Random Ice Cream Comparison
Introduction
Who does not like ice cream? We definitely do like ice cream. For the most part, we stick mostly to the basic flavors, but we enjoy trying different brands where even the same "flavors" can have subtle differences.
Another aspect of making ice cream that seems rarely discussed is how much ice cream is in ice cream, as opposed to air (aka overrun). Ice cream needs some air mixed in to give it that creamy (not icy) texture. Adding more air to ice cream can improve its texture, but some makers increase overrun to reduce costs (along with emulsifiers and preservatives to maintain texture).
So, while this comparison page gives our (very personal, non-expert, qualitative) opinions on ice cream flavors from several makers, we spent time cataloging a few metrics that tell us how much "stuff" (cream, milk, sugar, and mix-ins) is in each flavor.
What follows is a random list of grocery-store-bought and (a few) local ice cream store-bought flavors. For each flavor, two ratings are given: one is the ice cream's density, which is either measured directly or taken from the nutritional information. The second rating is our personal flavor rating as discussed previously. Two additional indicators of the ice cream's quality are the per-serving calories and fat content, which are also listed. Finally, included is a short commentary on each ice cream's flavor.
Ratings Definition
Regarding the ratings, each of the two ratings are scored from 0-5 using ice cream cup icons. The density rating is purely based on the weight of a single serving size. Any ice cream weighing 145 grams or more is rated 5-cups. Ice creams that weigh between 135 and 144 grams is rated 4.5 cups, and 125-134 grams is rated 4 cups. The ratings decrease a half-cup every 10 grams lower weight. It can be especially interesting to compare this rating between different ice creams of the same flavor, e.g. comparing vanillas between different makers.
The flavor rating is really just an opinion, not a specific metric. For common flavors (vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry), the flavor rating attempts to include a comparison between different brands of the same flavor. Since the taste-testing between brands is not usually done at the same time so even this may not be a very accurate comparison. (But as I said in the page title, this is random flavor comparison.
Random Flavor Selection
The flavor selection was not completely random. We started picking flavors based purely on one we thought we'd like, and our tastes lean towards the standard flavors. Then it seemed better for comparison purposes to compare a few standard flavors across brands. Thus, we decided to compare Vanilla, Strawberry, and Cookie Dough across brands. The reason these flavors are interesting is as follows:
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Vanilla - Some consider this flavor plain and uninteresting, but it has subtle nuances. There is variation in the amount of Vanilla flavoring and the use some amount of eggs, both of which give different characteristics to the flavor. Vanilla is also used by its maker as a base for many other flavors (from that brand).
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Strawberry - A popular flavor, and also one where there can be a lot of variation in the strawberry flavor depending on whether fresh strawberries or frozen are used, balanced with the sweetness and creaminess of the ice cream base.
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough -
Ben & Jerry's Lights Caramel Action
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
144
390
21
Ben & Jerry's Vanilla Caramel Fudge
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
152
390
21
Ben and Jerry's The Tonight Dough
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
143
400
22
Density: This is a very dense ice cream; in addition to a thick, creamy base, there are many mix-ins, which likely increase the weight per serving.
Flavor: There are 3 cookie-and-dough mix-ins: chocolate cookies, peanut butter dough, and chocolate chip cookie dough. Each spoonful of ice cream could have a different flavor depending on which of the ample mix-ins was in the spoon. The ice cream base is a swirl of chocolate and vanilla, which further enhances the flavor variety, although the dominant flavor is chocolate.
Haagen-Dazs Caramel Cone
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
135
400
25
Owowcow Cookies and Cream
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
142
0
0
Another local creamery with a few locations in the Lehigh Valley that makes its own ice cream, hence no fat or calorie information.
Density:
Flavor:
Tillamook Peaches and Cream
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
95
200
10
Density: The serving weight is right in line with other Tillamook flavors. It is typical for mass-produced store-bought ice cream, but perhaps a little more substantial than most similar brands.
Flavor: Overall, this ice cream has a very creamy, smooth texture, but it feels lighter than the premium brands. The peach flavor tastes much like a fresh peach, but it is (intentionally) diluted by the vanilla cream flavor. (It is labeled as "peaches and cream", so this is expected.) Our preference would be for a stronger peach flavor and less cream flavor, but this is (of course) just our preference.
Tillamook Sugar Cookie
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
92
220
11
Pending Review.