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The best ice cream to keep you cool this summer, from limoncello to chocolate Guinness cake
The GHI has the scoop on the most exciting flavours for 2026
Tested by Joanna AnastasiouFood and Drinks Tester
Whether served in a cone with a flake or sandwiched between cookies, the best ice cream is the tastiest way to cool down on a hot summer’s day.
So, as part 2026’s BBQ Taste Test, our expert tasting panel at the Good Housekeeping Institute braved the brain freeze to find the best flavours on the market, whether you’re after creamy salted caramel, decadent rich chocolate, or a refreshing fruity gelato.
After trying 14 different tubs from the likes of Waitrose, Ben & Jerry's and Crosta & Mollica, we’re confident we’ve found a flavour for every taste and occasion.
Best ice cream 2026
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What is the difference between gelato and ice cream?
Typically, gelato contains more milk but is made with less cream and fewer egg yolks than traditional ice cream. With fewer calories, less sugar and lower fat, many consider gelato to be the healthier choice.
How we test ice cream
Our panel of taste testers tried 14 different ice creams to find the best for summer. They were looking for creamy and indulgent frozen desserts with a smooth texture. The ice cream had to match the described flavour, with a balanced sweetness and a high dairy content.
Häagen-Dazs Tiramisu Ice Cream 420ml
Score: 89/100
Made with decadent mascarpone ice cream, swirls of coffee and cocoa sauce, and coffee sponge cake pieces, this premium ice cream is a must-buy for summer. Rich and intense, we think it’s strictly adult-only.
Jude's Chocolate Guinness Cake Ice Cream 460ml
Jude's Chocolate Guinness Cake Ice Cream 460ml
Score: 88/100
With Guinness sales booming, this ice cream is set to be the viral sensation of the summer. Indulgent without being overly sweet, it has a light, mousse-like texture, with soft brownie pieces adding contrast – it really does capture the flavour of Nigella’s iconic Guinness cake. One tester said they could eat the whole tub.
Tesco Finest Lemon & Limoncello Gelato 480ml
Tesco Finest Lemon & Limoncello Gelato 480ml
Score: 83/100
For a taste of la dolce vita at home, stock up on this supermarket gelato, which testers said tastes just like a limoncello spritz. Ribbons of sharp lemon cut through the creamy base, with crunchy meringue pieces adding contrast. An easy, refreshing way to round off your meal.
Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Tub Sweet Mango Memories 465ml
Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Tub Sweet Mango Memories 465ml
Score: 79/100
This super summery Ben & Jerry’s flavour has been created in collaboration with displaced refugees-turned-entrepreneurs. It's a fruity ice cream laced with mango swirls and white chocolate. Proceeds from every tub go to support refugee-led businesses.
Lidl Clotted Cream Ice Cream Tub 2L
Lidl Clotted Cream Ice Cream Tub 2L
Score: 79/100
Sometimes, a simple scoop is best, and Lidl’s generous two litre tub is great for large gatherings. Luxurious and creamy, it’s a dependable base that works well on its own or alongside desserts such as apple crumble.
Waitrose No.1 Vanilla & British Blackcurrant Ripple Ice Cream 480ml
Score: 79/100
This new vanilla ice cream is rippled with blackcurrant sauce and has a gorgeous fresh vanilla aroma, reminiscent of jam and clotted cream. The zippy berry coulis brings a punchy contrast to the creamy texture – it’s a match made in ice cream heaven.
Exceptional by ASDA Sicilian Lemon Meringue Dairy Ice Cream 500ml
Exceptional by ASDA Sicilian Lemon Meringue Dairy Ice Cream 500ml
Score: 78/100
ASDA has combined the refreshing flavours of lemon meringue with a creamy base to create an uplifting post-BBQ dessert. You’ll also find vibrant lemon curd rippled throughout, with crunchy lemon meringue pieces for contrast. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Aldi Gianni's Ice Cream Mini Pots 440ml
Aldi Gianni's Ice Cream Mini Pots 440ml
Score: 76/100
For a grab and go dessert, Aldi’s mini pots are ideal. Each pack contains two family-friendly flavours: biscuit with salted caramel sauce, and malt chocolate with caramel and chocolate shavings. Both have a smooth, creamy base with crunchy, chewy pieces. And if you can’t decide between the two, they’re small enough to have both!
Crosta & Mollica Cherry & Mascarpone Gelato 450ml
Score: 75/100
An Italian treat that’s perfect for your summer soirées, this gelato is made with whole milk mascarpone for a slow-whipped, creamy texture. The swirls of sticky cherry provide a pop of sweet and sour flavour, too.
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Roasted Pistachio Ice Cream 480ml
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Roasted Pistachio Ice Cream 480ml
Score: 75/100
The pistachio’s popularity shows no sign of slowing, and this tub is pure indulgence. Rich without being overly sweet, testers enjoyed the deep, roasted flavour and slightly caramelised notes. Generously studded with crunchy pistachio pieces, each spoonful offers real substance. Divine.
Carte D'or Sundae Strawberry Ice Cream Tub 750ml
Carte D'or Sundae Strawberry Ice Cream Tub 750ml
Score: 73/100
Great for large gatherings, this ready-made sundae combines jammy strawberry ripple with an airy vanilla base for a nostalgic strawberries-and-cream combo. Better yet, crunchy Cornetto wafer pieces and pink chocolate bits are added separately, so you can build your dream dessert. Spoons at the ready!
Magnum Bonbon Cherry & Milk Chocolate Ice Cream Frozen Snack 204ml
Magnum Bonbon Cherry & Milk Chocolate Ice Cream Frozen Snack 204ml
Score: 73/100
When you just need a sweet bite (or two) to round off your meal, this is the answer. Each chocolate-coated bon bon captures the taste of Magnum in bite-sized form – genius! Testers enjoyed the tangy Black Forest cherry flavour, with crunchy biscuit and a creamy base. Don’t be surprised if you go back for more.
Read on for more BBQ winners
Stacey looks after all food and drink reviews — from coffee pods and veg boxes, to natural wine and tequila. Stacey is also founder of Crummbs, where she’s written nearly 2,000 restaurant and hotel reviews since 2013. Prior to this, Stacey wrote hundreds of in-depth buying guides for the Independent, i newspaper and BBC Good Food, as well as reviewing restaurants and interviewing celebrities in her column at Balance Magazine. Stacey has also appeared in BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary Blood, Sweat & Takeaways, where she investigated South East Asia's food production industry, appearing on both Newsnight and BBC World Service to share her findings. Regularly checking out the latest restaurants, bars and product launches, Stacey also loves experimenting with recipes at home, and is a WSET-certified wine and spirits expert, with over 10 years of experience in the business. You can follow Stacey on Instagram @crummbs_uk
Joanna Anastasiou is our Food and Drinks Tester, and has completed certifications in Sensory Foundation and WSET Wine Level 2 training. Prior to this she studied geography with conservation biology at the University of Exeter and trained at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland. Through this she has developed a passion for sustainability within the food and agricultural sectors. Joanna also volunteers in kitchens with FoodCycle, as well as on multiple wildlife conservation projects, where she formed a particular love for bees!
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