10 Ice Cream Brands to Avoid & Why + What to Eat Instead

Ice cream is a beloved treat that brings joy and comfort to people of all ages. But not all ice cream brands are created equal. While some offer a delightful, indulgent experience, others use subpar ingredients and unnecessary additives that can leave you feeling less than satisfied—both in terms of taste and health.

If you're conscious about the quality of what you put into your body, you may want to avoid certain ice cream brands. Some use artificial flavors, excess sugars, and non-dairy fillers that make their products less than ideal. In this article, we’ll explore 10 ice cream brands to avoid, why they fall short, and what healthier and more delicious alternatives to enjoy instead.

1. Breyers Ice Cream

Why Avoid It:

Breyers is a household name, but unfortunately, it's one of the worst offenders when it comes to ice cream. Many of Breyers' products contain corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavors. They also use fillers like guar gum and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), which are added to improve texture but don’t contribute anything positive in terms of nutrition. In some of their "natural" flavors, you may even find artificial colors.

What to Eat Instead:

  • Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Bean (made with simple, quality ingredients like cream, sugar, and vanilla beans).
  • Stonyfield Organic Ice Cream (organic ingredients and no artificial additives).

2. Blue Bell Ice Cream

Why Avoid It:

Blue Bell may have a reputation for its creamy texture and rich flavors, but it has faced numerous recalls in recent years due to contamination issues, including listeria outbreaks. Additionally, their ice cream often includes high fructose corn syrup, artificial vanilla flavor, and gum stabilizers, which aren't ideal for health-conscious consumers.

What to Eat Instead:

  • Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams (known for their small-batch, high-quality ingredients, and unique flavors).
  • Cado Avocado Ice Cream (a dairy-free alternative that's rich in healthy fats and flavors).

3. Edy's/Dreyer's Ice Cream

Why Avoid It:

While Edy’s (also known as Dreyer's in certain regions) may seem like a simple, affordable option, it’s packed with high fructose corn syrup, artificial stabilizers, and flavors. The inclusion of "frozen dairy desserts" rather than real ice cream (as defined by the FDA) indicates the product is filled with fillers and not real cream or milk.

What to Eat Instead:

  • Talenti Gelato (made with whole ingredients and authentic flavor profiles).
  • So Delicious Dairy Free (plant-based, organic, and free from artificial flavors).

4. Friendly's Ice Cream

Why Avoid It:

Friendly's, while known for its nostalgic appeal, uses high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, and gums to bulk up their ice cream. The flavor is often compromised by these added sugars and chemicals, which can lead to a less authentic ice cream experience.

What to Eat Instead:

  • Serendipity (premium ice cream with whole ingredients and no artificial additives).
  • Rebel Ice Cream (low-carb and keto-friendly, made with wholesome ingredients).

5. Turkey Hill Ice Cream

Why Avoid It:

Turkey Hill’s ice cream can be tempting due to its lower price point, but many of their products contain artificial flavors, synthetic stabilizers, and corn syrup. While they boast some flavors using real fruit or chocolate, the base is often not as clean as it should be.

What to Eat Instead:

  • NadaMoo! (a plant-based, dairy-free ice cream made from coconut milk).
  • Breyers Natural Vanilla (for those looking for a more basic option without artificial ingredients).

6. Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream

Why Avoid It:

While Baskin-Robbins may have 31 flavors to choose from, many of them are filled with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Additionally, their use of high fructose corn syrup and trans fats makes it a poor choice for those looking to avoid unhealthy additives.

What to Eat Instead:

  • Ben & Jerry’s (focused on ethical sourcing, quality ingredients, and lots of flavor options).
  • Lick Honest Ice Creams (made with simple ingredients and fewer chemicals).

7. Tillamook Ice Cream

Why Avoid It:

Tillamook is a well-regarded brand, but it falls short in terms of quality when it comes to ingredients. The ice cream is often loaded with high fructose corn syrup, stabilizers, and artificial ingredients, especially in some of its more popular flavors like cookies and cream.

What to Eat Instead:

  • Straus Family Creamery (known for their organic, high-quality dairy and no added artificial additives).
  • Graeter's Ice Cream (famous for small-batch production and whole ingredients).

8. GoodPop Ice Cream Bars

Why Avoid It:

GoodPop may appear to be a healthier alternative due to its marketing, but many of their products still rely on refined sugars and natural flavorings that may not offer the same nutritional benefits as whole ingredients. While they may be made with fruit or vegetable purees, the sugar content is often quite high.

What to Eat Instead:

  • NUBOCHA (a dairy-free, coconut-based frozen dessert that uses minimal sugar and pure ingredients).
  • Kind Frozen Bars (made with wholesome, whole-food ingredients, often gluten-free and dairy-free).

9. Klondike Bars

Why Avoid It:

Klondike Bars are notorious for their artificial colors, preservatives, and hydrogenated oils—including partially hydrogenated soybean oil, which is a source of trans fats. These processed ingredients contribute to health issues such as inflammation and heart disease.

What to Eat Instead:

  • Coconut Bliss (a dairy-free alternative with coconut milk as the base, offering delicious flavors).
  • Magnum Ice Cream (for a richer, more decadent ice cream made with quality ingredients).

10. Carvel Ice Cream

Why Avoid It:

Carvel’s ice cream may be a popular choice for ice cream cakes and cones, but it’s often packed with high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, and preservatives. Their frozen cakes and pies, while delicious, tend to have a long list of artificial additives.

What to Eat Instead:

  • Halo Top (offers low-calorie options with a focus on higher-protein content and fewer artificial ingredients).
  • Cado (for dairy-free, avocado-based ice cream with nutrient-dense ingredients).

What Makes a Healthy Ice Cream Choice?

When shopping for ice cream, here’s what to look for to ensure you’re making the healthiest choice:

  1. Minimal Ingredients: Choose ice creams made with just a few natural ingredients like cream, milk, sugar, and real fruit or cocoa. Avoid options with long lists of additives or preservatives.
  2. No Artificial Colors or Flavors: Artificial ingredients might make your ice cream look more vibrant, but they don’t offer any nutritional value. Opt for ice cream made with natural flavorings like vanilla bean or fruit purees.
  3. Lower Sugar Content: Excess sugar can lead to health problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Look for ice creams that use less sugar or rely on natural sweeteners like stevia or agave.
  4. Ethical Sourcing: Brands that source their ingredients responsibly—such as Fair Trade-certified cocoa or organic milk—are better for the environment and the communities involved in their production.

Conclusion

Ice cream can be a delightful treat, but it’s important to make informed choices about the brands you support. Many popular brands contain excess sugars, artificial ingredients, and harmful additives that can detract from the joy of indulging. By opting for ice cream made with high-quality, simple ingredients, you can indulge without compromising your health. Consider trying the healthier alternatives mentioned in this article for a delicious, more wholesome ice cream experience. Your taste buds—and your body—will thank you!