30+ Best Ice Cream Picks

Aug 19, 2025
Nothing says summer like a scoop (or two) of ice cream. But with freezer aisles full of neon colors, tongue-twisting ingredients, and “healthy” claims that don’t always hold up, finding the good stuff can feel tricky.
That’s where Trash Panda comes in. We scanned the shelves to find brands that keep it clean, delicious, and fun. Whether you’re looking for a creamy classic or a dairy-free dream, we’ve got your cravings covered. Check out our 30+ Best Ice Cream Picks shopping list for the rest of our picks:
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30+ Best Ice Cream Picks
Our favorite ice cream with dairy-free options!
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Key Takeaways

Not all ice cream is created equal, but a quick scan can help you spot the winners. Keep these tips in mind next time you’re in the freezer aisle:
Skip the artificial dyes – colors like Red 40 or Blue 1 don’t add flavor, just unnecessary extras.
Watch out for carrageenan – this thickener can cause tummy troubles for some people.
Rethink artificial sweeteners – they might taste sweet, but they’re not always the best for your gut or metabolism.

Dairy Favorites

Rich, creamy, and timeless, Straus delivers that classic chocolate ice cream taste with organic, grass-fed milk. Their products are always free from questionable additives, so you get pure indulgence in every scoop.
Dense, smooth, and crafted with locally sourced ingredients, Dolcezza takes fruit-forward flavors to the next level. This roasted strawberry gelato is a summer favorite, found at Whole Foods or even Amazon.
Simple, high-quality ingredients make Van Leeuwen a standout. Their pistachio ice cream is nutty, creamy, and clean, proof that less really is more when it comes to flavor.

Dairy-Free Picks

Avocado is the secret to this rich, creamy base that’s completely dairy-free. Cado keeps it clean with no GMOs, artificial flavors, corn syrup, or sketchy sweeteners, just smooth vanilla flavor.
This pint is pure indulgence. Made with organic coconut milk and simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s creamy, perfectly sweet, and a dairy-free treat you can feel good about.

Sweet Takeaway

Ice cream should be fun, not stressful. With a little label reading (or a quick Trash Panda scan), you can skip the artificial extras and go straight for the good stuff. Whether you’re team dairy or team dairy-free, these picks prove you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to keep ingredients clean. Here’s to summer nights, melty cones, and sweet scoops that love you back. ✨
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