The freezer aisle is brimming with frosty temptation—but not every pint is a spoonful of joy. Some are rich, velvety masterpieces that deserve a permanent place in your dessert rotation. Others? Let’s just say they’re better left behind the frosted glass. Whether you’re a connoisseur of classic vanilla or a swirl-chaser hunting down bold mix-ins, knowing which brands bring the real-deal indulgence makes all the difference. We’ve scooped through the good, the bad, and the freezer-burned to uncover 8 low-quality ice cream picks to ditch, and 8 high-quality favorites to scoop all summer long.
1. DITCH: Blue Bunny
While the packaging may promise joy, Blue Bunny often delivers disappointment. Many of its products are technically “frozen dairy desserts,” not real ice cream—a clue that stabilizers, gums, and high fructose corn syrup play a starring role. The texture leans airy instead of luscious, and the flavor lacks the depth real cream should bring. Sure, it’s affordable and easy to find, but that bargain comes at the cost of creaminess and quality. If you’re craving indulgence, Blue Bunny is more of a placeholder than a hero—better saved for ice cream socials where flavor is an afterthought.
2. DITCH: Turkey Hill
This once-beloved brand has shifted into corner-cutting territory. Turkey Hill’s classic lineup includes a slew of artificial flavorings and stabilizers that dilute the creamy experience you expect from a true pint of indulgence. It often relies on corn syrup instead of pure sugar and tastes more like nostalgia than quality.
Even once-bold flavors like chocolate or mint chip now feel muted and overly sweet. While it wins points for availability, Turkey Hill doesn’t quite churn out the richness you’d hope for—making it more of a freezer filler than a dessert centerpiece.
3. DITCH: Great Value (Walmart brand)
Budget-friendly? Absolutely. But when it comes to flavor and texture, Great Value ice cream often lives up to its name a bit too literally. Many varieties contain high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, and thickening agents that leave a waxy aftertaste instead of that dreamy creaminess you crave. The vanilla lacks depth, the chocolate tastes like sweetened paste, and don’t even get us started on the swirl flavors. This brand might be easy on your wallet, but it’s not doing your taste buds any favors. Keep it in the cart only if you’re topping it with everything else.
4. DITCH: Kemps
Kemps might bring Midwestern charm, but its ingredient list is anything but wholesome. With corn syrup and mono- and diglycerides showing up in many of its flavors, it sacrifices the real-cream richness true ice cream lovers chase.
The texture can feel a little synthetic, and some flavors border on artificially sweet. While its custard-like note sets it apart slightly, it still lands in the meh zone more often than not. It’s not the worst offender in the freezer aisle, but it’s far from scoop-worthy if you’re looking for a premium experience.
5. DITCH: Hudsonville
Hudsonville may tug at the heartstrings with its nostalgic branding and Midwest roots, but don’t let that cozy image melt your standards. While it offers a generous scoop of creative flavors and colorful mix-ins, many varieties rely on artificial coloring and flavoring that take away from an otherwise decent base. The texture can be inconsistent—too sweet in some pints, oddly bland in others—and while the add-ins look fun, they don’t always harmonize with the ice cream itself. It’s the kind of brand that seems more exciting on the shelf than on the spoon. Passable, but not praise-worthy.
6. DITCH: Private Selection (Kroger premium brand)
At first glance, Private Selection promises upscale indulgence with its elegant packaging and posh-sounding flavors. But crack open the lid and you’ll often find a base that’s more filler than finesse. Carrageenan, mono- and diglycerides, and other emulsifiers leave the texture feeling overly processed and slightly gummy.
The flavors, while imaginative, can taste artificial or overly sweet, lacking the rich dairy backbone of higher-end pints. It’s a classic case of marketing outpacing quality. Private Selection is a fine upgrade from true budget brands—but for those chasing creamy, clean-label excellence, it lands somewhere in the middle of the pack.
7. DITCH: Edy’s/Dreyer’s
Once a nostalgic staple of family freezers, Edy’s (or Dreyer’s, depending on your region) has sadly slipped into mediocrity. Many of its offerings have transitioned to “frozen dairy dessert” status, meaning they contain less cream and more gums, fillers, and air. That shift is noticeable in every bite—flavors feel watered down, the texture is airy and insubstantial, and it melts with an oddly fluffy consistency. It’s still widely available, and the price remains friendly, but what you gain in accessibility, you lose in quality. Edy’s may bring back childhood memories, but your adult taste buds deserve better.
8. DITCH: Breyers
Once a gold standard for simple, wholesome ice cream, Breyers has undergone a quiet transformation—and not for the better. Many popular flavors now include corn syrup, tara gum, and other industrial additives that compromise both texture and taste. Even its classic vanilla, once celebrated for its clean label, feels thin and flat on the tongue. The brand has also reclassified some flavors as “frozen dairy desserts,” signaling a step away from real ice cream. While the name still carries weight, the product inside doesn’t live up to its legacy. For true indulgence, Breyers is best left behind.
9. SCOOP: Häagen-Dazs
When it comes to rich, no-nonsense indulgence, Häagen-Dazs reigns supreme. This legendary brand keeps it beautifully simple—real cream, milk, eggs, and sugar—resulting in a dense, velvety scoop that melts like a dream.
With no artificial flavors, gums, or fillers, each pint feels like a masterclass in how ice cream should taste. Whether you go classic with vanilla or dive into dulce de leche, there’s a distinct purity and richness to every bite. It’s not the flashiest brand on the shelf, but it’s undoubtedly one of the best. This is real-deal ice cream, and your spoon knows it.
10. SCOOP: Ben & Jerry’s
Chunky, funky, and unapologetically over-the-top, Ben & Jerry’s is the flavor playground for ice cream lovers who want more. Fairtrade-certified ingredients? Check. Non-GMO dairy from happy cows? Absolutely. From their iconic Cherry Garcia to newer hits like Netflix & Chill’d, every pint is packed with bold flavor and texture that hits all the right notes. It’s indulgence with a conscience, and every bite feels like dessert and a treat-yourself moment rolled into one. No shortcuts here—just wild creativity and quality ingredients wrapped in a signature swirl of fun. Ben & Jerry’s isn’t just ice cream—it’s an experience.
11. SCOOP: Tillamook
Crafted on Oregon’s coast with milk from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones, Tillamook brings creamery-level quality to grocery store shelves. Their ice cream is luxuriously thick, slow-churned for extra richness, and made without artificial flavors or sweeteners.
Each spoonful delivers a balanced sweetness and satisfying creaminess that lingers without being cloying. Vanilla Bean sings with real flecks, and flavors like Mudslide or Marionberry Pie bring bakery-level decadence. It’s the kind of pint you finish without even realizing it—pure, comforting, and genuinely delicious. If you’re looking for a brand that honors the basics and elevates them, this is it.
12. SCOOP: Graeter’s
Handcrafted in small batches using a rare French Pot process, Graeter’s is the epitome of old-school done right. The result? Ultra-dense, creamy scoops that feel like silk on the tongue. Their chocolate chips are more like slabs—thick, bittersweet shards that surprise and delight with every bite. The ingredient list is short, pure, and focused on quality, with no unnecessary fillers. Whether you choose Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip or Madagascar Vanilla Bean, it’s clear you’re eating something special. Graeter’s may not be as widely known as the giants, but one taste and you’ll understand why it’s adored by ice cream purists.
13. SCOOP: McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams
Born in Santa Barbara and made from scratch with milk from local, grass-grazed cows, McConnell’s delivers a scoop that’s both creamy and conscientious. The flavors lean sophisticated—think Eureka Lemon & Marionberries or Turkish Coffee—yet the texture is old-fashioned indulgence at its finest.
Everything is pasteurized and churned in-house, using only real ingredients and zero shortcuts. No gums. No preservatives. No artificial anything. Just wildly creamy ice cream that coats your tongue with rich, honest-to-goodness flavor. If you’re after a pint that tastes like it came from a boutique creamery but is ready in your freezer, this is your match.
14. SCOOP: Talenti
Don’t let the clear gelato jar fool you—Talenti’s not just about looks. Their Italian-style gelato is churned slowly for a denser, silkier texture than traditional ice cream. And the flavors? They’re globally inspired and crafted with impressive care. Think Madagascan vanilla, Sicilian pistachios, or Argentine caramel. They skip the stabilizers and heavy-handed sweeteners in favor of clean, creamy consistency and ingredients you can pronounce. It’s the kind of treat that feels indulgent yet refined, with a spoonable texture that’s utterly addictive. Whether you’re dairy or dairy-free, Talenti is a freezer staple that effortlessly blends quality and taste.
15. SCOOP: So Delicious
Plant-based eaters, rejoice—So Delicious makes going dairy-free feel like zero compromise. Their coconutmilk, almondmilk, and oatmilk ice creams are surprisingly rich and creamy, often indistinguishable from their dairy-based counterparts. Free from artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners, every bite is clean and thoughtfully crafted.
Flavors like Snickerdoodle or Mocha Almond Fudge go beyond the basics, and the texture is often a standout in the non-dairy category. Plus, they’re non-GMO and offer several organic options. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just curious, So Delicious is a must-try for guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
16. SCOOP: Double Rainbow
A Bay Area favorite with a cult following, Double Rainbow lives up to its whimsical name. Known for its luscious texture and pure ingredients, this creamery blends traditional craftsmanship with clean-label commitment. The Organic Vanilla is a revelation—made with organic cream, cane sugar, and real vanilla extract. Every flavor, from classic Chocolate to zippy Lemon Custard, is designed to be bright, bold, and indulgent. It’s one of the rare brands that impresses both ingredient purists and full-on flavor fanatics. If you spot it in your local store, grab it fast—Double Rainbow doesn’t just deliver, it dazzles.
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