Top 10 Best Ice Cream Brands in Oadby and Wigston

The Borough's Love Affair With Ice Cream

Ice cream is one of life's simple pleasures, and in Oadby and Wigston it is enjoyed all year round. On sunny afternoons, families head to Brocks Hill Country Park or the open spaces of Willow Park with a cone in hand, while dessert parlours stay busy late into the evening thanks to the borough's vibrant food culture. Supermarket freezers are filled with tubs from British farms and global brands, giving residents an enormous choice.

The local dessert scene has evolved in recent years. Inspired by Leicester's diverse population, many residents enjoy flavours such as mango, pistachio, saffron and kulfi alongside classic vanilla and chocolate. This guide celebrates the ice cream brands and dessert destinations that stand out for quality, flavour and experience.

How We Ranked These Brands

We considered taste, ingredient quality, flavour innovation, availability around the borough, dietary options and overall reputation. We included supermarket tubs, artisan British makers and dessert parlour chains to reflect the many ways residents enjoy ice cream.

The Top 10 Ice Cream Brands

1. Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's is famous for its chunky mix-ins, playful flavour names and social activism. Its rich tubs are a staple in local supermarkets, and its expanding range of non-dairy options means vegan residents can enjoy the same indulgent experience.

2. Häagen-Dazs

Häagen-Dazs is synonymous with premium, dense and creamy ice cream made with a short list of quality ingredients. Flavours such as Belgian chocolate, salted caramel and strawberries and cream make it a favourite for dinner parties and special occasions.

3. Magnum

Magnum's chocolate-coated ice cream bars are among the most recognisable treats in Britain. The satisfying crack of thick chocolate shell and the variety of indulgent flavours make Magnum a go-to choice from corner shops and supermarkets across the borough.

4. Carte D'Or

Carte D'Or is a trusted family brand known for its smooth texture and value-for-money tubs. It is ideal for serving alongside crumbles, pies and puddings, and its classic flavours appeal to all ages at family gatherings.

5. Mackie's of Scotland

Mackie's is a family-run farm business in Aberdeenshire that makes ice cream using milk and cream from its own herd. Its traditional dairy ice cream has a clean, fresh taste, and the company's use of renewable energy appeals to environmentally conscious shoppers.

6. Jude's

Jude's, from Hampshire, produces award-winning ice cream in imaginative flavours such as salted caramel and clotted cream vanilla. As a certified B Corporation, Jude's places sustainability at the heart of its business, and its vegan range is widely praised.

7. Kelly's of Cornwall

Kelly's brings the taste of the Cornish seaside to Leicestershire freezers. Made with Cornish clotted cream, its ice cream is rich, smooth and nostalgic, perfect for recreating holiday memories at home.

8. Kaspa's Desserts

Kaspa's is a popular dessert parlour chain with a strong presence in the Leicester area. Its menu of sundaes, waffles, crêpes, cookie dough and gelato makes it a favourite destination for evenings out with friends and family, especially among younger residents.

9. Creams Café

Creams Café offers Italian-style gelato, freshly made waffles, shakes and sundaes in a relaxed setting. Open late, it has become a social hub for families and students, and its customisable desserts suit every craving.

10. Swedish Glace

Swedish Glace is one of the longest-established dairy-free ice cream brands in the UK. Its smooth, plant-based recipes are suitable for vegans and people with dairy intolerances, making it an inclusive choice for gatherings where dietary needs vary.

Ice Cream Trends in Oadby and Wigston

Plant-based ice cream is one of the fastest-growing categories, with oat, almond, coconut and soya bases delivering impressive creaminess. Dessert parlours have become popular social venues, particularly as alcohol-free evenings out grow in appeal among families and younger people. Fusion flavours that blend South Asian ingredients with Italian gelato techniques are increasingly common, reflecting the multicultural tastes of the borough and Leicester.

Consumers are also paying closer attention to ingredients and sourcing. British farm-made ice cream, reduced sugar ranges and smaller portion formats are all gaining popularity as shoppers balance indulgence with wellbeing.

Tips for Enjoying Ice Cream at Its Best

Let premium ice cream soften for a few minutes before serving to bring out its full flavour and texture. Store tubs at the back of the freezer where the temperature is most stable, and keep lids tightly closed to prevent ice crystals forming. Pair flavours with seasonal desserts, such as vanilla with apple crumble in autumn or berry sorbet with summer fruit.

Supporting British Producers

Choosing ice cream made by British farms and family businesses supports rural economies and often means fresher dairy with lower food miles. Many supermarkets serving the borough now dedicate freezer space to regional producers, making it easier than ever to discover new favourites.

Conclusion

From globally loved brands to farmhouse producers and lively dessert parlours, Oadby and Wigston residents enjoy an exceptional choice of ice cream. Whether you prefer a classic cone in the park, an indulgent sundae with friends or a dairy-free tub at home, the brands above deliver quality, creativity and plenty of reasons to treat yourself.