When you’re craving something sweet and indulgent, is there anything better than your favorite dessert topped with a generous scoop of ice cream? Or a sundae loaded up with all your favorite toppings? Or even just a sweet and simple ice cream cone? We say definitely not!
In efforts to make those apple pies a la mode and milkshakes taste their most delicious, our Test Kitchen put 10 popular brands to the test to find the best vanilla ice cream.
What Makes the Best Vanilla Ice Cream
In our Test Kitchen’s search for the best vanilla ice cream, they kept a few criteria in mind:
- Flavor: The ice cream should taste strongly of real vanilla (not faux vanilla flavoring).
- Texture: A great ice cream should be smooth and creamy—not icy or gritty.
- Appearance: Our Test Kitchen wanted a vanilla ice cream that looked tempting and delicious—bonus points for flecks of real vanilla beans!
With these key factors in mind, our testing team tried ten popular brands in a blind test. Testers kept in mind that this ice cream should taste delicious on its own but also make a great ingredient in some of our go-to ice cream desserts.
Want to learn more about how our Test Kitchen chooses their favorite products? Check out our testing methods.
Our Test Kitchen Preferred Vanilla Ice Cream Brands
After sampling ten brands and getting more than a few brain freezes, our Test Kitchen thought that three ice creams really rose to the top. Here are our Test Kitchen’s top picks.
Best for Kids: Blue Bunny Vanilla Ice Cream
Sometimes you take a bite of something and just know that the kiddos in your life would love it. Such is the case with Blue Bunny’s vanilla ice cream. This ice cream was rich and creamy. We gave it high ratings for its indulgent texture. As for the flavor, this vanilla ice cream reminded us of treats from the ice cream truck and hot summer days slurping ice cream from cones—meaning it was delicious and nostalgic but just a bit artificial (but in that way you sometimes crave and in the way that kids just adore).
Most Vanilla Flavor: 365 Everyday Value Vanilla Ice Cream
If you’re a serious vanilla lover—the kind of person that keeps multiple bottles of extract in their pantry—add Whole Foods’ 365 Everyday Value vanilla ice cream to your cart. This ice cream tasted of real vanilla beans (not vanilla flavoring—there is a difference). These scoops were well balanced: sweet but not cloying, flavorful but not overwhelming. This option was a bit less creamy than other options but very flavorful.
The Richest Vanilla Ice Cream: Trader Joe’s French Vanilla
The ice cream that had us wanting a double scoop was undoubtedly Trader Joe’s. Out of all the vanilla ice cream brands, TJs gained the highest marks for its exceptionally creamy, almost buttery, texture. The vanilla flavor in each serving was also very apparent—we noticed that it tasted authentic (no phony vanilla flavor here!). While the taste was obvious and incredibly lush, it wasn’t overpowering in any way. That not-too-subtle and not-too-strong balance is hard to find, but it’s exactly what you want for serving with your favorite chocolate cake, homemade pie or just topped with some sprinkles.
What to Make with Vanilla Ice Cream
It goes without saying: You don’t need to make anything with vanilla ice cream. Each of these brands was great right out of the container without a single topping. However, ice cream desserts—be they over-the-top milkshakes, ice cream cakes or vintage-style baked Alaskas—are some of the most decadent around. With the right ice cream, all of these treats turn from tempting to positively irresistible. Just look at all the creative ways you can make use of vanilla ice cream.
Cherry and Chocolate Ice Cream Pie
Cherry and chocolate is a classic combination. Give this Black Forest pairing a new life by blending it with tasty vanilla ice cream and popping it in a pie crust. Not sure which brand of ice cream to buy? Check out the brands our editors and the Taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend.
Ice Cream Kolachkes
These sweet pastries have Polish and Czech roots and can also be spelled "kolaches." They are usually filled with poppy seeds, nuts, jam or a mashed fruit mixture. The ice cream is a unique twist on traditional kolachkes, and it's simplest to use a square cookie cutter to cut the dough. —Diane Turner, Brunswick, Ohio
Giant Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwich
I created this giant peanut butter cookie cake for my husband, adding light and low-fat products to the cookie dough. It was so fantastic that I fixed it with conventional ingredients for guests. Since it can be made ahead of time and frozen, it cuts stress for busy hostesses. And really, who doesn't love peanut butter ice cream? —Joann Belack, Bradenton, Florida
It's-It Ice Cream Sandwiches
You'll discover why the treat is so popular in San Francisco. It's snack heaven...ice cream, delicious oatmeal cookies and a touch of chocolate. Swap out the vanilla for your favorite flavor, such as chocolate, caramel or cherry. — Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California
Banana Split Supreme
This lovely and delightful dessert has the classic flavor of a banana split. It's a cool, creamy treat with no last-minute fuss since you just pull it from the freezer. It always solicits praise from our big family. -Marye Franzen, Gothenburg, Nebraska
S'mores Milk Shake
When cabin fever hits, we whip up a beverage that tastes like s’mores. Oven-toasted marshmallows and a blender make it happen. —Sarah McKenna, Centennial, Colorado
Grilled Peach Sundaes
These peaches with a hint of grill flavor are sweet and juicy. We serve them in a waffle bowl with ice cream. That’s jackpot at our house. —Nancy Dentler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Limoncello Cream Pie
After a big Christmas dinner, we love the cool refreshment of a frozen lemon pie. Limoncello brings a little sophistication to each smooth, creamy slice. —Jessie Grearson-Sapat, Falmouth, Maine
Spumoni Baked Alaska
For a refreshing end to a rich meal, try this
Lemon Meringue Floats
I actually dreamed of this float idea one night, and woke up knowing I needed to make it. Thank you, Mr. Sandman! —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Raspberry Ice Cream Delight
This gorgeous make-ahead dessert is a light, refreshing ending to a summer meal. I first made it for my aunt's 85th birthday dinner and everyone loved it! —Nancy Whitford, Edwards, New York
Snickerdoodle Ice Cream Sandwich Minis
My husband absolutely loves ice cream sandwiches and snickerdoodles, so I combined them into one fun treat. Here’s how we build this cool dessert. —Heather Pilon, Winslow, Maine
Pumpkin Gingersnap Ice Cream Pie
My family and I always try new desserts during the holidays. This one was a clear winner, so we now make it for all occasions! —Patricia Ness, La Mesa, California
Thin Mint Milk Shake
Save a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for this creamy milkshake that's fun for kids and adults, too. —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California
Italian Horn Cookies
My family has been making these delicate fruit-filled Christmas cookies for generations. Light and flaky, they have the look of elegant pastry. —Gloria Siddiqui, Houston, Texas
Frozen Grasshopper Torte
I first made this minty cool torte for a ladies' meeting at our church. I’m still making it, and the compliments keep coming. —Elma Penner, Oak Bluff, Manitoba
Thick Strawberry Shakes
Cool off with a thick and rich treat that will remind you of a malt shoppe! Nothing can beat this strawberry shake recipe. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Summer Celebration Ice Cream Cake
I wanted to make my youngest son an ice cream cake one year for his summer birthday, as he prefers ice cream to the traditional cake. He picked the flavors and I decided to try my favorite brownie recipe as a crust. It worked! —Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon
Strawberry Cream Floats
When it starts warming up in Colorado, my kids ask for ice-cold treats. This rosy pink cream float is one of our household favorites. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Crunchy Ice Cream Delight
Four generations of home cooks have shared our crunchy ice cream bars. If you love almonds like my family does, double the butter and almonds and save half to sprinkle on top. —Angie Ricklefs, Sioux City, Iowa
Red, White and Blueberry Ice Cream Pie with Granola Crust
One of my favorite pies is creamy, crunchy and patriotic. Make squiggles with the sauces, or use them for a fun design. —Marina Delio, Santa Barbara, California
Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Shakes
The winter holidays are my favorite time of year, and this spiced pumpkin drink is one reason I love the season so much. If you don't have a coffee maker, it's OK to use instant coffee—just make it stronger. —Kathie Perez, East Peoria, IllinoisAny way you scoop it, our Test Kitchen Preferred ice creams are freezer-worthy and ready to be added to your favorite ice cream desserts, like this cherry-chocolate ice cream pies. We’re sure you won’t be able to resist all the layers of fudge and pops of dark sweet cherries in every melty, creamy frozen bite.
The post We Tried 10 Brands to Find the Best Vanilla Ice Cream appeared first on Taste of Home.
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