Vanilla ice cream seems simple, but not all brands get it right. The best ones strike a balance between rich dairy flavor, natural vanilla, and that perfect creamy texture.
Five chefs weighed in on their favorites, and one brand stood out from the rest. Here are their top four picks.
Tillamook Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream
First up: Tillamook took the crown with two votes, making it the clear winner. Both Meggan Hill and Jacob Schroeder agree that its sweet cream flavor sets it apart. It is not overloaded with artificial vanilla but rather balanced, rich, and smooth. Schroeder says the first spoonful sold him immediately.
The texture? Spot-on, thanks to a smart use of stabilizers that keep it consistently creamy.
YT / If you want classic vanilla ice cream with superior texture and an ethical background, Tillamook Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream is the one to grab.
Hill is equally enthusiastic, praising the company’s commitment to sustainability and animal welfare. She loves how the brand focuses on cow happiness, which directly impacts the quality of their dairy. Tillamook’s history of producing high-quality dairy products is evident in every scoop.
Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream
Häagen-Dazs has been a go-to for years, and Yumna Jawad confirms it is her top choice. It has a simple recipe. Just cream, skim milk, egg yolk, cane sugar, and vanilla. No fillers, no artificial flavors, just the essentials. That minimalism pays off, letting the pure vanilla shine through without distractions.
What makes it stand out? The texture is ultra-creamy, thanks to its high butterfat content. The vanilla flavor is bold without being overpowering, and it pairs beautifully with just about anything. Whether you Are topping a warm slice of pie or enjoying it straight from the pint, Häagen-Dazs delivers luxury in every bite.
It is a premium pick that is worth every penny.
Jeni’s Honey Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Jeni’s is not your average grocery store brand, and that is exactly why pastry chef Tania Cienfuegos Harris loves it. The honey-infused vanilla makes for a unique twist that you don’t get from traditional brands. The result? A smooth, melt-in-your-mouth experience that lingers on the palate.
Flavors / If you want vanilla ice cream with a gourmet touch, Jeni’s is a must-try, star chefs suggest.
Harris describes the flavor as layered and complex. You taste the vanilla first, followed by subtle floral notes of honey that round it out. It is sweet but not cloying, which means you can keep eating it without feeling overwhelmed.
Hudsonville Creamery Blend Vanilla Ice Cream
Chef Dane Baldwin had a tough time picking just one, but Hudsonville ultimately won him over. This Midwestern brand is not as widely known as some of the others. But it is making a name for itself with its balanced vanilla flavor and soft, creamy texture.
It is smooth without being too heavy. And that makes it an easy favorite.
Baldwin appreciates that Hudsonville doesn’t overdo the sweetness. Some vanilla ice creams can feel like sugar overload, but this one keeps things mellow. It is versatile, working just as well in a sundae as it does on its own.
So, if you are looking for a solid, no-frills vanilla ice cream, this one delivers.
No matter which one you choose, you are getting high-quality vanilla ice cream that stands above the rest.
