Remember that first scoop of vanilla ice cream, a simple pleasure that transported you to pure bliss? That magic is still possible! But with so many options in the freezer aisle, finding the perfect vanilla can feel like a quest.
Worry no more!
We’ve done the hard work (and delicious tasting) for you. Here are 15 must-try vanilla ice cream brands you can find at the store, plus 5 beloved fan favorites that are guaranteed to bring back that nostalgic joy, one spoonful at a time.
1. Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Bean
Rich, dense, and packed with real vanilla bean specks! Häagen-Dazs uses only five simple ingredients, making this premium option taste homemade.
The creamy texture melts slowly on your tongue. No artificial flavors here – just pure vanilla goodness that stands perfectly on its own or pairs with any dessert.
2. Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla
Vermont’s famous ice cream makers don’t skimp on quality even with their simplest flavor. Their vanilla packs a punch of flavor that’s both intense and balanced. Made with Fairtrade vanilla and cream from happy cows, there’s an ethical bonus to this indulgence.
The signature Ben & Jerry’s density makes each spoonful satisfyingly substantial.
3. Breyers Natural Vanilla
A family favorite for generations! Breyers Natural Vanilla strikes the perfect balance between affordability and quality. The light, airy texture carries subtle vanilla notes that never overwhelm.
Look for the black specks of real vanilla bean throughout each scoop. Great for kids and adults who prefer a less intense sweetness.
4. Tillamook Old-Fashioned Vanilla
Straight from Oregon’s famous dairy country comes this extra-creamy delight! Tillamook’s farmer-owned cooperative produces exceptionally rich milk, resulting in ice cream that tastes farm-fresh.
The old-fashioned vanilla has a custard-like quality with pronounced egg notes. Each scoop holds its shape beautifully on cones or alongside warm desserts.
5. Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla
Southern ice cream lovers swear by Blue Bell! Their Homemade Vanilla has a distinctive flavor profile that’s instantly recognizable to fans. The texture falls between fluffy and dense, with a vanilla flavor that’s reminiscent of old-fashioned custard.
Many Texans consider this the gold standard of store-bought vanilla ice cream. One taste explains the cult following!
6. Trader Joe’s French Vanilla
Budget-friendly luxury in every spoonful! Trader Joe’s French Vanilla delivers rich egg yolk flavor that rivals premium brands at half the price.
The custard base creates a silky mouthfeel that coats your palate. Perfect for making milkshakes or pairing with fruit pies. TJ’s fans consider this a pantry staple for good reason.
7. Jeni’s Honey Vanilla Bean
Artisanal quality hits the grocery freezer! Jeni’s unique approach includes honey for depth and body, creating a distinctive vanilla unlike any other. The texture remains perfectly scoopable even straight from the freezer.
Floral notes from wildflower honey complement the Madagascar vanilla beans. Yes, it’s pricey, but the complex flavor profile justifies every penny.
8. Turkey Hill Vanilla Bean
Pennsylvania’s beloved dairy delivers consistent quality at a reasonable price. Turkey Hill’s vanilla bean variety offers impressive flavor without breaking the bank. The texture strikes a perfect balance – not too dense, not too airy.
Real vanilla bean specks distribute evenly throughout each scoop. An excellent everyday option that works beautifully in root beer floats!
9. Talenti Tahitian Vanilla Bean Gelato
Technically gelato, not ice cream, but too good to exclude! Talenti’s signature clear containers reveal the beautiful speckled appearance of their Tahitian vanilla. Lower fat content allows the exotic vanilla flavor to shine brighter.
The smooth, dense texture scoops like a dream. Those fancy Tahitian beans create a floral, almost fruity profile distinct from Madagascar vanilla.
10. Alden’s Organic Vanilla Bean
Clean ingredients meet indulgent flavor! Alden’s organic certification means no pesticides, synthetic hormones, or artificial anything. The creamy texture comes from organic milk and cream from pasture-raised cows.
Vanilla flavor hits the perfect middle note – neither too subtle nor overwhelming. A guilt-free option that doesn’t sacrifice one bit of pleasure.
11. Graeter’s Madagascar Vanilla Bean
Cincinnati’s famous French pot process creates unmatched density! Graeter’s small-batch method incorporates minimal air, resulting in ice cream so thick your spoon stands at attention. Premium Madagascar vanilla beans provide deep, rum-like notes.
Each pint weighs more than competitors due to the minimal air content. The richness means a little goes a surprisingly long way.
12. Friendly’s Vanilla
Nostalgic flavor from the beloved restaurant chain! Friendly’s vanilla ice cream captures that classic soda fountain taste that generations have enjoyed. The light, fluffy texture makes it perfect for building sundaes. There’s a distinctive sweetness that complements the vanilla rather than overpowering it.
Great value for families looking for that traditional American ice cream experience.
13. Straus Family Creamery Vanilla Bean
Farm-to-freezer organic luxury! This Northern California dairy produces small-batch ice cream with exceptional cream content. The flavor begins with grassy notes from pasture-raised milk before the vanilla takes center stage.
Glass packaging maintains purity of flavor and is environmentally friendly. A true taste of artisanal quality that happens to be available in stores.
14. McConnell’s Vanilla Bean
Santa Barbara’s finest since 1949! McConnell’s creates their base from scratch rather than using a pre-made mix like many competitors. The result is exceptional creaminess with clean dairy flavor.
Their vanilla beans are hand-selected for maximum aromatic impact. The dense texture holds up remarkably well during melting, maintaining flavor intensity throughout.
15. Edy’s/Dreyer’s Slow Churned Vanilla Bean
Half the fat but full flavor! Edy’s (known as Dreyer’s in some regions) Slow Churned line uses a special process to create creamy texture with less fat. The result is surprisingly satisfying despite the lighter profile. Vanilla bean specks distribute evenly throughout.
A smart choice for everyday indulgence when you’re watching calories but still want real ice cream satisfaction.
16. Van Leeuwen Vanilla Bean
From Brooklyn food truck to grocery stores nationwide! Van Leeuwen’s French-style vanilla contains egg yolks for incredible richness and depth. The pale yellow color reveals its custard inspiration. Each spoonful offers concentrated vanilla intensity that lingers pleasantly.
Though pricey, the premium ingredients and careful production methods justify the splurge for special occasions.
17. Coolhaus Vanilla Ice Cream
Women-owned brand with attitude! Coolhaus began as an ice cream truck serving architectural-inspired sandwiches before expanding to pints. Their vanilla brings unexpected complexity through careful bean sourcing.
The texture falls on the dense side with a smooth finish.
18. Baskin-Robbins Vanilla
The classic scoop shop flavor available in your freezer! Baskin-Robbins’ grocery store pints deliver the same recognizable taste as their ice cream parlors. Light and fluffy texture makes this exceptionally scoopable.
The vanilla flavor hits a familiar sweet spot that appeals to kids and adults alike.
19. Steve’s Ice Cream Vanilla
Small-batch quality with big flavor impact! Steve’s bourbon vanilla variety uses premium alcohol-based extract for deeper flavor penetration. The resulting complexity gives hints of caramel and spice beyond typical vanilla.
Medium density provides satisfying mouthfeel without heaviness. Each spoonful reveals subtle flavor nuances that develop as the ice cream melts.
20. Humboldt Creamery Vanilla Bean
Northern California’s organic dairy collective creates exceptionally pure flavor! Their vanilla bean ice cream showcases the quality of their grass-fed milk. Clean, fresh dairy notes complement the fragrant vanilla beans. The texture remains consistently smooth throughout the carton.
An excellent choice for those who appreciate subtle complexity rather than overwhelming sweetness.