More generic word for "flavor"
At the supermarket:
Correct "Which flavor icecream should we get?"
Incorrect "Which flavor of shampoo should I get?
What word could I use to talk about a particular choice among a collection of different... well... "flavors"?
Normally, I am looking to be more explicit and discerning about which specific word or phrase to express something about some one thing among a mass of vaguely related "stuff." In this regard, I find myself quite amused to be headed in a different direction.
Kind…
One way to get some response in a qualitative query involving the acquiring of specific goods requiring some manner of clarification before investing resources is to enquire, "What kind?"
I would probably opt for "type".
something distinguishable as a variety
For example:
- What type of ice cream is your favourite?
- You bought shampoo? What type?
- There were lots of types of beer to try.