Whether served in a cone with a flake or sandwiched between cookies, the best ice cream is the tastiest way to cool down on a hot summer’s day.
So, as part 2025’s BBQ Taste Test, our expert tasting panel at the Good Housekeeping Institute braved the brain freeze to find the best ice creams out there – whether you’re after creamy salted caramel, decadent rich chocolate, or a refreshing fruity gelato.
After trying 23 different tubs from the likes of Waitrose, Ben & Jerry’s, Jude’s and Crosta & Mollica, we’re confident we’ve found a flavour for every taste and occasion.
Best ice cream 2025
Read on for more BBQ winners: Best burgers | Best sausages | Best kebabs | Best ribs | Best steak | Best BBQ chicken | Best meat-free burgers | Best meat-free sausages | Best hot sauce
What is the difference between gelato and ice cream?
Typically, gelato contains more milk but is made with less cream and fewer egg yolks than traditional ice cream. With fewer calories, less sugar and lower fat, many consider gelato to be the healthier choice.
How we test ice cream
Our panel of taste testers tried 23 different ice creams to find the best for summer. They were looking for creamy and indulgent frozen desserts with a smooth texture. The ice cream had to match the described flavour, with a balanced sweetness and a high dairy content.
Salted Caramel Cake Ice Cream 500ml
Score: 82/100
This sweet, salted caramel ice cream impressed our testers with its rich coffee-like note, which is finished with a touch of salt. That’s complemented by a fudgy caramel core, biscuity cake chunks and a thick, creamy texture reminiscent of clotted cream.
Ice Cream Tub Sweet Mango Memories 465ml
Score: 79/100
This new super summery Ben & Jerry’s flavour has been created in collaboration with displaced refugees-turned-entrepreneurs. It’s a fruity ice cream laced with mango swirls and white chocolate. Proceeds from every tub go to support refugee-led businesses.
No.1 Belgian Dark Chocolate & Sour Cherry Ice Cream 480ml
Score: 77/100
Made with decadent dark chocolate and swirls of chunky sour cherry sauce, this premium ice cream is a must-order for summer. Rich and intense, we think it’s strictly adult-only.
Lemon Gelato 480ml
Score: 77/100
Morrisons has combined the refreshing flavours of lemon meringue pie with sweet gelato to create an uplifting post-barbecue dessert that our testers described as “sensational”. You’ll also find zingy lemon sauce and crunchy meringue pieces laced throughout for contrast.
Cherry & Mascarpone Gelato 450ml
Score: 75/100
An Italian treat that’s perfect for your summer soirées, this gelato is made with whole milk mascarpone for a slow-whipped, creamy texture. The swirls of sticky cherry provide a pop of sweet and sour flavour.
Taste the Difference Vanilla & British Blackcurrant Ice Cream 480ml
Score: 75/100
This new vanilla ice cream is rippled with blackcurrant sauce and has a gorgeous fresh vanilla aroma. The zippy berry coulis brings a punchy contrast to the creamy texture – it’s a match made in ice cream heaven.
Cherries & Cream Ice Cream 460ml
Score: 75/100
Cherry seems to be the ice cream flavour of the season and, here, it adds a sweet, albeit slightly artificial tasting, note to the clotted cream base. Our panel enjoyed the texture, which is as soft as a Mr. Whippy – delicious!
Finest Sicilian Lemon and Limoncello Ice Cream 480ml
Score: 74/100
Tesco’s limited-edition dessert takes its inspiration from the Italian after-dinner lemon liqueur. The milky ice cream has sponge cake laced throughout and is finished with a jelly-like lemon sauce.
Really Creamy Strawberry Sorbet & Cream Flavour Ice Cream 900ml
Score: 74/100
Great for large gatherings, this super-sized soft serve dessert combines zippy strawberry sorbet with creamy ice cream. Spoons at the ready!
Irresistible Amarena Cherry and Mascarpone Gelato 355g
Score: 72/100
Made up of multiple layers, including creamy mascarpone, jammy cherry sauce and biscotti pieces, the resulting flavour is not dissimilar to a cherry bakewell. Crunchy, smooth and sweet, it’s a truly delicious way to round off a meal.
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