You find yourself standing in the frozen aisle, surrounded by a rainbow of ice cream containers. It’s a daunting task to choose just one. Should you try them all? Or do you need some guidance to help you make the perfect selection? Well, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top 20 ice cream brands to make your decision a little easier.
The Quest for the Best Ice Cream Brands
Let’s be honest; determining the “worst” ice cream brand is a bit subjective. After all, who can resist a delicious scoop of ice cream on a Friday night? Nevertheless, we’re here to help you find the tried-and-true brands that consistently deliver a delightful frozen treat. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our ranking of the biggest ice cream brands.
15. Halo Top: A Low-Calorie Contender
If you’re counting calories but still want a sweet indulgence, Halo Top is an option worth considering. With only 280 to 380 calories per pint, it’s a guilt-free treat. However, if you’re craving the full ice cream experience, we suggest going all in and savoring a decadent scoop.
14. Baskin Robbins: Variety, But Not for Home
Baskin Robbins boasts an impressive collection of over 1,400 flavors. However, the texture of their ice cream doesn’t quite hold up when purchased from a grocery store. If you want the true Baskin Robbins experience, head to one of their ice cream parlors. It’s like the difference between Sprite from McDonald’s and Sprite from a random van on the street. IYKYK.
13. Blue Bunny: Artificially Flavored Fun
Established in 1935, Blue Bunny has made significant strides in improving its ice cream over the years. Amazon reviewers give it a solid 4.5 out of 5 rating. However, some critics feel that the flavors taste a bit artificial. So, if you were hoping for Vanilla Ice-level excitement, you might be disappointed.
12. Blue Bell: A Texan Nostalgia
Blue Bell is a beloved ice cream brand hailing from Texas and the Midwest. While it may not top many “best ice cream” lists, it holds a special place in the hearts of its fans. With online accolades and a variety of cool flavors like Peachy Peach and Oatmeal Cream Pie, it’s definitely worth a try. Just be prepared for a slightly higher price tag and the presence of artificial ingredients.
11. Edy’s/Dreyer’s: A Double-Branded Delight
Edy’s and Dreyer’s are two names that refer to the same brand of ice cream. They’ve gifted us with classic flavors like Rocky Road and Cookies & Cream. While the creaminess might not be at its peak, these flavors make up for it. Chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts combined? It’s a winning combination.
10. Friendly’s: The Nostalgic Option
Friendly’s ice cream may not be the healthiest or most natural choice, but it still hits the spot. It’s perfect for those moments when you need a reliable and affordable option. So, if you’re planning an ice cream sundae party, grab a few pints and let the good times roll. Clown cones for everyone!
9. Turkey Hill: A Rollercoaster of Flavors
Turkey Hill falls in the middle of our list due to its inconsistency. While some flavors excel (Simply Natural Vanilla Bean is a crowd favorite), others fall short. It’s a bit of a gamble, but sometimes living on the edge is worth it. Just make sure there are no sharks waiting at the bottom of that cliff.
8. Breyer’s: A Mixed Bag
Similar to Turkey Hill, Breyer’s lands at number eight due to its hit-or-miss performance. Some flavors, like the delectable Chocolate Pretzel Swirl, will leave you wanting more. Others, like the Extra Creamy Vanilla, technically fall into the “frozen dairy dessert” category. While it’s a reliable fallback, let’s keep pushing for greater ice cream experiences.
7. Hood: A Classic Choice
When it comes to Hood, you can expect simple, timeless flavors. Cherry Vanilla and Butter Pecan may not be groundbreaking, but they’re like your trusty go-to coffee order. Sometimes you crave something new and exciting, but there’s always comfort in the familiar. And an extra dollop of whipped cream, please!
6. Magnum: The Chocolate Lover’s Dream
If you’re a chocolate aficionado, Magnum has got you covered. Every flavor in their lineup includes chocolate, making it a go-to choice for any occasion. The packaging even adds a sense of excitement, as you have to crack the chocolate layer to reach the creamy goodness inside. Trust us, the extra effort is absolutely worth it.
5. Häagen-Daz: Timeless Indulgence
Häagen-Daz is an iconic ice cream brand, and for good reason. Their creamy, thick ice cream is consistently delightful. Whether you opt for Bourbon Vanilla Bean Truffle or Coffee Chocolate Brownie, Häagen-Daz is a reliable freezer staple. Just make sure you don’t devour it all in one sitting!
4. Tillamook: Creamy Delights
Tillamook ice cream offers a creamy and indulgent experience. With fun flavors like Campfire Peanut Butter Cup and Marionberry Pie, they know how to keep things interesting. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try their frozen custards, which take creaminess to new heights. Just remember, sharing is not recommended. Get your own tub.
3. Ben & Jerry’s: The Masters of Flavor
When it comes to flavors and fillings, no one does it quite like Ben & Jerry’s. Have you ever shed a tear over a pint of Phish Food? Well, you’re not alone. With unique combinations like The Tonight Dough (a Jimmy Fallon collaboration) and Mint Chocolate Chance (created with Chance The Rapper), their offerings are a flavor fiesta. We’re eagerly awaiting our collaboration with them!
2. Van Leeuwen’s: Royalty in Ice Cream
Van Leeuwen’s ice cream is rich and creamy, fit for royalty. Made with real, simple ingredients, their classic and inventive flavors will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re sampling Buttermilk Berry Cornbread or Honeycomb, each bite is a luxurious experience. Plus, they even dared to create a Kraft Macaroni & Cheese flavor. It may sound unconventional, but trust us, it works.
1. Jeni’s: The Ice Cream Innovators
Jeni’s takes the crown as the number one ice cream brand on our list. With their fresh and innovative flavors, they’ve truly raised the bar. Although their pints may lean towards the expensive side, the natural ingredients and unique combinations make it worth the price. From Goat Cheese with Red Cherries to Wildberry Lavender and even Everything But the Bagel, Jeni’s offers a twist on the classics. It’s the perfect choice to impress your friends at a dinner party. Just make sure you don’t burn the rolls!
So, there you have it—the ultimate guide to the top 20 ice cream brands. Use this list as your companion while exploring the frozen delights of the ice cream aisle. Remember, when it comes to ice cream, there’s no wrong choice. Each brand offers its own unique experience. Happy scooping!
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