Consumer watchdog Which? conducted a blind taste test with 63 dessert enthusiasts to find the best vanilla ice cream among ten brands, including supermarket own labels and major names. The winner was Aldi's Specially Selected Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream, scoring 77% and priced at just £2.69, earning both 'Best Buy' and 'Great Value' awards.
Test Results and Winner
Aldi's ice cream was praised for its finest texture and flavour, beating rivals like Häagen-Dazs, which scored only 67% and cost £5.75. Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Vanilla Ice Cream came second at 76% (£3.50), followed by Waitrose No.1 Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream and Yeo Valley Organic Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream, both at 76% but priced higher at £4.50 and £4.75 respectively.
Which? reported: "Aldi was the top choice for our tasters. And as it's one of the cheapest on test at less than £3 (£2.69), it also wins our Great Value award." They added: "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."
Other Brands Performance
Morrisons The Best Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream and Tesco Finest Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream both scored 75%, while Lidl Deluxe Vanilla Ice Cream achieved 72%. At the bottom, Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream scored 67% and Jude's Vanilla Clotted Cream Ice Cream scored 63%.
Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, commented: "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."
Full Results Breakdown
- Best Buy & Great Value: Aldi Specially Selected Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream / 77% / £2.69
- Sainsbury's Specially Selected Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream / 76% / £3.50
- Waitrose No.1 Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream / 76% / £4.50
- Yeo Valley Organic Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream / 76% / £4.75
- Morrisons The Best Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream / 75% / £3
- Tesco Finest Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream / 75% / £3.50
- Lidl Deluxe Vanilla Ice Cream / 72% / £2.69
- Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream / 67% / £5.75
- Jude's Vanilla Clotted Cream Ice Cream / 63% / £5
