Top 5 Ice Cream Brands, According To Experts

We’ve all been there: you’ve had a long day, and only a pint of ice cream will do. But not just any ice cream—oh no, it has to be the best. Whether you’re drowning your sorrows in chocolate fudge or celebrating life’s little victories with a scoop of mint chip, choosing the right brand can make all the difference. We’ve done the tough (and delicious) research to bring you the best ice cream brands that will elevate your dessert game from “meh” to “marvelous.”

Get your spoons ready and ditch the bowl, the best ice cream brands are out there and StudyFinds set out to do the research for you, visiting 10 expert websites. We put together this list of the best ice cream brands. If you’ve got your own suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!

1. Häagen-Dazs

Despite its Polish name, this American-based ice cream company in New York is a highlight among ice cream lovers out there. It’s top of the list due to its robust flavor. “Häagen-Dazs ice cream is luxury at its finest. The company now offers a truly wide range of flavors, including an entire line of dairy-free ice cream that is sublime,” says The Daily Meal. 

It’s not a surprise that their ingredients are top-notch. “This renowned company has been providing outstanding ice cream for over six decades, and its menu comprises numerous delectable options. Furthermore, the manufacturers use only fresh, premium ingredients to make their ice cream,” remarks Oak and Rowan. 

Chiming in with similar sentiments, “Häagen-Dazs is one of the top brands in the country for a reason, and even though they have unique flavors, it’s their luxurious texture that they’re most known for,” says Restaurant Clicks. 

2. Talenti 

While technically considered a gelato, you’ll still find these see-through pints in the same frozen aisle at the grocery store. Despite the slight differences, they’re solidly at number two on the list. 

The difference doesn’t matter to Mashed, “But the two are similar enough, and often sold from the same freezer. And Talenti is delicious enough that we thought it deserved a place on this list.”

It’s a brand that was some worldwide appeal. “Talenti is one of the best ice cream brands out there for a number of reasons. First, it’s unique and comes from a lesser-known country. It’s from Germany, and it’s a favorite among ice cream fans in Europe,” says Think With Niche. 

You’ll find variety in the types of flavors offered. “You can opt for their fruit flavors for something refreshing or go for sweeter flavors such as Caramel Cookie Crunch – all made with premium ingredients like the other ice cream brands on this list,” adds Small Business Trends.

3. Tillamook

Tillamook knows its way around the dairy counter as they excel in making cheese as well as making ice cream. Being experts in the dairy department, they’re known for their flavor. “Not only do they use only the best ingredients but they add a little extra cream. This creates the most decadent and irresistible texture that people keep coming back for,” writes FoodForNet. 

Simply put, “we have Tillamook, which makes a darn good ice cream. Whether you want traditional ice cream or a more egg yolk-forward frozen custard, Tillamook is there for you,” adds The Daily Meal. 

“Over the years, all its flavors have been delightful, and the ice cream is fluffy and creamy, which is quite a feat,” says Oak and Rowan.

4. Ben & Jerry’s

One of the oldest ice cream brands on the market, B&J’s are quite at home on the list and in the hearts of ice cream lovers everywhere. “Ben & Jerry’s pioneered so many favorites and original flavors, like chocolate chip cookie dough, Netflix & Chilll’d (my favorite), and non-dairy delights like Chocolate Fudge Brownie,” says Restaurant Clicks. 

They’re known for their fun flavors and names. “The real magic of Ben & Jerry’s is that the flavors aren’t all those same basic favorites (though they haven’t neglected the basic flavors, either), they’re fun flavors with unconventional names, like ‘Half Baked,’ ‘Americone Dream,’ ‘Chunky Monkey,’ and ‘Coffee Coffee BuzzBuzzBuzz!'” says Mashed.

Think With Niche agrees with them, “Their classic flavors have stood the test of time and are such crowd-pleasers that even non-ice cream fans love them. When it comes to unique flavors, no one holds a candle to Ben & Jerry’s.”

5. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

Based out of Ohio, this artisan creamery focuses on delicious ingredients and interesting flavors like Brambleberry Crisp, Golden Nectar, Brown Butter Almond Brittle, and more! 

This brand hits all the right notes. “They’ve managed to perfect a roster of imaginative flavors, ensuring that every component of every recipe is absolutely first-rate. And with their buttercream base, the texture is smooth enough to melt on your tongue,” writes Dandelion and Chandelier. 

Despite its smaller availability, you can order them online. “While Jeni’s is a bit harder to find when compared to the other brands on this list, you are able to order them online or join the subscription service Pint Club which gives you 4 flavors every month,” mentions Whimsy and Spice. 

According to Tasting Table, “Jeni’s ice cream is arguably one of the best ice cream brands available. They have many local ice cream shops across the country offering local delivery, but, you guessed it, they also offer nationwide shipping.”

Sources used for list of consensus picks

• Dandelion and Chandelier
• Whimsy and Spice
• Small Business Trends
• Tasting Table
• The Daily Meal
• Oak and Rowan
• Restaurant Clicks
• Mashed
• Think With Niche
• FoodForNet

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.