Ice cream is more than just dessert—it’s a universal language of joy. Here’s our definitive ranking of the top 20 ice cream flavors, with insights on why we love them, tips for elevating each scoop, and recommendations on where to find the best versions. What’s your favorite flavor, and where do you get the best scoop? Share your recommendations!
Vanilla
Why We Love It: Its simplicity lets other flavors shine, but it’s just as delightful on its own.
Tip: Pair with warm brownies for an indulgent treat.
Where to Find the Best: Häagen-Dazs offers a luxuriously creamy vanilla, while Tillamook’s version is rich and smooth.
Victor Protasio
Chocolate
Why We Love It: A universal comfort food that never disappoints.
Tip: Add a sprinkle of chili powder for a spicy kick.
Where to Find the Best: Ghirardelli’s chocolate ice cream is decadent, and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams adds layers of complexity to this classic.
eatsbythebeach
Strawberry
Why We Love It: Sweet, fruity, and refreshing, it’s a childhood favorite for a reason.
Tip: Enhance the natural flavors with a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
Where to Find the Best: Ben & Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake flavor elevates the classic, while McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams sticks to fresh strawberry purity.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Cookies and Cream
Why We Love It: The perfect mix of creamy and crunchy textures.
Tip: Use it to create the ultimate milkshake.
Where to Find the Best: Blue Bell makes an iconic version, and Coolhaus offers a gourmet twist with larger cookie chunks.
unicornsinthekitchen
Mint Chocolate Chip
Why We Love It: Cool mint contrasts beautifully with bittersweet chocolate chips.
Tip: Try it with chocolate syrup for an extra layer of decadence.
Where to Find the Best: Baskin-Robbins is a classic stop, but Graeter’s Mint Chocolate Chip takes it up a notch with hand-churned perfection.
simplystacie
Salted Caramel
Why We Love It: Sweet, salty, and utterly addictive.
Tip: Pair with crushed pretzels for added crunch.
Where to Find the Best: Talenti’s Salted Caramel gelato is silky smooth, while Jeni’s adds a smoky edge with sea salt.
The Spruce / Kristina Vanni
Butter Pecan
Why We Love It: The buttery base and crunchy pecans are a match made in heaven.
Tip: Warm it slightly to release the rich, nutty aroma.
Where to Find the Best: Häagen-Dazs offers an ultra-creamy take, while Blue Bell delivers a classic Southern-style flavor.
Alison Bickel
Pistachio
Why We Love It: Subtly sweet with a unique, nutty profile.
Tip: Top with crushed pistachios and a drizzle of honey.
Where to Find the Best: Gelato shops like GROM excel with authentic Italian pistachio, and Talenti’s version is unbeatable.
Caitlin Bensel
Rocky Road
Why We Love It: The marshmallows, chocolate, and nuts create an exciting mix of flavors and textures.
Tip: Serve in a waffle cone for an extra indulgence.
Where to Find the Best: Dreyer’s (or Edy’s) offers a nostalgic version, while Salt & Straw puts a gourmet spin on this classic.
allrecipes
Coffee
Why We Love It: Creamy, caffeinated bliss that’s perfect for any time of day.
Tip: Add chocolate shavings for a mocha-inspired treat.
Where to Find the Best: Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Coffee BuzzBuzzBuzz! is iconic, and Gelato Fiasco’s coffee gelato is deeply aromatic.
joythebaker
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Why We Love It: The chewy chunks of cookie dough are irresistibly nostalgic.
Tip: Use it to create a layered sundae.
Where to Find the Best: Ben & Jerry’s remains the gold standard, but Halo Top’s lighter version is a guilt-free alternative.
celebratingsweets
Neapolitan
Why We Love It: A harmonious trio of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry in one scoop.
Tip: Slice it into blocks to highlight its striped beauty.
Where to Find the Best: Breyers is a supermarket staple, and local creameries often craft handmade versions.
The Spruce/Bahareh Niati
Birthday Cake
Why We Love It: Sweet, whimsical, and loaded with colorful sprinkles.
Tip: Add extra whipped cream for maximum celebration vibes.
Where to Find the Best: Cold Stone Creamery’s Birthday Cake Remix is a fan favorite, while Baskin-Robbins delivers a classic take.
saltandbaker
Coconut
Why We Love It: Tropical and creamy, it’s a refreshing escape in every bite.
Tip: Sprinkle toasted coconut on top for extra texture.
Where to Find the Best: Talenti Coconut Almond Chocolate is a dream, and NadaMoo! offers a vegan option that’s just as creamy.
rachelcooksthai
Lemon Sorbet
Why We Love It: Tart and light, it’s a perfect palate cleanser.
Tip: Pair with shortbread cookies for a sophisticated dessert.
Where to Find the Best: Häagen-Dazs Lemon Sorbet is bright and zesty, and Ciao Bella makes an excellent artisanal version.
The Spruce/Julia Hartbeck
Peanut Butter Swirl
Why We Love It: Creamy, nutty, and satisfying for peanut butter lovers.
Tip: Add crushed peanuts for crunch.
Where to Find the Best: Graeter’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip is divine, and Halo Top offers a low-calorie option.
The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack
Mango
Why We Love It: Sweet, tangy, and full of tropical vibes.
Tip: Add chili-lime seasoning for an exotic twist.
Where to Find the Best: Häagen-Dazs makes a standout mango sorbet, while Indian creameries like Kwality specialize in authentic mango kulfi.
Max Falkowitz
Black Cherry
Why We Love It: Juicy cherries and creamy ice cream create a luscious pairing.
Tip: Add chocolate chips for a cherry cordial vibe.
Where to Find the Best: Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia is legendary, and Tillamook’s Black Cherry offers bold flavors.
kiyafries
Matcha (Green Tea)
Why We Love It: Earthy and complex, it’s both unique and indulgent.
Tip: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an Asian-inspired garnish.
Where to Find the Best: Matcha Maiko and Mikawaya serve authentic matcha ice cream, while Häagen-Dazs has a rich green tea flavor.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
Rum Raisin
Why We Love It: A boozy, fruity treat for grown-ups.
Tip: Pair with oatmeal cookies for a rustic dessert.
Where to Find the Best: Häagen-Dazs is the go-to for a refined version, and Caribbean-inspired shops often feature authentic takes.
The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
