One of the sweetest debates in Maine isn’t about the best ice cream flavor—it’s what to call the toppings.
If you’re moving to Maine, you’ll quickly discover that locals have plenty of friendly opinions, and one of the most colorful revolves around the tiny candy toppings that finish off an ice cream cone.
Do you call them jimmies or sprinkles?
The answer often depends on where you are in the state.
Southern Maine: “Jimmies” Still Have a Strong Following
In communities throughout York County and parts of Cumberland County, many lifelong Mainers grew up ordering chocolate jimmies at local ice cream stands. The term has been passed down through generations, especially in towns closer to the New Hampshire border.
Visit a neighborhood creamery in southern Maine during the summer, and don’t be surprised to hear someone confidently order a cone “with chocolate jimmies.”
Central Maine: Both Terms Are Common
Travel into Kennebec, Androscoggin, and Oxford counties, and you’ll likely hear both jimmies and sprinkles used interchangeably.
Many local ice cream shops understand either term, making the debate more of a fun conversation than a point of confusion.
Downeast and Northern Maine: Sprinkles Often Take the Lead
In Downeast Maine, Aroostook County, and many inland communities, sprinkles has become the more commonly used word, particularly among younger generations and newer residents.
That said, Maine has welcomed newcomers from across the country for decades, so vocabulary often reflects a family’s own traditions rather than a strict regional rule.
More Than Just Ice Cream
Like calling a seasonal lake home a camp or debating the best roadside lobster shack, the jimmies-versus-sprinkles conversation has become one of those small cultural details that makes living in Maine enjoyable.
It’s the kind of topic that sparks smiles while standing in line at a local ice cream stand on a warm July evening.
A Treat Worth Exploring
No matter which word you use, Maine offers no shortage of places to enjoy homemade ice cream. From coastal villages to inland farms, local creameries serve everything from classic vanilla and chocolate to Maine favorites like blueberry, maple walnut, wild blackberry, and seasonal strawberry.
Many shops also feature locally made waffle cones, fresh dairy from Maine farms, and toppings sourced from regional candy makers.
Welcome to Maine’s Sweet Side
At Let’s Move to Maine News, we love sharing the everyday traditions that help newcomers feel at home. Sometimes it’s learning local expressions. Other times, it’s discovering the best ice cream stand in your new community.
So whether you ask for jimmies or sprinkles, don’t worry—Maine’s ice cream shops are happy to serve up a delicious cone either way.
And after a few summers in Vacationland, you may even find yourself joining the friendly debate.