Top 10 Best Ice Cream Brands in Harlow

Harlow's Sweet Tooth

When the sun comes out over Harlow, the queues form quickly. Families picnic in Harlow Town Park, children run between the play areas and the Pets Corner, and walkers wander along the Stort Valley and through the Water Gardens. Ice cream is an essential part of these moments, whether it is a cone from a van, a scoop from a dessert parlour or a tub shared at home after a long day.

The UK ice cream market has changed dramatically in recent years. Shoppers now expect premium ingredients, bold flavours, dairy-free choices and more transparent sourcing. Supermarkets, convenience stores and dessert shops across Harlow stock a huge variety of brands, so we have picked out the ten that consistently deliver quality, flavour and value.

How We Ranked the Brands

We considered taste, texture, ingredient quality, flavour range, availability in Harlow shops, dietary options and overall value. We also looked at each brand's values, including sustainability and ethical sourcing, which matter increasingly to local consumers.

The Top 10 Ice Cream Brands in Harlow

1. Ben and Jerry's

Ben and Jerry's is famous for chunky mix-ins, playful flavour names and a strong commitment to social causes. Classics such as Cookie Dough and Phish Food remain best sellers, while its non-dairy range has made indulgent pints available to vegans. It is stocked widely across Harlow supermarkets and convenience stores.

2. Haagen-Dazs

Haagen-Dazs has built its reputation on dense, creamy ice cream made with a short list of quality ingredients. Flavours such as Belgian Chocolate, Salted Caramel and Vanilla are elegant enough for dinner parties, and its mini cups are ideal for portion control. It remains a benchmark for premium supermarket ice cream.

3. Magnum

Magnum's thick chocolate shell and smooth vanilla centre have made it one of the most recognisable ice cream bars in the world. Limited-edition flavours, double layers and mini multipacks keep the range fresh. On a hot day in Harlow, a Magnum from the nearest shop is a classic treat.

4. Carte D'Or

Carte D'Or is a go-to family brand for scoopable tubs, particularly for desserts and Sunday lunches. Its large tubs of vanilla, strawberry and chocolate offer reliable quality at a sensible price, and the brand's sorbets provide a lighter, fruitier option.

5. Kelly's of Cornwall

Kelly's of Cornwall brings the taste of the British seaside to Harlow freezers. Made with Cornish clotted cream, its ice cream is rich and silky, and flavours such as Cornish Vanilla and Honeycomb are genuine crowd pleasers. It is a great choice for anyone who loves traditional British flavours.

6. Mackie's of Scotland

Mackie's is a family-run dairy farm business in Aberdeenshire that produces ice cream from its own herd's milk, using renewable energy on the farm. Its Traditional flavour is famously simple and creamy, and the brand's farm-to-freezer story appeals to shoppers who value provenance.

7. Jude's

Jude's is a British ice cream maker known for creative flavours, lower-sugar options and a strong sustainability ethos, including a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Its Salted Caramel and Very Vanilla are particularly popular, and its plant-based range is among the best on the market.

8. Yorvale

Yorvale is a Yorkshire-based producer making ice cream from local farm milk. It has gained a following for flavours such as Honeycomb, Mint Choc Chip and Salted Caramel, and its commitment to quality ingredients and minimal additives makes it a smart choice for families wanting natural treats.

9. Swedish Glace

Swedish Glace has long been a favourite for those avoiding dairy. Its smooth, creamy texture proves that plant-based ice cream can rival traditional recipes, and its affordable price makes it accessible for everyday enjoyment. It is widely available in Harlow supermarkets.

10. Cornetto

Cornetto is a nostalgic favourite, combining a crisp wafer cone, creamy ice cream and the iconic chocolate tip at the bottom. Multipacks make it popular for family freezers and garden parties, and it is a reliable choice at convenience stores throughout the town.

Ice Cream Parlours and Vans

Beyond supermarket freezers, Harlow residents also enjoy dessert parlours and traditional ice cream vans that tour residential streets and parks during warmer months. Dessert shops offering gelato, sundaes, waffles and milkshakes have grown in popularity as evening destinations for families and young people. Farm shops and nearby market towns also sell locally made ice creams worth seeking out on weekend trips.

Trends in the Ice Cream Market

Plant-based ice cream is one of the fastest-growing categories, with oat, almond, coconut and soya bases all improving in quality. Lower-sugar and high-protein ice creams appeal to health-conscious shoppers. Premiumisation continues, with consumers willing to pay more for provenance, farm-fresh milk and inventive flavours. Brands are also investing in recyclable packaging and paper-based tubs to reduce plastic waste.

Tips for Choosing Ice Cream

Check the ingredients list: higher-quality ice creams usually contain more cream and less air, giving a denser texture. If you have allergies, look carefully at labels for nuts, gluten and dairy. For entertaining, larger tubs offer better value, while individual bars and cones are ideal for outdoor events. Let premium tubs soften for a few minutes before scooping for the best flavour.

Conclusion

From indulgent premium pints to family tubs and dairy-free delights, Harlow shoppers have a fantastic choice of ice cream brands. Whether you are enjoying a sunny afternoon in the park or a cosy night in, these ten brands deliver the flavour and quality that make every scoop worthwhile.