Consumer watchdog Which? has named Aldi's Specially Selected Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream as the best vanilla ice cream in a blind taste test of ten brands. The budget supermarket's offering scored 77% from 63 dessert enthusiasts, outperforming premium rivals such as Häagen-Dazs and Yeo Valley.
Top Scorers and Pricing
Aldi's ice cream, priced at £2.69, was the joint cheapest on test and earned the 'Great Value' award. Which? noted: "A delicious crowd-pleasing ice cream that's also the joint cheapest on test. Most thought the strength of flavour and sweetness were just right. Texture was a high point too, with nearly three-quarters finding it had the perfect creaminess."
In second place, Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Vanilla Ice Cream (£3.50) scored 76%, praised for its "good flavour and a well-balanced sweetness" but lacking creaminess. Waitrose No.1 Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream (£4.50) and Yeo Valley Organic Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream (£4.75) also scored 76%, while Morrisons The Best Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream (£3) and Tesco Finest Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream (£3.50) both scored 75%.
Premium Brands Underperform
Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream (£5.75) placed second from bottom with 67%, while Jude's Vanilla Clotted Cream Ice Cream (£5) came last at 63%. Lidl's Deluxe Vanilla Ice Cream (£2.69) scored 72%.
Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: "In this sunny spell, there's no better time for shoppers to discover the best summer staples. Our Specially Selected Madagascan vanilla ice cream earns both 'Best Buy' and 'Great Value' from Which? - beating far pricier rivals - is the ultimate seal of approval. It shows you don't have to compromise on quality or flavour to stay on budget this summer. A big win for shoppers, who can enjoy a truly indulgent treat at an unbeatable price."
