Identifying the best brands of ice cream is a chimerical task, since it corresponds more to a subjective perception than to an objective data. For this reason, the best qualitative method to give some validity and rigour to this classification is to ask direct consumers: look at their sales and popularity.

On the other hand, we have to take into account that the most important ice cream brands invest huge amounts of money in advertising and marketing, so although the offer of this product is very wide, and the effects of advertising can be mixed with our perceptions about its taste.

Classification of the best ice cream brands in the world

There are hundreds of thousands of flavors and combinations produced and distributed by different prestigious brands, some with a history of more than half a century.

In the following lines we will see the best rated ice cream brands in the world according to the opinion of consumers, distributors and experts in the field.

1. Ben and Jerry’s

How many times have we seen the famous packaging of cows in an ice cream tub? What should be an image of some brand of milk, represents the quality of what is considered the best brand of ice cream worldwide. This American brand was born in 1978 on a humble farm, making homemade ice cream.

Since then, the growth of this brand has been exponential, entering millions of dollars worldwide, especially in the Anglo-Saxon market (both UK and USA). Catering companies such as McDonald’s, Burger King or Domino’s Pizza offer this product in their fast food chains.

2. Carte d’Or

Coincidentally, this brand was born at the same time as the first on the list, in 1978, but on the other side of the Atlantic. Specifically in the French capital, Paris, a city renowned for its culinary delights. With a whopping 4 million euros net in revenue last year, the Carte d’Or company has earned second place on this list.

Famous are its franchises throughout the European continent , being, besides a quality product, a business of assured success.

Its specialty is the tubs and cones, with different categories to reach a wider audience: Carte d’Or Patisserie, Carte d’Or Sorbet, Carte d’Or Gelateria and its star product, Carte d’Or Classic.

3. Häagen-Dazs

You probably don’t even need to present this mark. As the oldest ice-cream brand of all, Häagen-Dazs has become one of the benchmarks in pastry and ice-cream . Its luxury establishments are always located in the best areas in all cities of the world.

In addition, they have also been a tremendous success on an industrial level due to their exclusive design of the tub that incorporates a small spoon to be able to enjoy its consumption in any place or circumstance. Their specialties are coffee, chocolate and vanilla which, according to the experts, are unbeatable.

4. Cornetto

Who doesn’t know the most famous cone in the world? All the world’s famous people have been photographed with it. From Lionel Messi to Bradley Cooper.

Unlike the rest of the brands, the company has a clear-cut product: cream, chocolate and cone-shaped biscuits . Anyone who hears the name Cornetto identifies it as such.

It is a relatively young company, less than three decades old, a fact that makes it even more important to place itself in no less than fourth place among the best ice cream brands in the world.

5. Magnum

Another kind of ice cream with worldwide recognition. Magnum was born in 1989 designed for the elderly (adult) public . Famous are its ads with a certain sensuality and ode to pleasure where also have participated a wide range of celebrities like George Clooney or the Spanish actress and model Jana Perez.

Its simple but original product consists of a mass of vanilla or cream ice cream covered with melted chocolate attached to a wooden stick. Although it lacks the variety of its competitors, its popularity continues to grow every year.

6. Kalise

It is probably the most famous Spanish brand in the world of pastry and ice cream products. Although the company was born in 1999, its tradition and recipe dates back to the 40s and 60s, in the Balearic Islands.

At present it is one of the best brands of ice cream in the world since, thanks to its exports, it earns a net income of 78 million euros per year.

Moreover, it is surely the brand that offers more variety and products : tubs, cones and other dairy products are offered in all kinds of catering establishments. Its market share in Spain is 25%, according to the latest estimates.

7. Blue Bell

Perhaps the least known ice cream brand in the world, but not the least good. Blue Bell Creameries was born at the beginning of the 20th century, in 1911 in the United States, in a farm that, at first, was oriented to the sale of homemade butter.

Well, is currently the best-selling brand of ice cream in the entire American country , surpassing all its competitors by its 400 million dollars in its last fiscal year. Its speciality is cream and vanilla ice cream with around 250 combinations, apart from sorbets and other yoghurt ice creams.

Bibliographic references:

  • Steele, L. (2016). “An International Guide to Snacking.” Men’s Journal.