Take a Tour of the World’s Largest Ice Cream Cone Factory in Arizona

No dessert is more nostalgic than a good old-fashioned ice cream cone. The juxtaposition of creamy and crunchy creates a blissful flavor dynamic enjoyed by all. Not many people know this, but the world's largest ice cream cone factory is hiding right here in Arizona. You can schedule a free tour of Joy Cone and even try a sample hot off the assembly line! Let's check it out:

You've likely seen these iconic ice cream cones in your grocery store.

They're a bit of a culinary landmark! Just about everyone has a box in their pantry, or at the very least, grew up with this iconic box. Joy Cone has been producing ice cream cones for over a century, and they've certainly become an American classic.

What began as a family business back in 1918 has grown into an independent, 100% employee-owned business that just so happens to also be the largest ice cream cone producer in the United States. Over two billion cones every year!

Joy Cone recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, a milestone reached by endless hard work and dedication. While the factory has changed names and ownership several times, its product has always maintained the same unparalleled quality.

Today, this 132,000-square-foot facility is where the magic happens. Promises of creamy, crunchy bliss were always on show for passersby to admire. Over 1.2 million cones in cake, sugar, and waffle varieties are produced each day.

Step #1 is done via a fully automated process that mixes the ingredients in giant vats. From there, the batter travels through tubes into ovens where cone-shaped molds await its arrival. After baking for just 90 seconds, the treats are perfectly crisp and golden. Onto a conveyor belt they go, where workers stand at the ready to discard broken or misshapen cones.

One thing that sets Joy Cone apart from other factories is that the human touch is still present at each step of the production line.

Although robotic assistance is necessary to keep up with the factory's high demand, every single cone is still given the utmost care and attention.

Watch every step of the process in this video by Arizona Highways TV:

For more information about Joy Cone, as well as the most up-to-date info about touring the facility, visit the Joy Cones website and follow Joy Cones on Facebook, too.

Share this article with someone you want to share a scoop with. Speaking of ice cream, here are some of the best ice cream parlors in Arizona. Cheers!