18 Ice Cream Brands That Use The Best Quality Ingredients

When it comes to ice cream, taste matters—but so does what’s actually in the pint. While many brands pump their products with artificial flavors, gums, and mystery stabilizers, some still focus on the real-deal ingredients: fresh dairy, real fruit, high-quality chocolate, and natural add-ins. These 18 ice cream brands are known for keeping it clean, creamy, and crave-worthy.

1. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams captures the essence of creativity and quality with each scoop. Their handcrafted process uses grass-grazed milk and real, seasonal ingredients, steering clear of synthetic flavorings. Creamy and bold in flavor, options like Brambleberry Crisp and Salty Caramel are innovative delights. The artistry behind every pint is evident in the rich textures and unique combinations. Even the most discerning ice cream lovers find Jeni’s irresistible. It’s an ice cream experience that feels indulgent yet pure, offering a taste of nostalgia with modern twists. Their commitment to quality shines in every bite.

2. Häagen-Dazs

Häagen-Dazs sets the standard for quality in mass-market ice cream through its simplicity. Known for its Vanilla, which is practically iconic, the brand keeps its ingredient list minimal—cream, milk, eggs, and real flavorings. This dedication to purity results in a taste that’s luxurious and authentic. Despite its wide availability, Häagen-Dazs remains a favorite for those who appreciate classic, unadulterated flavors. Each spoonful offers a creamy texture that melts effortlessly. It’s a celebration of simplicity where less is truly more, allowing the natural ingredients to shine.

3. McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams

McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, rooted in California, elevates ice cream craftsmanship by using organic eggs and grass-fed milk. With a philosophy against artificial additives, everything is made from scratch, emphasizing quality and freshness. Each flavor is meticulously crafted, offering a genuine taste experience that’s both rich and satisfying. From the luscious textures to the vibrant flavors, McConnell’s exemplifies the art of traditional ice cream making. It’s a brand that stands out for those seeking authenticity and depth in every scoop, honoring a commitment to real ingredients.

4. Van Leeuwen

Van Leeuwen, once a humble food truck venture, has grown into a beloved ice cream brand known for its French-style richness. By avoiding gums and artificial ingredients, it delivers a lush, creamy texture that’s hard to resist. The extra egg yolks in their base contribute to its luxurious consistency. Known for its innovative flavors, Van Leeuwen offers a taste adventure with each cone. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or curious combinations, there’s something for every palate. This brand exemplifies how simplicity and quality can transform into extraordinary indulgence.

5. Graeter’s

Graeter’s, family-operated since 1870, uses the unique French Pot process to create its signature ice creams. This method ensures a dense, rich texture that stands out. Only essential ingredients like cream, cane sugar, and real fruit or chocolate make the cut. Their Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip is legendary, celebrated for its distinct, indulgent taste. With a focus on tradition and quality, Graeter’s provides an ice cream experience that feels both nostalgic and modern. It’s a brand that honors its history while consistently delivering exceptional flavors.

6. Straus Family Creamery

Straus Family Creamery is synonymous with organic excellence and a no-compromise ethos. Using pasture-raised dairy, they eliminate the need for artificial thickeners or fillers, resulting in a pure, rich flavor profile. Each scoop is a testament to their dedication to quality and sustainability, offering a taste that feels wholesome and genuine. The creamery’s commitment to real ingredients means the flavors are as natural as they are delicious. This brand is perfect for those who appreciate an honest approach to ice cream, where every bite reflects care and tradition.

7. Alden’s Organic

Alden’s Organic is an ode to simplicity and purity. Every pint is USDA-certified organic, crafted without GMOs, corn syrup, or synthetic additives. Their Mint Chip and Old-Fashioned Vanilla are more than just flavors—they’re a return to classic, clean indulgence. The dedication to organic quality is evident in the taste, where every ingredient is carefully selected to ensure the highest standards. Alden’s embodies the essence of traditional ice cream, where simplicity meets excellence. It’s an ideal choice for those who value integrity and flavor in their treats.

8. Blue Marble

Blue Marble stands out for its sustainability and simplicity, crafting ice cream that’s both delicious and socially responsible. As a certified B Corp, they prioritize organic, fair trade ingredients and keep the recipe straightforward—cream, milk, and real flavorings. The focus on purity and ethics creates a product that’s as good for the planet as it is for the palate. With each spoonful, you’re not just enjoying ice cream; you’re supporting a mission of environmental stewardship. Blue Marble is for those who value both quality and conscience in their frozen treats.

9. Salt & Straw

Salt & Straw is renowned for its daring seasonal flavors, yet its commitment to quality never wavers. Using hormone-free cream and inventive mix-ins, they craft ice creams as intriguing as they are delicious. From bone marrow to balsamic strawberry, each pint is an adventure in taste. The creativity in their offerings is matched by their dedication to natural ingredients, ensuring every flavor is both unique and wholesome. For those who seek boldness and quality in equal measure, Salt & Straw delivers an unforgettable ice cream experience that defies expectations.

10. Organic N!ck’s Swedish-Style Ice Cream

Organic N!ck’s Swedish-Style Ice Cream offers a balance of indulgence and health-conscious choices. By being low in sugar and rich in real cream, it appeals to those who want guilt-free pleasure. The use of plant-based sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit allows for sweetness without the sugar spike. Each pint is crafted with care, ensuring that flavor and texture remain paramount. This brand is perfect for those who desire a cleaner indulgence, where modern dietary needs meet traditional creaminess, offering a satisfying taste that doesn’t compromise on quality.

11. Coconut Bliss

Coconut Bliss redefines dairy-free indulgence with its organic coconut milk base. The brand’s commitment to pure ingredients means no funky fillers—just naturally luscious satisfaction. Each scoop offers a tropical escape, bringing the creamy richness of coconut to the forefront. Ideal for those who seek a dairy-free option without compromising on taste, Coconut Bliss ensures every flavor is vibrant and true. The dedication to simplicity and quality shines through, making it a favorite for health-conscious ice cream lovers. It’s a delicious journey to the tropics in every bite.

12. Humphry Slocombe

Humphry Slocombe crafts ice cream that’s as adventurous as it is delicious. Using Straus organic dairy and high-end mix-ins such as bourbon and bacon, each batch is a playful experiment in flavor. The brand’s commitment to quality ingredients ensures that even the most eccentric combinations maintain a harmonious taste. It’s an ice cream experience that challenges the ordinary and celebrates the unusual. Ideal for those with a daring palate, Humphry Slocombe offers a taste journey that’s quirky and delightful, proving that ice cream can be both high-quality and unconventional.

13. Cado (Avocado-Based)

Cado is a pioneer in plant-based ice cream, offering a creamy delight made from organic avocados. With no gums or preservatives, it maintains a focus on simplicity and taste. Each scoop is a testament to the innovation behind using avocados for a rich, satisfying texture that rivals traditional dairy. This brand appeals to those seeking an indulgent experience without the dairy, providing a unique taste that’s both refreshing and fulfilling. By keeping ingredients minimal, Cado ensures that each flavor shines naturally. It’s a creamy adventure for those exploring plant-based indulgences.

14. Three Twins (Now Discontinued but Worth Mentioning)

Three Twins made its mark with a commitment to organic, fair-trade ingredients, creating ice cream that was both ethical and delicious. Though the company closed in 2020, its legacy lives on among fans who remember its unique flavors and honest approach. Their simple recipes allowed the quality ingredients to shine, resulting in a taste experience that was both pure and memorable. For those who appreciate a story behind their scoop, Three Twins offered not just ice cream, but a narrative of passion and integrity. It remains a cherished memory in the world of frozen treats.

15. Beckon Ice Cream

Beckon Ice Cream offers a delightful solution for those who love real dairy but need a lactose-free option. By skipping gums and focusing on pure ingredients like cane sugar, cocoa, and fresh vanilla beans, they deliver a taste that’s authentic and satisfying. Each pint offers the creamy indulgence of traditional ice cream without the lactose, making it perfect for those with sensitivities. Beckon’s commitment to quality ensures that every scoop is as rich and flavorful as any dairy lover desires. It’s a testament to how dietary needs can meet delicious traditions.

16. Eclipse Foods

Eclipse Foods revolutionizes plant-based ice cream with its dairy-mimicking texture and taste. Using a short list of clean ingredients, they manage to create flavors that challenge the boundaries of what non-dairy can be. The innovation behind Eclipse lies in their ability to replicate the creamy richness of traditional ice cream without artificial flavoring. It’s a brand for those who seek sustainability without sacrificing taste, offering an experience that’s both familiar and novel. Eclipse Foods proves that plant-based indulgence can indeed rival its dairy counterparts in both quality and satisfaction.

17. New Barn Organics

New Barn Organics offers a delightful twist on traditional ice cream with its almond milk base, crafted with minimal added junk. Their Vanilla Bean flavor is smooth and clean-tasting, utilizing organic ingredients to ensure purity in every scoop. This brand caters to those who seek a dairy-free option without compromising on flavor or quality. Each pint reflects a commitment to natural ingredients and sustainability, providing a taste that’s both refreshing and indulgent. New Barn Organics is perfect for those who value organic quality and a clean label in their frozen desserts.

18. NadaMoo!

NadaMoo! is a coconut milk-based ice cream that promises a deliciously clean, dairy-free experience. With 100% organic and non-GMO ingredients, every flavor is crafted with care and conscience. The brand’s dedication to fair-trade practices adds an ethical layer to the indulgence. Perfect for those seeking a vegan option that doesn’t skimp on taste or quality, NadaMoo! ensures each scoop is as delightful as it is responsible. It’s a celebration of tropical flavors with a commitment to sustainability, offering a guilt-free pleasure that resonates with eco-conscious consumers.