosher?
Yes! All of our ice cream sandwiches are certified Kosher, so you can enjoy every bite with confidence.
What flavors does Thelma’s come in?
Thelma’s core lineup includes seven flavors: Snickerdoodle (the original), Chocolate Chip, S’mores, Mint Double Chocolate, Strawberry Sugar, Monster, and Caramel Coffee — plus Butter Pecan in our 4-pack lineup.
What sizes do Thelma’s ice cream sandwiches come in?
Two: an individually wrapped 6 oz. single-serve sandwich, and a 4-pack of 4 oz. sandwiches for your home freezer.
Snickerdoodle, Chocolate Chip, S’mores, Mint Double Chocolate, and Strawberry Sugar come in both formats. Monster and Caramel Coffee are singles only. Butter Pecan is 4-pack only.
How can I get my retailer to carry more of your flavors?
Tell your store manager that you want to see more Thelma’s flavors. It works more often than you’d think!
Do you ever donate/gift products?
Sometimes! Sharing a little sweetness is one of our favorite things to do. While we can’t fulfill every request, we review each one on a case-by-case basis. Send us the details at info@thelmastreats.com, and we’ll see what we can do.
Are Thelma’s ice cream sandwiches gluten-free, or do they contain allergens?
At this time, we do not offer any gluten-free products. Complete ingredient and allergen information can be found on every package to help you make the best choice for your needs.
We’re also putting the finishing touches on a comprehensive allergen guide for our website. In the meantime, if you have any questions, we’d be happy to help. Just reach out to us at info@thelmastreats.com.
Can I get Thelma’s at my event?
To stay focused on keeping Thelma’s on-shelf at your nearest grocery and convenience stores, we do not offer event services or catering. Over the years, we have celebrated your graduations and weddings and served at countless corporate parties. It’s been a joy, truly. Your support has helped us grow up into a frozen novelty brand sold in retailers and known across the country. If you’d like to serve Thelma’s at your event, we welcome you to place a bulk order through your favorite retailer that carries our products.
If you have a unique opportunity that you think might be an exception, feel free to reach out at info@thelmastreats.com.
I have an issue with my Thelma’s purchase, who can I contact?
We want every Thelma’s moment to be as sweet as the last. If something wasn’t quite right with your purchase, we’re here to help. Just reach out to us at info@thelmastreats.com, and our team will make it right.
Why don’t I see Thelma’s at as many events anymore?
We’ve loved introducing Thelma’s to you over the years at events like the Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market, Hinterland, RAGBRAI, the Des Moines Arts Festival, and the Minnesota State Fair.
As we’ve grown, we’ve shifted our focus to making Thelma’s easier to find in grocery stores year-round, so you can enjoy your favorite sandwiches whenever the craving strikes—not just at special events. While we’ve stepped back from many festivals, you’ll still find us at the Iowa State Fair each summer, where we’re proud to continue serving sandwiches from our signature Grain Bin.