May 19, 2026 - Culture

Poll: Do you like Ukrop's rainbow cookies?

Sabrina Moreno

Rainbow cookies spotting at the Carytown Kroger. Photo: Sabrina Moreno/Axios

Ukrop's bite-sized rainbow cookies have become a critical part of Richmond's culinary identity, popping up in lattes, art prints and as Kickers' jerseys.

They've been an ice cream flavor, turned into a popsicle and declared by one TikTokker as "the best cookies on earth."

Why it matters: With so many newcomers in Richmond, we wanted to see whether rainbow cookies are loved by everyone or mostly longtime locals who grew up with them.

The big picture: The colorful, buttery cookies have been a local staple for at least 50 years, especially for generations who remember getting a free one at Ukrop's after it bought the bakery that made them in 1976.

Though Ukrop's stores closed in 2010, Ukrop's Market Hall — which opened in 2020 — has kept the free rainbow cookie tradition alive.
And nearly every local grocery store sells them.

Sabrina's theory: Born-and-raised Richmonders love rainbow cookies out of nostalgia, those who grew up here but didn't go to Ukrop's dislike them and transplants fake the enthusiasm to be nice.

What's next: Vote in our survey here.

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Poll: Do you like Ukrop's rainbow cookies?

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