A Mrs. Topper suggested Top 3 List!
Ice cream is the ultimate indulgence, a frozen treat that brings joy to kids and adults alike. In 2025, the ice cream market is bursting with brands offering rich flavors, high-quality ingredients, and innovative twists. Whether you’re craving a classic vanilla scoop or a bold new flavor, the right brand can make all the difference. In this article, we explore the top 3 best ice cream brands for 2025, selected based on taste, ingredient quality, and consumer popularity, ensuring you find the perfect pint for your next dessert craving.
Why Ice Cream Brands Matter
The best ice cream brands stand out by using premium ingredients, avoiding artificial fillers, and delivering a creamy texture that melts perfectly on your tongue. From small-batch artisans to household names, these brands balance flavor, innovation, and accessibility. With options ranging from dairy-free to low-calorie and classic creamy pints, there’s something for every palate in 2025.
Below, we dive into the top 3 best ice cream brands that are dominating the freezer aisle this year, based on taste tests, consumer feedback, and market trends.
1. Ben & Jerry’s
Why It’s the Best
Ben & Jerry’s tops our list for its iconic flavors, commitment to quality, and social responsibility. Known for chunky mix-ins and creative flavor names like Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey, this Vermont-based brand has been a fan favorite for decades. In 2025, Ben & Jerry’s continues to lead with its rich, creamy texture and ethically sourced ingredients, earning it a top spot in consumer rankings ([Statista, 2025]).
Key Features
- Popular Flavors: Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Phish Food, Half Baked
- Ingredients: High-quality dairy, fair-trade sugar, and no artificial flavors or fillers
- Price: ~$5–$7 per pint
- Why It Stands Out: Bold flavor combinations, ethical sourcing, and a creamy texture with generous mix-ins
- Availability: Nationwide in supermarkets, convenience stores, and Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops
Why We Love It
Ben & Jerry’s delivers a decadent experience with every scoop, thanks to its high butterfat content and chunky add-ins like fudge swirls and cookie dough. Their commitment to sustainability and fair-trade ingredients resonates with eco-conscious consumers. Whether you’re digging into a pint of Americone Dream or trying their dairy-free options, Ben & Jerry’s consistently delivers bold flavors and a velvety texture that’s hard to beat ([Cozymeal, 2025]).
Pro Tip: Let the pint soften for 5–10 minutes before scooping to enhance the creamy texture, and pair with a warm brownie for an indulgent treat.
2. Van Leeuwen
Why It’s a Fan Favorite
Van Leeuwen, a Brooklyn-based brand, earns its spot for its artisanal approach and exceptional flavor profiles. Known for both dairy and vegan options, Van Leeuwen uses high-quality ingredients like organic milk, egg yolks, and plant-based bases like oat and cashew milk. Their Honeycomb and Sicilian Pistachio flavors are standout hits, making them a go-to for premium ice cream lovers in 2025 ([Forbes, 2023]).
Key Features
- Popular Flavors: Honeycomb, Vegan Churros & Fudge, Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin
- Ingredients: Organic dairy or plant-based milks, minimal additives, and real vanilla beans
- Price: ~$5–$8 per pint (cheaper at Target or Walmart)
- Why It Stands Out: Rich, eggy dairy ice creams and creamy vegan options with creative mix-ins
- Availability: Available at Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, and via nationwide shipping
Why We Love It
Van Leeuwen’s ice creams are a cut above, with a silky texture and bold, authentic flavors. Their vegan line, made with oat or cashew milk, rivals dairy ice creams in creaminess, appealing to a26, 2024]). The brand’s commitment to clean ingredients and small-batch production ensures a premium experience, perfect for those seeking gourmet ice cream without artificial additives.
Pro Tip: Try the Vegan Cookies & Cream for a plant-based treat that’s as indulgent as its dairy counterparts, and order online for exclusive flavors not found in stores.
3. Tillamook
Why It’s a Top Pick
Tillamook, an Oregon-based dairy brand, rounds out our top three for its rich, creamy ice cream and wide flavor variety. Originally known for its cheeses, Tillamook has gained nationwide acclaim for its ice cream, offering a perfect balance of indulgent texture and approachable pricing. Their Strawberry and Coffee Almond Fudge flavors are standout choices for 2025, praised for their fresh, natural taste ([Sporked, 2024]).
Key Features
- Popular Flavors: Strawberry, Coffee Almond Fudge, Chocolate Peanut Butter
- Ingredients: High butterfat content (13.5%), real fruit, and minimal additives
- Price: ~$4–$6 per 1.5-quart container
- Why It Stands Out: Creamy texture, real fruit chunks, and great value for larger containers
- Availability: Widely available at supermarkets like Walmart, Kroger, and Safeway
Why We Love It
Tillamook’s ice cream is a crowd-pleaser, offering a rich, creamy texture without being overly heavy. Their use of real strawberries and high-quality dairy ensures authentic flavors, while the larger container size makes it a budget-friendly choice for families. With 24+ flavors, Tillamook caters to classic and adventurous palates alike, earning high marks in taste tests for its balance of richness and lightness ([Cozymeal, 2025]).
Pro Tip: Try the Marionberry Pie flavor for a Pacific Northwest-inspired treat, and serve slightly softened for the best scooping experience.
How to Choose the Best Ice Cream Brand for You
With so many fantastic ice cream brands in 2025, your choice depends on your preferences and needs. Here’s a quick guide:
- If You Love Chunky Mix-Ins: Ben & Jerry’s is your go-to for bold flavors and generous add-ins like fudge and cookies.
- If You Want Premium Quality: Van Leeuwen offers artisanal dairy and vegan options with clean ingredients and unique flavors.
- If You Need Value and Variety: Tillamook provides large containers, classic flavors, and great taste at a lower price point.
- Dietary Needs: Van Leeuwen excels in vegan options, while Ben & Jerry’s offers dairy-free pints. Tillamook is best for traditional dairy lovers.
Consider flavor variety, ingredient quality, and budget when picking your perfect pint. Check local stores or online retailers for availability and deals.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, the top 3 best ice cream brands—Ben & Jerry’s, Van Leeuwen, and Tillamook—deliver exceptional quality, flavor, and value, making them must-tries for any ice cream enthusiast. Whether you’re indulging in Ben & Jerry’s chunky classics, savoring Van Leeuwen’s artisanal craftsmanship, or enjoying Tillamook’s creamy, budget-friendly scoops, these brands elevate every dessert moment. Stock your freezer with one (or all!) of these top picks and enjoy a sweet escape any time of year.
Craving a scoop? Head to your local supermarket or order online to try these top ice cream brands. Share your favorite flavor in the comments below!
