In the sweltering heat of British summer, few treats are as universally beloved as a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream. But not all supermarket varieties are created equal. We conducted a blind taste test of the UK's most popular vanilla ice creams to separate the sublime from the subpar.
The Cream of the Crop
Our panel of discerning tasters awarded top marks to Waitrose's No.1 Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream, praising its "perfect balance of creamy texture and authentic vanilla flavour". Close behind was M&S's Cornish Clotted Cream Vanilla, noted for its luxurious mouthfeel and flecks of real vanilla bean.
Middle of the Road
- Tesco's Finest Madagascan Vanilla offered decent quality at a mid-range price
- Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Vanilla impressed with its strong vanilla aroma
- Asda's Extra Special Vanilla provided good value but lacked depth of flavour
The Meltdowns
Several budget options failed to impress our judges. Aldi's Specially Selected Vanilla was criticised for its artificial aftertaste, while Lidl's Deluxe Vanilla suffered from an overly sweet profile that overwhelmed the vanilla notes. The biggest disappointment came from a surprisingly bland offering from a major premium retailer.
What Makes Great Vanilla Ice Cream?
Our food science expert explains: "The best vanilla ice creams use real vanilla extract or pods, contain at least 10% milk fat, and have minimal stabilisers. Texture should be smooth without being gummy, and the vanilla flavour should be pronounced but not overpowering."
For those seeking dairy-free options, we found two surprisingly good vegan alternatives that held their own against traditional recipes.
