Additional Coverage:
- The Best Vanilla Ice Cream Brands at the Grocery Store, Ranked (reviews.cheapism.com)
Back to Basics: A Quest for the Perfect Vanilla Ice Cream
From Kraft Mac & Cheese to Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, it seems like every flavor imaginable has been churned into ice cream. But sometimes, you just crave a classic. We embarked on a taste-testing journey through eight readily available vanilla ice cream brands, ranging from budget-friendly to premium (but not venturing into the “artisan” price range) to find the best scoop.
Our Methodology
We selected brands available in most grocery stores nationwide, aiming for a mix of prices and styles. We focused on classic vanilla flavors, though some brands offered slight variations.
Each ice cream was rated on a scale of 1 to 10, considering flavor, consistency, and mouthfeel. The contenders included:
- Hood
- Tillamook
- Ben & Jerry’s
- 365 by Whole Foods Market
- Breyers
- Häagen-Dazs
- Oatly
- Turkey Hill
And the Winner Is…
Best Overall: Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla Ice Cream
Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla is “Vermont’s Finest,” but it could easily be “America’s Finest.” This was our clear favorite, boasting a rich, creamy texture and a lingering vanilla flavor. The quality of the Vermont cream shines through in every spoonful.
Best Vanilla Bean: Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Bean is the epitome of elegance. With a clean, bright vanilla flavor and a delicate floral finish, it’s perfect for a sophisticated summer treat. Despite its higher sugar content, it’s not overly sweet.
Best Budget Pick: Turkey Hill Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Turkey Hill Homemade Vanilla offers a delightful vanilla bean flavor and a pleasant, light aftertaste at an affordable price. It’s a versatile choice, ideal for milkshakes or a scoop alongside a slice of pie.
Best Classic Flavor: Tillamook Old-Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream
Tillamook Old-Fashioned Vanilla is a rich and creamy classic. While the vanilla flavor is subtle, the thick, decadent texture makes it a comforting choice.
Best Organic Pick: 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
For those seeking organic ingredients, 365 by Whole Foods Market offers a decent option. While not the most flavorful, it provides a satisfactory organic alternative.
Good for Sundaes: Hood Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Hood Vanilla Bean serves as a good base for sundaes, especially with its lower sugar content. However, the vanilla flavor was somewhat underwhelming.
Take It or Leave It: Breyers Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Breyers Homemade Vanilla, while a familiar favorite for many, fell short in our testing. The slightly synthetic taste and oily texture were less appealing.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Oatly Vanilla Ice Cream
Oatly Vanilla Ice Cream offers a unique oat-forward flavor that works surprisingly well in an affogato. Its dairy-, nut-, and gluten-free composition makes it a good option for those with dietary restrictions.
Prices and availability may vary.
Read More About This Story:
- The Best Vanilla Ice Cream Brands at the Grocery Store, Ranked (reviews.cheapism.com)