7 Store-Bought Vanilla Ice Creams We’ll Never Buy Again And 7 That Are Absolutely Worth It

I’ve spent years hunting for the perfect vanilla ice cream, turning my freezer into a dairy laboratory of sorts.
Nothing beats the classic simplicity of vanilla, but not all store-bought versions are created equal.
After countless taste tests (tough job, I know), I’ve discovered which vanilla ice creams deserve a permanent spot in my shopping cart and which ones left me with buyer’s remorse and freezer burn.
1. Great Value: Watery Disappointment

My grandmother always said you get what you pay for, and Great Value vanilla ice cream proves her right every time. Last summer, I served it at a backyard BBQ and watched in horror as it transformed into a soupy mess faster than my nephew could say “brain freeze.”
The texture resembles icy milk rather than creamy indulgence, with artificial vanilla flavor that lingers like an unwelcome party guest. Even the color seems off – a strange yellowish tint that reminds me more of custard gone wrong than proper ice cream.
No amount of toppings can disguise its fundamental flaws. I’ve tried drowning it in hot fudge and sprinkles, but the watery base always betrays itself. Save your dollars for something else, even if it costs a bit more.
2. Breyers: The Incredible Shrinking Ice Cream

Remember when Breyers was actually ice cream? The package may say “frozen dairy dessert” now, but my taste buds aren’t fooled by this marketing sleight of hand. I bought a carton last month that seemed to evaporate in my mouth, leaving behind only the ghost of vanilla and a strange chemical aftertaste.
The ingredients list reads like a science experiment gone wrong. Whatever happened to cream, sugar, and vanilla? My childhood memories of Breyers featured rich, flecked-with-vanilla goodness, not this shadow of its former self.
The texture has this bizarre way of dissolving into foamy nothingness rather than melting properly. Not even nostalgia can save this reformulated disappointment. I’ve relegated my Breyers purchases to the “never again” list, mourning what was once a reliable freezer staple.
3. Friendly’s: Unfriendly Flavor Profile

The irony of Friendly’s vanilla ice cream is that there’s nothing friendly about the experience it delivers. During my last ice cream social, I watched guests politely nibble at their bowls before discreetly leaving them half-finished – the universal sign of dessert disappointment.
The flavor profile borders on bizarre, with an artificial sweetness that overpowers any hint of actual vanilla. It’s like someone confused vanilla extract with vanilla-scented air freshener. My nephew described it as “tasting like the color white,” which might be the most accurate review possible.
The texture manages to be simultaneously gummy and icy – a paradoxical achievement in dairy science. Despite my fondness for the restaurant chain’s sundaes, their store-bought version misses the mark completely. I’ve since banned it from my freezer permanently.
4. Edy’s/Dreyer’s: All Air, No Flavor

Opening a carton of Edy’s vanilla feels like unwrapping a beautifully packaged gift only to find socks inside – technically useful but utterly disappointing. The first time I served it at a family gathering, my ice cream scoop slid through it like it was whipped air rather than actual ice cream.
The problem isn’t just the fluffed-up texture that deflates within minutes. It’s the complete absence of authentic vanilla flavor that truly offends. My taste buds search desperately for something – anything – resembling the warm, complex notes of real vanilla but come up empty every time.
Even more frustrating is how quickly it develops freezer burn, despite being sealed properly. After two weeks, ice crystals had completely colonized the surface. For an ice cream that promises slow churning, it delivers remarkably fast disappointment.
5. Turkey Hill: The Vanilla Imposter

My first spoonful of Turkey Hill vanilla triggered an immediate identity crisis – was this vanilla or some mysterious flavor masquerading as vanilla? The oddly sweet, almost bubblegum-adjacent taste left me checking the carton twice to confirm I hadn’t accidentally purchased some experimental flavor.
The texture presents another puzzling contradiction – somehow managing to be both icy and gummy simultaneously. During a recent movie night, I noticed everyone reaching for the popcorn instead of the ice cream bowls I’d prepared. That’s when I knew this brand had officially failed the crowd-pleaser test.
Perhaps most disappointing is the artificial aftertaste that lingers long after you’ve finished eating. It clings to your palate like an unwelcome houseguest who doesn’t understand subtle hints to leave. Even drowning it in chocolate sauce couldn’t mask its fundamental flaws.
6. 365 By Whole Foods: Premium Price, Budget Taste

The ultimate betrayal comes from unexpected places – like paying Whole Foods prices for what tastes like generic ice cream. My wallet still hasn’t forgiven me for splurging on 365 Vanilla, expecting organic nirvana but receiving bland disappointment instead.
Despite its clean ingredient list (which initially won me over), the flavor profile falls flatter than a pancake under a steamroller. Where’s the vanilla? I’ve eaten plain frozen cream with more character. During a blind taste test with friends, this supposedly premium option ranked below several budget brands.
The texture at least attempts creaminess, but something about the mouthfeel seems off – slightly chalky and quick to melt into a thin puddle rather than a luscious cream. For a store that excels at so many things, their house brand ice cream represents a rare but significant misstep. My organic-loving heart is broken.
7. Market Pantry: Target Missed The Mark

Target’s Market Pantry vanilla ice cream reminds me of that one friend who tries to be everything to everyone and ends up pleasing nobody. During last month’s birthday celebration, I watched in dismay as the ice cream accompanying my homemade cake transformed into vanilla-scented milk soup within minutes of serving.
The flavor itself seems perpetually confused – hovering somewhere between artificial vanilla and plain sweetened cream, never committing fully to either direction. My ice cream-obsessed daughter described it as “the beige wall paint of ice creams” – technically vanilla, but so boring it’s almost offensive.
The texture delivers the final disappointment – grainy and quick to crystallize even when properly stored. After three separate chances to redeem itself (I’m nothing if not fair), Market Pantry has earned permanent exile from my shopping cart. Some budget options offer genuine value; this one merely offers regret.
8. Tillamook: Farmhouse Perfection

Cracking open a container of Tillamook vanilla is like opening a time portal to my grandmother’s farmhouse kitchen. The first time I tasted it, I actually closed my eyes and sighed – that involuntary sound of pure food pleasure that can’t be faked. The creamy, custard-like texture coats your tongue perfectly without being heavy.
What really sets Tillamook apart is its honest-to-goodness vanilla flavor that tastes like actual vanilla beans rather than a laboratory approximation. You can actually see the tiny specks throughout! My picky brother-in-law, who claims to hate “plain vanilla,” requested seconds and then sheepishly asked where I bought it.
The balance between sweetness and milky richness hits that elusive perfect note. It’s substantial enough to enjoy alone but plays well with toppings without getting overwhelmed. This is my go-to when making ice cream sandwiches that need to hold up structurally without freezing too hard.
9. Häagen-Dazs: Luxury In Every Bite

Opening a pint of Häagen-Dazs vanilla feels like unwrapping a small luxury – one that’s actually worth every penny of its premium price tag. Last Valentine’s Day, when I forgot to make dinner reservations, this ice cream (served with fresh berries) saved the day and possibly my relationship. My partner didn’t even miss the fancy restaurant!
The ingredient list reads like poetry to a purist: cream, milk, sugar, egg yolks, vanilla extract. No gums, no stabilizers, no scientific experiments. Just five simple ingredients that combine to create something magical. The dense, velvety texture refuses to melt too quickly, giving you time to savor each spoonful.
The vanilla flavor is pronounced without being overwhelming – elegant and sophisticated rather than in-your-face sweet. It’s the perfect companion to warm desserts but stands magnificently on its own. I’ve tried using it as the base for homemade milkshakes, and the results are dangerously delicious.
10. Ben & Jerry’s: Vanilla But Make It Exciting

Who knew vanilla could have personality? Ben & Jerry’s somehow transforms the most basic flavor into something with character and flair. During a recent ice cream taste-off (yes, I host these regularly), their vanilla stood out despite competing against flavors packed with mix-ins and swirls.
The secret seems to be in their particular blend of vanilla extracts that creates depth rather than one-note sweetness. There’s almost a bourbon-like quality to it – complex and slightly floral. The texture strikes that magical balance between substantial and scoopable, even straight from the freezer.
My favorite discovery was using it as the foundation for homemade sundaes. Unlike lesser vanillas that get lost under toppings, Ben & Jerry’s holds its own against even the most aggressive hot fudge assault. The price point sits higher than basic brands but lower than super-premium options, making it the sweet spot for regular indulgence without budget guilt.
11. Jeni’s: Artisanal Vanilla Revelation

My first taste of Jeni’s Vanilla Bean ice cream was a genuine “where have you been all my life?” moment. After scraping the final spoonful from the container, I actually considered licking the inside clean before remembering I was a grown adult with dignity (allegedly). The flavor is nothing short of transformative.
Jeni’s approaches vanilla with the reverence of a master perfumer, using bean paste that delivers intense flavor without being cloying. There’s a slight bourbon undertone that adds complexity without tasting boozy. During a dinner party, my foodie friend who normally scoffs at vanilla stopped mid-bite to demand the brand name.
The texture deserves its own love letter – dense yet impossibly smooth, with zero ice crystals. Yes, the price makes me wince slightly at checkout, but some luxuries justify themselves. This is special occasion ice cream that somehow makes any random Tuesday feel like a celebration. I’ve hidden pints in the back of my freezer to prevent family discovery.
12. Alden’s Organic: Clean Indulgence

For years I thought “organic ice cream” was code for “tastes like frozen health food” until Alden’s Organic Vanilla proved me spectacularly wrong. My first spoonful made me question everything I thought I knew about clean-ingredient desserts. This isn’t just good-for-organic; it’s outstanding by any standard.
The flavor achieves that elusive genuine vanilla bean profile – slightly floral, deeply aromatic, and perfectly sweetened. When I served it alongside conventional brands at my daughter’s birthday party, the Alden’s disappeared first while other containers sat half-eaten. Several parents asked for the brand name, assuming it was from a specialty shop.
The texture remains consistently creamy throughout the container, never developing those dreaded ice crystals even after several weeks in my less-than-perfect freezer. The mouthfeel is substantial without being heavy – it melts cleanly without that artificial coating some ice creams leave behind. For the environmentally conscious ice cream lover, this is the holy grail.
13. Blue Bell: Southern Comfort Frozen

Blue Bell’s Homemade Vanilla inspires the kind of regional loyalty typically reserved for sports teams. When I brought a half-gallon to a family reunion in Vermont, my Texas-born uncle nearly wept with joy. “They finally brought the good stuff up north,” he declared before claiming the container for himself.
The flavor profile is distinctly old-fashioned – sweet cream forward with vanilla that tastes like it came from someone’s kitchen rather than a laboratory. There’s an almost eggy richness reminiscent of French vanilla but lighter and more approachable. My ice cream snob friends initially dismissed it as “commercial,” then sheepishly returned for seconds and thirds.
The texture deserves special mention – dense enough to satisfy but soft enough to scoop straight from the freezer. It melts gradually rather than immediately, giving you time to enjoy each bite. While not as fancy as some premium brands, Blue Bell delivers consistent, nostalgic perfection that makes me understand why Southerners guard their freezer stash so fiercely.
14. Trader Joe’s Super Premium: Hidden Gem

The unassuming container of Trader Joe’s Super Premium French Vanilla sits quietly in the freezer case, secretly containing one of the best ice cream values in existence. My first purchase was purely experimental – at that price point, expectations were modest. Two spoonfuls in, I was frantically checking my receipt, convinced they’d undercharged me for this creamy masterpiece.
The flavor delivers true vanilla complexity – slightly floral, mildly caramelized, with just the right sweetness level. During a blind taste test alongside brands costing twice as much, my husband correctly identified the premium options but ranked TJ’s among his top three. The ingredient list reads like something from a small-batch creamery rather than a grocery store brand.
The texture maintains perfect scoopability while still feeling substantial and rich. It melts into silky cream rather than watery puddles. I’ve started buying two containers at a time – one for immediate consumption and another hidden behind the frozen peas for ice cream emergencies. At this quality-to-price ratio, it’s practically a financial investment.