Nikole Stewart
No matter the season, it’s always nice to have ice cream stocked in the freezer. But it might be time to branch out from your usual brand to something more flavorful and creative. These store-bought ice cream brands are some of the best out there for their bold flavors, creamy texture, and satisfying taste. If you want to experiment with the best options, these are the top recommendations in no particular order.
7. Häagen-Dazs
Häagen-Dazs is a classic option. While some brands could be a hit or miss, this brand never disappoints. The brand offers an impressive creamy consistency with a range of flavors that always make sense. The vanilla base in most flavors is rich and luxurious, making it the perfect indulgent treat. Try their Strawberry Cheesecake, Dulce de Leche, or Caramel Biscuits & Cream.
6. Jeni’s Ice Cream
While a bit on the pricier side, Jeni’s Ice Cream is worth it. Not only does the company source its milk from family dairies, but they make their flavors with high-quality ingredients, ensuring that they’re all responsibly sourced. They have over 35 flavors with a wide variety, including Lemon & Blueberry, Boston Cream Pie, and Blackout Chocolate Cake.
5. Tillamook
Tillamook started out with cheese but branched out into ice cream. And boy, are we happy they did. This is by far one of the best store-bought ice cream brands because they pack in more cream than air when making their ice cream, resulting in a creamy, luxurious taste and texture. Plus, with no artificial flavors or sweeteners, you know you’re biting into locally grown fruits and high-quality ingredients every time. Try some of their amazing flavors like Chocolate Hazelnut or Sea Salt & Honeycomb Toffee.
4. Van Leeuwen
While the brand was founded in New York City, they’re required to call it French ice cream because they have twice the amount of egg yolks as standard ice cream. But because of this, the ice cream is rich and dense, offering a silkier mouthfeel. Van Leeuwen also has a variety of ice cream, along with a vegan line, with amazing flavors like Mango Sticky Rice, Marionberry Cheesecake, and Strawberry Matcha Latte.
3. Graeter’s Ice Cream
Graeter’s ice cream is not only one of the best store-bought ice cream brands, but it’s also one of the longest-running brands. Founded in 1870, the company touts its French Pot process, which results in a rich base. They are also known for their small-batch productions to incorporate less air and higher butterfat for a creamy finish. The brand releases a new flavor each month, along with keeping a rotation of classic choices. Next time you’re ice cream shopping, check out their Bourbon Ball, Banana Chocolate Chip, or Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip.
2. Salt & Straw Ice Cream
Confuse your taste buds with one of the best store-bought ice cream brands, Salt & Straw. The brand is known for offering flavors you’d never think of before, and they make it all with local farms and regional suppliers for the best ingredients. Every month, there is a rotation of limited-edition flavors, with many tying into themes, holidays, and more. Some of their most bizarre flavors include the Salty Donut Guava and Cheese or the Pear and Blue Cheese. They also have classic combinations like Sea Salt and Caramel or Chocolate Gooey Brownie.
1. Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s is another classic option. If you want one of the best store-bought ice cream brands that just packs on the flavor and offers an exceptional amount of comfort, this has to be a go-to. The brand also offers gluten-free and dairy-free options, perfect for a larger consumer base. They’re also always coming out with new combinations that are worth a taste. But if you want a classic option, Half Baked is the way to go, or Gimme S’More.