Top 10 Best Ice Cream Brands in Kingston upon Thames

Ice Cream by the River

Few places in London are as suited to ice cream as Kingston upon Thames. The riverside promenade, the boats gliding past Kingston Bridge and the lawns of Canbury Gardens draw families and couples throughout the warmer months. Ice cream is sold from kiosks, dessert parlours, cafés and supermarkets across the town, and the choice has never been broader. Traditional dairy scoops sit alongside vegan gelato, protein-rich low-calorie tubs and premium imports. The ten brands below are the ones Kingston residents return to again and again.

1. Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's remains the most recognisable premium ice cream brand in the United Kingdom. Its chunky, mix-in-heavy flavours such as Cookie Dough and Phish Food are staples in Kingston freezers, and its non-dairy range has expanded significantly. The brand's outspoken commitment to social causes and fair trade sourcing resonates with the borough's socially conscious shoppers, while its playful marketing keeps it front of mind every summer.

2. Häagen-Dazs

Häagen-Dazs represents the indulgent end of the market, with dense, smooth ice cream made from a short list of high-quality ingredients. Flavours such as Salted Caramel, Belgian Chocolate and Strawberry Cheesecake are frequently chosen for dinner parties and date nights in Kingston. The brand's elegant packaging and consistent quality have made it a benchmark for premium tubs and mini cups.

3. Magnum

Magnum transformed the ice cream stick from a children's treat into an adult indulgence. Its thick chocolate coating and creamy vanilla core are instantly recognisable, and newer varieties featuring white chocolate, almonds and vegan alternatives have kept the range fresh. Magnums are sold at almost every convenience store and kiosk along the Kingston riverside, making them the default choice for an impromptu treat.

4. Jude's

Jude's is a family-owned British brand that has grown from a small Hampshire dairy into a national favourite. It is celebrated for classic flavours made with British milk and cream, along with an award-winning vegan range and lower-calorie options. Jude's was one of the first ice cream companies in the world to become carbon negative, and its ethical stance has earned it loyal customers among Kingston's environmentally minded residents.

5. Oppo Brothers

Oppo Brothers set out to prove that indulgent ice cream could also be lower in sugar and calories. Using natural sweeteners and ingredients such as avocado and coconut, the brand has developed flavours that appeal to fitness-focused shoppers without tasting like a compromise. Oppo tubs are widely stocked in Kingston's supermarkets and health food shops, and the brand's sticks and sandwiches have broadened its appeal.

6. Kelly's of Cornwall

Kelly's brings the taste of Cornish clotted cream to Kingston freezers. Its rich, buttery vanilla is a classic accompaniment to summer desserts, and its Cornish Clotted Cream tub is a fixture at family barbecues across Surbiton and New Malden. The brand's heritage and straightforward recipes make it a comforting choice for those who prefer tradition over novelty.

7. Mackie's of Scotland

Mackie's is produced on a family farm in Aberdeenshire using milk from the farm's own herd and electricity from its own renewable sources. The result is a fresh, clean-tasting ice cream that has become popular in Kingston's larger supermarkets. Mackie's Traditional flavour is prized for its simplicity, while its honeycomb and raspberry ripple varieties are firm favourites with children.

8. Gelupo

Gelupo is a London gelateria brand admired by food critics for its intense, authentic Italian flavours. Its gelato and sorbets, including blood orange, ricotta and sour cherry, and pistachio, are made in small batches from carefully sourced ingredients. While its parlours are in central London, Gelupo tubs have found their way into premium retailers serving Kingston, and the brand is often cited as a reference point for quality by local dessert shops.

9. Northern Bloc

Northern Bloc is a Leeds-based brand that has made a name for itself with bold flavours and a strong commitment to plant-based ice cream. Its vegan chocolate orange and peanut butter varieties are among the best in the category, and its recyclable packaging appeals to eco-conscious Kingston consumers. Northern Bloc also supplies restaurants and cafés, meaning many diners in the borough have tasted it without realising.

10. Booja-Booja

Booja-Booja produces organic, dairy-free ice cream using cashew nuts as its base. The brand is a favourite among vegans and those with dairy intolerances, and its Hunky Punky Chocolate and Caramel Pecan Praline flavours are regularly praised for their luxurious texture. Kingston's independent health food stores and organic grocers have made Booja-Booja readily available to local shoppers.

Trends in Kingston's Ice Cream Market

The ice cream category is being reshaped by several forces. Plant-based options have moved firmly into the mainstream, with most major brands offering credible dairy-free ranges. Lower-sugar and higher-protein products are attracting active consumers who still want a treat. Sustainability is increasingly important, from carbon-neutral production to recyclable tubs. Finally, there is a resurgence of interest in authentic gelato and artisan production methods, reflecting a wider appreciation for craft food in the borough.

Finding Your Favourite

Kingston upon Thames offers ice cream for every taste and occasion. Choose Ben & Jerry's or Häagen-Dazs for indulgent evenings, Jude's or Mackie's for wholesome family treats, Oppo Brothers for a lighter option and Booja-Booja or Northern Bloc for plant-based excellence. Whichever brand you pick, enjoying it beside the Thames on a warm afternoon remains one of the borough's most enduring pleasures.