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:

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).
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.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough -

Graeter's Summer Peach

Flavor Rating

Density Rating

Serving Weight (gm.)

Calories/Serving

Fat/Serving (gm.)

132

280

Density: As usual with Graeter's ice cream, this is an ultra-premium, very dense ice cream. Based on the weight, we expect it to be a rich and creamy ice cream.

Flavor: We have tried several peach-flavored ice creams and have typically been underwhelmed, but Graeter's Peach surprised us (in a good way). This ice cream has a strong FRESH (not canned) peach flavor, and it includes what appear to be frozen fresh peach mix-ins that further enhance the peachiness. But this ice cream's base also provides a very sweet, creamy flavor that sweetly complements the fresh peach without masking it.

Tillamook Peaches and Cream

Flavor Rating

Density Rating

Serving Weight (gm.)

Calories/Serving

Fat/Serving (gm.)

200

Density: The serving weight is right in line with other Tillamook flavors. It is a bit denser than typical mass-produced store-bought ice cream, such as Breyer's, Edy's, and Turkey Hill.

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 not surprising.) Our preference would be for a stronger peach flavor and less cream flavor, but this is (of course) just our preference.

Tillamook White Chocolate Raspberry

Flavor Rating

Density Rating

Serving Weight (gm.)

Calories/Serving

Fat/Serving (gm.)

220

Density: Tillamook seems to target most (if not all) of their ice creams at a per-serving weight of around 95 grams, which, according to our system, qualifies this as just barely a premium ice cream. This helps make Tillamook ice cream feel more substantial than other ice cream.

Flavor:

Turkey Hill Black Raspberry

Flavor Rating

Density Rating

Serving Weight (gm.)

Calories/Serving

Fat/Serving (gm.)

140

Density: A relatively light, insubstantial ice cream.

Flavor: