Aldi's Specially Selected Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream, priced at £2.69 for 480ml, has been crowned the winner in a Which? taste test of luxury vanilla ice creams. The budget retailer's offering outperformed premium brands such as Häagen-Dazs and Jude's, as well as upmarket supermarket own-label products from Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and Tesco.
How Aldi's Ice Cream Scored
The Aldi ice cream achieved a score of 77% in the blind taste test, earning both the 'Best Buy' and 'Great Value' accolades from the consumer watchdog. It was praised for its 'just right' strength of vanilla flavour and perfectly creamy texture.
In comparison, Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Vanilla Ice Cream (£3.50, 480ml) and Waitrose No.1 Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream (£4.50, 500ml) both scored 76%, while Morrisons The Best Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream (£3, 480ml) and Tesco's Finest Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream (£3.50, 480ml) each scored 75%. Lidl's Deluxe Vanilla Ice Cream (£2.69, 480ml) scored 72%, Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream (£5.75, 460ml) scored 67%, and Jude's Vanilla Clotted Cream Ice Cream (£5, 460ml) scored 63%.
Price and Value
Aldi's winning ice cream is less than half the price of the lower-scoring Häagen-Dazs alternative and offers a larger volume at 480ml compared to 460ml. It also undercuts other premium options such as Yeo Valley Organic Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream (£4.75, 500ml) and Jude's (£5, 460ml).
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 earning 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 List of Which? Scores
- Aldi’s Specially Selected Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream (£2.69, 480ml) – 77%
- Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Vanilla Ice Cream (£3.50, 480ml) – 76%
- Waitrose No.1 Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream (£4.50, 500ml) – 76%
- Yeo Valley Organic Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream (£4.75, 500ml) – 76%
- Morrisons The Best Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream (£3, 480ml) – 75%
- Tesco’s Finest Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream (£3.50, 480ml) – 75%
- Lidl Deluxe Vanilla Ice Cream (£2.69, 480ml) – 72%
- Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream (£5.75, 460ml) – 67%
- Jude’s Vanilla Clotted Cream Ice Cream (£5, 460ml) – 63%
