Ice cream, an evergreen favorite, continues to delight taste buds across the United States. From classic flavors to innovative creations, the ice cream landscape in 2024 is richer and more diverse than ever. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 best ice creams in the USA for 2024, highlighting what makes each one unique and worthy of a spot on this exclusive list.
Top 10 Best Ice Creams in the USA
1. Salt & Straw – Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons
Salt & Straw is a renowned name in the world of artisanal ice cream, and their Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons flavor is a standout. Known for its rich, creamy texture and complex flavors, this ice cream combines sea salt with smooth caramel ribbons, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Salt & Straw’s commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients makes this flavor a favorite among ice cream aficionados.
Why It’s Special: The contrast between the sea salt and caramel creates an irresistible flavor profile, and the texture is consistently creamy.
Key Ingredients: Sea salt, caramel, cream, and milk from local dairies.
Where to Find It: Available at Salt & Straw locations across the USA and through their online store.
2. Ben & Jerry’s – Half Baked
Ben & Jerry’s is a household name known for its quirky flavors and social activism. Their Half Baked ice cream is a fan favorite, featuring a delicious combination of chocolate and vanilla ice cream with chunks of cookie dough and fudge brownies. The blend of textures and flavors makes it a must-try for anyone seeking a decadent treat.
Why It’s Special: The combination of chocolate and vanilla with cookie dough and brownie chunks offers a variety of textures and flavors in every bite.
Key Ingredients: Chocolate ice cream, vanilla ice cream, cookie dough, and fudge brownies.
Where to Find It: Available in grocery stores nationwide and at Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops.
3. Haagen-Dazs – Vanilla Bean
When it comes to classic flavors, Haagen-Dazs’ Vanilla Bean stands out for its simplicity and perfection. Made with only a few high-quality ingredients, this ice cream showcases the rich and creamy flavor of vanilla beans. The company’s dedication to using real vanilla and premium ingredients results in an indulgent and satisfying treat.
Why It’s Special: The pure, rich vanilla flavor comes from using real vanilla beans and high-quality cream.
Key Ingredients: Vanilla beans, cream, milk, and sugar.
Where to Find It: Widely available in grocery stores across the country.
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4. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – Brambleberry Crisp
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is known for its innovative flavors and high-quality ingredients. Their Brambleberry Crisp flavor combines a tangy berry compote with a buttery oat crumble. This flavor stands out for its sophisticated blend of sweet and tart, along with a delightful texture that includes pieces of crispy oat crumble.
Why It’s Special: The combination of brambleberry compote and oat crumble offers a unique and textural experience.
Key Ingredients: Brambleberries, oats, butter, and cream.
Where to Find It: Available at Jeni’s Scoop Shops and through their online store.
5. McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams – Eureka Lemon & Marionberry
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams prides itself on using only the finest ingredients, and their Eureka Lemon & Marionberry flavor is a testament to their commitment to quality. This ice cream features a tangy lemon flavor paired with the sweet and tart notes of marionberries, creating a refreshing and unique taste experience.
Why It’s Special: The combination of tangy lemon and sweet marionberries creates a refreshing and well-balanced flavor profile.
Key Ingredients: Eureka lemons, marionberries, cream, and milk.
Where to Find It: Available at select grocery stores and through McConnell’s online store.
6. Ample Hills Creamery – The Munchies
Ample Hills Creamery is celebrated for its creative and playful flavors. The Munchies is one of their most popular offerings, featuring a blend of pretzel ice cream with crunchy potato chip pieces, caramel swirls, and fudge. This flavor is an ode to the classic sweet and salty combination, providing a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite.
Why It’s Special: The mix of salty pretzels, crunchy potato chips, and creamy caramel creates a complex and addictive flavor profile.
Key Ingredients: Pretzels, potato chips, caramel, and fudge.
Where to Find It: Available at Ample Hills Creamery locations and through their online store.
7. Talenti – Mediterranean Mint
Talenti is known for its gelato-style ice cream, and their Mediterranean Mint is a standout flavor. This refreshing treat features a blend of mint ice cream with a swirl of chocolate and a hint of sea salt. The result is a cool, creamy ice cream with a satisfying crunch of chocolate and a touch of salt.
Why It’s Special: The refreshing mint flavor combined with chocolate swirls and a hint of sea salt makes for a sophisticated and delightful ice cream experience.
Key Ingredients: Mint, chocolate, sea salt, cream, and milk.
Where to Find It: Available in grocery stores nationwide.
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8. Breyers – Natural Vanilla
Breyers has long been a staple in American households, and their Natural Vanilla flavor is a testament to their commitment to quality. Made with real vanilla and no artificial flavors, this ice cream offers a pure and simple vanilla experience that is perfect for any occasion.
Why It’s Special: The use of real vanilla and natural ingredients provides a classic and straightforward vanilla flavor.
Key Ingredients: Real vanilla, cream, milk, and sugar.
Where to Find It: Widely available in grocery stores across the USA.
9. Cado – Mint Chocolate Chip
Cado specializes in dairy-free ice creams, and their Mint Chocolate Chip is a standout for those with dietary restrictions. Made with avocado as a base, this ice cream offers a creamy texture and a refreshing mint flavor with chocolate chips. It’s a delicious alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.
Why It’s Special: The avocado base provides a creamy texture without dairy, and the mint flavor combined with chocolate chips makes it a satisfying treat.
Key Ingredients: Avocado, mint, chocolate chips, and coconut milk.
Where to Find It: Available in natural food stores and through online retailers.
10. Edy’s – Cookies and Cream
Edy’s (known as Dreyer’s in some regions) is a beloved ice cream brand with a classic flavor that many people adore: Cookies and Cream. This ice cream features a creamy vanilla base with chunks of chocolate cookies throughout, offering a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures.
Why It’s Special: The combination of vanilla ice cream with chunks of chocolate cookies creates a classic and satisfying flavor experience.
Key Ingredients: Vanilla ice cream, chocolate cookies, cream, and milk.
Where to Find It: Available in grocery stores nationwide.
Conclusion
The world of ice cream in 2024 offers an exciting array of flavors and textures, from the classic richness of Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Bean to the innovative twists of Ample Hills Creamery’s The Munchies. Each of these top 10 ice creams showcases a unique combination of high-quality ingredients, creative flavor profiles, and a commitment to delivering a satisfying treat. Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavors or adventurous combinations, these ice creams represent the best of what the industry has to offer, making them must-try treats for ice cream enthusiasts across the country.
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