If you shop at Smith’s in Kimball Junction, you’ve likely seen the cute little travel trailer out front selling unique flavors of ice cream like lavender blueberry and strawberry basil. That’s Jeff Olpin, the “Ice Cream Guy” from Hidden Oak Gourmet Creamery. Hidden Oak was recently named the Best of State Artisan Ice Cream for 2025, so we sat down with him to see what all the hype is about.
Olpin has been making ice cream for about 14 years, and sees himself as both a chemist and a foodie. Finding the right balance of ingredients, flavor, and consistency is not easy, but we think he’s nailed it. The operation has grown from the kitchen counter to the basement, where Olpin recently built a commercial kitchen.
As the only super premium ice cream manufacturer in Utah, Olpin has developed some very unique processes that set it apart from the rest. Remaining a small batch operation allows for more flexibility in the production process. For example, rather than using basil oil in the strawberry basil flavor, the basil is steeped into the ice cream to elongate the flavor. Dialing in each new flavor takes about eight to 10 hours before it’s ready for production.
Partnering with local businesses is also a key to success for Hidden Oak. Lavender is sourced from a lavender farm in Heber City. Hidden Oak and Alpine Distilling have collaborated on some exciting new flavors, such as the Lafayette-spiced bourbon ice cream with cookie dough chunks and a caramel ribbon.
Olpin also works with clients on customized flavors. He does his-and-hers ice cream flavors for weddings, carefully interviewing the couple to capture their personalities in the flavor combinations. US Ski and Snowboard mogul skier Kasey Hogg made her own flavor, Hoggs Tracks, which combines coconut ice cream with graham cracker crumbles.
In addition to a full calendar of food truck appearances at farmers’ markets throughout the Salt Lake Valley and Wasatch Back, Hidden Oak is opening a retail space later this summer. While we can’t disclose the location just yet, it will be in the heart of Salt Lake City.
A few new flavors on the horizon include a root beer float, a coconut lime mojito and a raspberry danish. The new store will also offer baked goods, drawing on Olpin’s love of French pastry. There may even be some savory ice cream flavors on the menu. Follow Hidden Oak Gourmet Creamery on Instagram to follow the food truck this summer!
