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 -
365 (Whole Foods) Organic Vanilla Bean
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
96
200
11
Density: 365 Vanilla barely qualifies as a premium ice cream, but it is. Many deluxe store ice creams don't.
Flavor:
Alec's Vanilla Bean
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
122
290
16
Alec's Ice Cream is a little unique in that it differentiates itself from other brands by using gut-friendly, regenerative-organic ingredients. Additionally, its recipes avoid artificial additives.
Density: Alec's ice cream is less dense than ultra-premium brands (Jeni's, Graeter's, etc.), but is definitely a couple of "notches" above regular ice cream.
Flavor: Very good flavor, a little unique. This ice cream has a very smooth, creamy, rich vanilla flavor. The overall texture is very smooth and creamy, and a bit lighter than that of ultra-premium ice creams. Notably, there is a very slight tartness (or maybe nuttiness) that adds some complexity to the overall flavor.
Bank Street Vanilla
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
149
0
0
Bank Street is a small ice cream shop in downtown Easton PA. No calorie or fat information available so values are set to zero.
Density: This ice cream is very dense, with little added overrun (air) as expected from a batch creamery. As a result, like other similarly dense ice creams, it is hard to scoop straight from the freezer.
Flavor: Despite its high density, the ice cream has a very creamy texture and a strong vanilla-and-cream flavor.
Bassett's Vanilla
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
102
270
17
America's oldest ice cream brand is a family-owned business started by Lewis Dubois Bassett in 1861, and began selling from a location at 5th and Market in Philadelphia.
Density: This was a bit of a letdown. Coming from a more boutique ice cream maker, the ice cream is not very dense, averaging slightly denser than Tillamook.
Flavor: This was also a bit of a "mixed bag". The vanilla flavor was very good, not plain sweet, but with a nice cream-vanilla character. The texture, however, was not as smooth. It was slightly icy and crumbly, despite the presence of some emulsifiers listed in the ingredients. Perhaps it had been on the shelf a long time. The texture is the main cause of the lower rating compared to other ice creams.
Ben and Jerry's Vanilla
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
143
330
21
Breyer's French Vanilla
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
85
180
10
Density:
Flavor:
Breyer's Natural Vanilla
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
88
190
9
Density: Similar to other basic ice creams, very light due to more overrun, but at least that reduces calories for those who care.
Flavor: Fairly plain, sweet, and light ice cream, not a lot of vanilla, nor any egg flavor, but otherwise harmless. Like other Breyers offerings, not a substantial ice cream.
Graeter's Madagascar Vanilla Bean
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
131
320
20
Density: It is pretty obvious that there is little added overrun (air). Coming out of a freezer, like similarly dense ice creams, it is hard to scoop.
Flavor:
Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Bean
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
129
350
23
Jeni's Honey Vanilla Bean
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
123
280
20
Pending Review.
McConnell's Vanilla Bean
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
130
290
18
Straus Vanilla Bean
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
110
270
19
Density: Straus vanilla ice cream is one step above Tillamook and falls into the Super Premium category.
Flavor: On this ice cream, I have two distinct opinions. First, based purely on the taste, this ice cream has a sweet, noticeable vanilla bean flavor, not "whip cream-y sweet." On the other hand, and perhaps due to more overrun (or a lack of certain artificial ingredients), the texture is not as smooth as that of more premium ice creams and has a very slight ice-crystal-like texture.
Tillamook Old Fashioned Vanilla
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
95
210
13
Tillamook, as a brand, appears to target a slightly upscale ice cream in terms of flavor, mouthfeel, and density.
Density:
Flavor:
Tillamook Vanilla Bean
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
95
210
13
Tillamook, as a brand, appears to target a slightly upscale ice cream in terms of flavor, mouthfeel, and density.
Density:
Flavor:
Turkey Hill Vanilla Bean
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
87
170
9
Pending Review.
Van Leeuwen Vanilla Bean
Flavor Rating
Density Rating
Serving Weight (gm.)
Calories/Serving
Fat/Serving (gm.)
108
270
19
Density: Van Leeuwen's Vanilla is not as dense as other pint-sized premium ice creams. This gives the ice cream a slightly lighter mouthfeel, which some may like (but I prefer a bit less air).
Flavor: This ice cream's flavor is excellent. Van Leeuwen calls this a "French" ice cream, which I take to mean it contains a little more egg. This gives the ice cream a more "custard-y" flavor and, combined with a strong vanilla flavor, creates a very interesting, more complex creamy taste. Another plus is that unlike some of the other premium ice creams, the texture if very smooth and creamy. There is no icy texture.