A month ago, Blue Bell Creameries issued a voluntary recall on all its products after a Listeria outbreak - and freezer shelves are still void of the brand.
The "situation" is being felt hardest in the company's home state of Texas.
You see, for many Texans, Blue Bell isn't just a brand of ice cream, it's the only brand of ice cream.
People in Brenham are actually staring at empty ice cream freezers and shaking their heads. #freezeout #greatdepression #bluebellrecall
- Aaron Boer (@aaronkboer) April 26, 2015While it's only sold in about 30% of grocery stores throughout the country, Blue Bell has built a loyal fan base. Based in Brenham, Texas, the company ranks among the top three best-selling ice cream brands in the country.
Mix loyalty with popularity, and you get a Twitter explosion over the recall.
Of The Five Stages of Grief, I've moved past Denial & Anger, reached Depression stage #bluebellproud #bluebellrecall https://t.co/mgd6cBYnJH
- Jeff (@Mos_Jeff) April 27, 2015Saddest pic on the internet ???????? pic.twitter.com/4UOcJERo2H
- Marlon™ (@ColorMeHandsome) April 30, 2015
This is the saddest thing I've seen all day ?????? #Bluebellrecall #crying Texans pic.twitter.com/ZWuuNaB3fx
- Syd (@PoisonSivy_) May 9, 2015Maaaan, if Mrs. Baird's factories ever get hit with listeria, everyone is Texas is going to starve. #bluebellrecall
- Cookie DeVeaux (@MaxineShawEsq) May 16, 2015Despite the risk, Texans are hoarding the potentially contaminated ice cream.
I may have the last Blue Bell Ice Cream in Texas. I know it is only chocolate but it is all mine! #bluebell pic.twitter.com/ClqJnbvJ9l
- Devery (@devery99) May 22, 2015
Someone is even selling an empty Blue Bell container for $100 on eBay.
With Blue Bell gone for at least a couple more months, summer in Texas just won't be the same.
What I would do for some Blue Bell right now... #withdrawls #babycomeback #TexasMade #BlueBell #whatarecalories pic.twitter.com/urNqZ9PreJ
- Talk Texas To Me (@talktexastome) May 13, 2015
Texas is my birth state, and indulging in Blue Bell is always a highlight of my trips down south. I flew down last week for a mini family reunion, and it wasn't the same without a few scoops of my favorite coffee ice cream.
In the words of my cousin who was born and raised in Texas, "I took ice cream for granted - I've tried so many other brands of ice cream recently and I hate them all. Blue Bell was actually perfect."
We miss you Blue Bell.