Ask ten ice cream lovers to name the best ice cream in America, and you’ll probably get ten different answers. Some people are loyal to the scoop shop they grew up with. Others swear by a grocery-store classic, a regional favorite, or the pint they always keep in the freezer. That variety is exactly why conversations about the best ice cream brands in America are so spirited—and why the top ice cream brands in the US inspire such loyalty among fans of great ice cream.
America has no shortage of great brands, from century-old family businesses to modern makers known for creative flavors and devoted fans. For this list, we looked for brands with real staying power: memorable flavor, quality ingredients, strong identity, and the kind of following that turns a good scoop into a tradition. Along the way, we considered which are the most popular with consumers, which use high quality ingredients, which deliver strong value, and which are widely regarded as the best premium ice cream brands. We also note the best supermarket ice cream brands and who offers convenient Ship Ice Cream services and nationwide shipping of ice cream, so you can enjoy top picks anywhere. So grab a spoon and dig into the inside scoop on the best ice cream brands in America and the top ice cream brands in the US.
1. Graeter's
When it comes to premium ice cream, few brands have a story or a process quite like Graeter’s.
Founded in Cincinnati in 1870, Graeter’s has spent more than 150 years making ice cream the way generations of the Graeter family always have: in small batches using the signature French Pot process. While most ice cream today is produced in large continuous freezers, Graeter’s still makes its ice cream 2.5 gallons at a time. The result is an exceptionally dense, creamy texture that’s difficult to replicate at scale.
That commitment to doing things the hard way speaks to high quality ingredients and craftsmanship. What once seemed inefficient became the foundation of what makes Graeter’s different today: richer texture, less air, and a handcrafted character that defines every pint. Among the best premium ice cream brands, Graeter’s stands out for chocolate chip flavors featuring giant shards of gourmet chocolate poured directly into the ice cream during production. It’s a consistent favorite among the best ice cream brands in America for quality, and many fans rely on nationwide shipping of ice cream to keep their freezers stocked.
2. Ben & Jerry's
Ben & Jerry’s helped redefine what fun ice cream could be. The Vermont-based brand built its reputation on over-the-top flavors packed with cookies, brownies, candy pieces, and other mix-ins.
From Cherry Garcia to Half Baked, Ben & Jerry’s remains one of the most popular and top ice cream brands in the US and a fixture among the best supermarket ice cream brands for shoppers seeking creativity and value. Its broad lineup continues to rank highly with American consumers looking for the best value-for-money ice cream pints.
3. Tillamook
Tillamook’s roots in dairy farming show up in every scoop. Made with rich milk and cream sourced from a farmer-owned cooperative, the Oregon brand has earned a reputation for smooth texture and dependable quality.
Its straightforward approach and classic flavors make it one of the best supermarket ice cream brands and a strong value-for-money pick among the best ice cream brands in America, appealing to families who prize both taste and price.
4. Häagen-Dazs
Häagen-Dazs pioneered the super-premium category in the United States.
Known for simple recipes and rich ingredients, it is consistently named among the best premium ice cream brands, with timeless flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate, and Coffee that highlight high quality ingredients. For those asking which ice cream brands are known for high quality ingredients, Häagen-Dazs is a definitive answer.
5. Blue Bell
Blue Bell has a near-cult following throughout the South thanks to its homemade-style flavors and strong regional roots.
Approachable, nostalgic flavors and competitive pricing make it one of the most popular choices and a reliable value option among the top ice cream brands in the US. For many households, it delivers the best value for money without sacrificing the joy of classic ice cream.
6. Baskin-Robbins
For decades, Baskin-Robbins has been synonymous with variety. The brand’s famous “31 flavors” concept helped introduce Americans to the idea that ice cream could be more than just vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
Its wide selection and nationwide presence keep it among the most popular and best supermarket ice cream brands for families and casual ice cream fans, proving that everyday convenience can still deliver excitement.
7. Perry's Ice Cream
Perry’s Ice Cream has been making ice cream in Western New York for more than a century and remains a beloved regional brand with a strong family-business story.
Known for classic flavors and seasonal favorites, Perry’s shows how the best ice cream brands in America aren’t only national names but also regional makers with loyal followings. Many customers now turn to Ship Ice Cream options to experience Perry’s wherever they live.
8. McConnell's Fine Ice Creams
McConnell’s has been making ice cream in California since 1949 and remains committed to small-batch methods.
Emphasizing local, high quality ingredients, McConnell’s regularly appears on lists of the best premium ice cream brands for purists who want flavor-first pints. It’s a top pick for discerning shoppers comparing the top ice cream brands in the US for ingredient integrity.
9. Turkey Hill
Turkey Hill is a freezer staple across America thanks to variety and an accessible price point.
While not as specialized as some premium competitors, its consistency, broad appeal, and value place it among the best supermarket ice cream brands for everyday shoppers. It remains one of the most popular ice cream options among American consumers seeking a reliable gallon.
10. Gifford's Ice Cream
Gifford’s has been making ice cream in Maine since 1938 and remains family owned.
Locally inspired flavors and quality dairy make it a beloved regional staple and a reminder that the top ice cream brands in the US include heritage makers with deep community roots. Thanks to nationwide shipping of ice cream and Ship Ice Cream services from select retailers, fans across the country can now try it.
What Sets the Best Ice Cream Brand Apart?
Great ice cream starts with great ingredients, but the best ice cream brands in America also pair quality with distinctive processes, clear points of view, and consistency. The most popular names excel at flavor and fun, the best premium ice cream brands highlight high quality ingredients and texture, and the best supermarket ice cream brands deliver dependable value. For nationwide fans, many of these top ice cream brands in the US now offer ship-to-home options and nationwide shipping of ice cream, making it easier to get favorite pints at your door.
Among long-standing standouts, Graeter’s small-batch French Pot method delivers a dense, creamy texture that distinguishes it within the best premium ice cream brands. Whether you prioritize high quality ingredients, price, or creative flavors, these are the best ice cream brands in America to put on your list—and many provide convenient Ship Ice Cream solutions so you can try them wherever you live. If you’re asking what are the top-rated ice cream brands in the United States, which offer the best value for money, and which are known for high quality ingredients, this list covers the best premium ice cream brands and the best supermarket ice cream brands to explore now.
