A hot summer day demands that you do a couple of things, and one of them is to head out to the nearest store to pick up a tub of ice cream. After all, it is one of the most-liked sweetened treats across the world and can help you beat the heat. And if you’re looking for the top in-store ice cream brand, learn about these factors to help identify the best.

What makes an ice cream brand popular? There aren’t too many ingredients required to make a classic ice cream; what really matters is the precision and technique with which these ingredients are added and mixed. It’s why, despite numerous choices, only a handful of brands offer good quality products. These manufacturers ensure that the ice cream is churned just right away and walks the delicate line between sweet and too sugary.

When you look for a premium ice cream brand, it isn’t just about mastering a good flavor. While focusing on taste is the base, the brand must create a unique frozen dessert. Manufacturers who mix and match ingredients, offer deals on flavors of the month, and come up with quirky flavors frequently tend to grab more eyeballs and are likely to perform well in a competitive market.

Furthermore, you should also note that popular ice cream brands take extra care when sourcing ingredients and prevent using unnecessary additives. These practices ensure the end-product lacks any iciness and can be served confidently to friends and family after a casual meal or at a celebration.

Cost of ice creams
The average cost for a pint or ounce of ice cream usually varies between $5 and $10. This cost may drop or increase based on factors, including the flavor, richness, and popularity of the brand. For example, some companies may charge lower prices for regular flavors like vanilla or strawberry but might charge more for premium options. You could also pay about $35 for a 3-gallon tub of ice cream at the parlor. Some of the expensive ice cream brands in the world create unique flavors that may cost more than $7000 a tub!

Ingredients in ice cream
Ice cream brands typically spend years perfecting their recipe before packaging it and distributing it to stores. The ingredients used to create the delicious treat may vary across recipes and brands. For example, several manufacturers may choose to add lower or higher amounts of air and ice based on the type of products they wish to create. Here are other common ingredients you would expect a top brand to include in your favorite tub:

Dairy products
There isn’t a strict set of guidelines about which daily products must be used to create a tub of ice cream. However, you should also note that in order for the product to be termed as ice cream, the USDA requires it to contain at least 10% of milk fat. The recipes from popular brands may use products such as low-fat dry milk or powdered milk to meet these guidelines.
Milk proteins
Another common ingredient in ice creams is milk proteins, which ensures the production of air bubbles, creaminess, and minute fat in ice cream. The milk protein may also help introduce a specific flavor to the product.
Sugar
Ice cream manufacturers usually add sugar to give the frozen dessert its sweet taste. But the ingredients also serve other purposes, such as acting as a natural regulator that moderates how much ice can form inside the water crystals of ice cream during the freezing process. The sugar used in ice creams could also help in heat preservation, which helps when you repeatedly put ice cream in and out of the freezer.
Fat
Fat helps make the ice cream that you eat creamier. The addition of fat also helps give the product flavor, and structure and stabilize the air bubbles.
Stabilizers
Most ice cream manufacturers include stabilizers and emulsifiers in their recipes. These ingredients ensure that the ice cream you purchase doesn’t melt unusually, improve its structural properties, and also enhance its texture to give it the right amount of creaminess. The brand may also add flavorings to their recipe, which you can find on the package’s label.

Types of ice cream
Each brand may specialize in a certain ice cream type. Some may even offer healthy low-calorie, sugar-free options. Similarly, there are other types of ice creams that you ought to know about.

If you follow a vegetarian, vegan, or dairy-free meal plan, you should try vegan ice cream brands.
A kulfi is a traditional Indian ice cream made by slowly heating sweetened milk until the sugar caramelizes and the milk condenses. The option might also be flavored with aromas like rose, saffron, pistachio, and cardamom.
Philadelphia ice cream is made without adding eggs to achieve a consistency that is light in nature and easier to make.
Ice popsicles contain flavors, sweeteners, stabilizers, water, and gum and could be enjoyed on a hot summer day.
Mochi ice cream is a traditional Japanese dessert that boasts a creamy texture that is coated with sweet pounded glutinous rice dough. The formula results in a creamy texture that could meal in the mouth and make it fun to eat.