We’re almost two weeks after National Ice Cream Month – which was July, but that doesn’t mean we can’t treat ourselves to a bowl, a cup, or a cone (whichever you prefer) of creamy, smooth, flavorful ice cream every now and then. And hey, if you’re one for eating straight out of the tub, nobody’s judging here. There’s no such thing as not hygienic when nobody’s watching.
Ice cream doesn’t really need a celebration day to be enjoyed because when it comes to eating ice cream, nobody needs a reason. And people eat it all year round – a-ham, even in winter. Remember warm apple pie? Nothing makes it taste better than a whole scoop of vanilla ice cream.
You probably have your favorite flavor already, maybe even always buy from one manufacturer alone. No harm in that. When you find a good ice cream producer, you stick to it. But if you haven’t yet tried these companies, chances are your sweet tooth is going to thank you for tasting something new.
Give these brands a shot, and you might end up changing companies.
Blue Bell Creameries – There’s no way you haven’t heard about this brand already. A Texas-based company, they’ve been making ice cream since the horse-drawn buggies era.
Blue Bell used to offer tours at their production facilities in Brenham, but although they no longer have any tours, visitors still have access to the garden area and can buy lovely ice cream from the ice cream shop at just 1$ for a scoop.
Best Blue Bell ice cream flavors: Vanilla, Mocha Fudge Almond,
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Mint Chocolate Chip.
Available in stores? Yes.
Bellvale Farms Creamery – Based in Warwick, New York this barn-style shop is as sweet as homemade ice cream can be. They do offer tours and a great time to visit the facility is October during the pumpkin picking season, which makes this a great time and place for family time and fun.
The creamery is open every day 12 to 9 pm in August, including weekends and it offers ice cream, but also ice cream cakes and pies. The farm gets pretty crowded on the weekend, so if during the week is a possibility, then definitely visit then. Remember to stop on the top of the hill to enjoy your ice cream. The scenery, especially at sunset, is amazing.
Best Bellvale Farms Creamery flavors: Bellvale Bog, Coconut, Meadow Muffins, Vanilla, Black Dirt Blast.
Available in stores? No.
Häagen-Dasz – Don’t let the name fool you. This is an American company that produces ice cream since Reuben and Rose Mattus established the business in 1961, in Bronx, New York.
To some, Häagen-Dasz is the best ice cream they’ve ever tasted, and that may have something to do with the smooth texture and the delicious flavors, but let’s leave that up to you to decide. Full disclosure though, their ice cream is almost as popular as Ben and Jerry’s in cities like Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing where there are many ice cream outlets in shopping malls. Overall, the business operates over 900 ice cream shops in 50 countries.
Best Häagen-Dasz flavors: Belgian Chocolate, Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Mango, Vanilla, Peppermint Bark.
Available in stores? Yes – Häagen-Dasz shops.