Calypso Ice Cream: History, PRL Taste, and the Iconic Status of the Lodmor Dessert
- Damian Brzeski
- 56 minutes ago
- 7 min read
When tourists ask about the taste of Gdańsk, guides often point to historical, almost museum-like exhibits: the noble Goldwasser liqueur with gold flakes or the legendary Jopejski beer, recreated centuries later.
These flavors are legendary, yet often just an echo of their former glory. However, in Gdańsk, a much more authentic flavor exists, one that remains vibrant and present in the daily lives of its residents.
It's a flavor that doesn't need re-creating because it never disappeared. This is Calypso ice cream, produced continuously for over 60 years by Lodmor.
For many Poles, and especially Gdańsk residents, they are the true edible icon of the city – a culinary time machine that takes you straight back to the carefree years of childhood.
The Origin and History of Calypso Ice Cream
The history of Calypso ice cream is a fascinating journey back to the times of the Polish People's Republic, which fortunately did not end with the era, but continues to this day in an almost unchanged form, constituting a testimony to Gdańsk's entrepreneurship and attachment to tradition.
The creation of the brand and the beginning of production in 1959
Let's imagine Poland at the end of the 1950s. The country was recovering from the devastation of war, and in the harsh reality of the Polish People's Republic, even the smallest substitute for luxury was worth its weight in gold.
It was in these circumstances that, in 1959 , the first batch of Calypso ice cream rolled off the production line.
It was a true breakthrough. At a time when ice cream was primarily associated with artisanal production, Calypso became the first ice cream in Poland produced on a mass, industrial scale .
The name itself, taken from a popular Caribbean dance, was a touch of exoticism and a promise of carefree fun in the sun – something society desperately craved at the time.
The role of the Lodmor company and the plants at Długa Grobla 4a
The heart and home of Calypso ice cream has been the same place from the very beginning: the Lodmor Refrigeration Industry Plant at 4a Długa Grobla Street in Gdańsk's Dolne Miasto district. This historic, post-industrial part of the city witnessed the birth and development of the brand.
The fact that production has never been moved gives the ice cream a remarkable authenticity.
The company, whose trademark is a friendly walrus (perfectly fitting for its refrigeration specialization), has become inextricably woven into the fabric of the city, becoming one of its most recognizable and beloved enterprises.
Calypso ice cream as a symbol of the Polish People's Republic and holiday memories
For the generation that remembers those times, Calypso is much more than a dessert. It's the quintessence of summer in the Polish People's Republic , immortalized in nostalgic images. The most powerful of these is the memory of a beach vendor .
Dressed in a white coat, with a heavy wooden box cooled with dry ice slung over his shoulder, he paced among the blankets and screens.
The characteristic metallic sound of the opening flap and his loud cry: "Ice cream, Calypso ice cream to cool you down!" were the signal all the children were waiting for.
This element of seaside folklore disappeared forever with the change in sanitary regulations, which only strengthened its mythical status in memories.
Classic and contemporary flavor variants
Initially, the offering was modest, but over the years the range of flavors has expanded significantly, combining tradition with new trends and demonstrating how the brand can evolve with its customers.
Most popular flavors: cream, vanilla, strawberry
Production began with just two classic variants: cream and chocolate (cocoa) . Their simple yet excellent recipe quickly won the hearts of Poles.
Over time, with growing popularity and availability of ingredients, other hits were added, such as refreshing strawberry ice cream and delicate vanilla . These flavors remain the core of the offerings to this day and are the most frequently chosen options.
Historical and experimental variants: coffee, anise, gingerbread
Few people know that in the 1970s, Lodmor boldly experimented, introducing highly unusual, short-run flavors to the market. This was evidence of extraordinary creativity in an era of central planning.
In addition to the coffee variant, which became a permanent part of the offer, in stores you could find such surprising ice creams as spicy (gingerbread flavor), aniseed, and even vermouth .
These bold compositions, although not included in the permanent offer, show that the history of Calypso is not only about nostalgia, but also a passion for creation.
New editions: mascarpone with forest fruits and ice cream with jelly
Today, Calypso successfully combines tradition with modernity. Although the mascarpone with forest fruit flavor is not currently a permanent offering, the company is constantly exploring new flavors.
In recent years, variants such as salted caramel, black coconut and cuckoo have appeared on the market.
A real hit, especially among younger consumers, was the cream ice cream with pieces of multi-fruit jelly embedded in it – a fun and tasty reference to children's favorite desserts.
Production process and recipe
Despite the passage of decades, the basic principles of production and the form of Calypso ice cream have remained faithful to the original, which is the secret of its unchanging taste.
Manufacturing technology: from pasteurization to tempering
The secret to Calypso's creamy consistency lies in its refined production process. It all begins with the preparation of a liquid mixture, which is then pasteurized for safety.
However, the next two steps are crucial: homogenization , which breaks down the fat molecules, ensuring perfect smoothness, and aeration combined with freezing , which gives the ice cream its lightness. Finally, the mass is formed into cubes and hardened at a very low temperature.
The original recipe from 1959 and its modern use
Although the exact recipe is a company secret, the taste of the basic variants is surprisingly close to the original.
On the occasion of the brand's 60th anniversary in 2019, Lodmor released a special, limited series of cream ice creams, produced according to the original recipe from 1959 , which was a nod to the oldest fans of the dessert and proof of loyalty to tradition.
Forms and packaging: dice and characteristic graphics with the head of a Negro
Calypso is also a design icon. A rectangular cube wrapped in distinctive, impregnated paper, its form is instantly recognizable.
The packaging itself is part of the ritual – slightly damp with frost, with the legendary logo depicting an exotic boy and the company walrus .
This graphic, although it might be controversial today, is an artifact of its time and a symbol that has survived for decades, becoming an integral part of the brand.
Distribution and availability of Calypso ice cream
From a local delicacy sold on the beach, Calypso ice cream has become a product available throughout the country, while retaining its regional character.
Sales in the Polish People's Republic: milk bars, beaches and kiosks
During the communist era, Calypso ice cream was available primarily seasonally. Besides the now-legendary beach vendors, it could also be purchased at milk bars, cafés, hotel restaurants , and the few kiosks and grocery stores that had freezers.
Presence in supermarkets and retail chains in 2025
Today, in the mid-2020s, Calypso ice cream is easily available not only in local shops in Pomerania.
They can be found in the offer of nationwide supermarket and hypermarket chains such as Kaufland, Carrefour and Spar , as well as in food wholesalers, which ensures their constant presence throughout the country all year round.
Exports to Czechoslovakia and the status of a regional product
Despite its strong position on the domestic market, there is no confirmed information about the official export of Calypso ice cream to Czechoslovakia or other Eastern Bloc countries during the communist era.
This product had the status of a cult regional delicacy , and its fame spread throughout Poland mainly thanks to tourists who, after returning from their seaside holidays, talked about the taste of Gdańsk ice cream.
Calypso ice cream in culture and social awareness
Calypso is more than just ice cream – it is a fragment of local identity and a carrier of intergenerational memories that has become a permanent part of Polish culture.
Iconic status and associations with childhood and summer
For millions of Poles, not only those from Gdańsk, the taste of Calypso is synonymous with childhood, carefreeness and hot summers .
The simple, frosty sweetness in its paper wrapper acts like a time machine, transporting you back to memories of simpler times, which is what makes it so enduring and iconic.
Anniversary campaigns and retro editions
Lodmor cultivates the heritage of its flagship brand. To celebrate Calypso's 60th birthday in 2019, it launched an anniversary campaign that included the introduction of the aforementioned retro edition, based on the 1959 recipe.
The packaging for this series featured an archival drawing of a beach vendor, a sentimental nod to history.
The importance of Calypso ice cream for the identity of Gdańsk and Pomerania
Like orange soda or Gdańsk mustard, Calypso ice cream is an important element of the region's culinary identity . It's proof of the continuity of local traditions that have weathered the storms of history.
For the residents of Gdańsk, it is a source of pride and a delicacy they gladly offer to guests, emphasizing that the taste of the city is not only based on recipes recreated centuries later, but also on legends that are still alive.
Frequently asked questions about Calypso ice cream
How much will Calypso ice cream cost in 2025?
The price of a single cube of Calypso ice cream (200-250 ml) in 2025 will range from 4-5 PLN , depending on the flavor and store. This makes it an extremely affordable treat.
Where can I buy Calypso ice cream with jelly?
Calypso ice cream in a creamy version with jelly pieces is available in select retail chains. Customer reports indicate that it can be found in Kaufland stores, among others, although availability may vary.
Are there any in-store promotions for Calypso ice cream?
Yes, Calypso ice cream regularly appears in promotional offers at most major retail chains, especially during the spring and summer season. It's worth keeping an eye on the flyers from supermarkets like Carrefour, Kaufland, Spar, and local shops to grab it at a bargain price.
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