Top 10 Best Ice Cream Brands in Shetland Islands

Ice Cream in the Far North

It may seem surprising that ice cream is popular in a place better known for bracing winds than heatwaves, but Shetland has a genuine love of a good scoop. Long summer evenings, when daylight lingers almost until midnight in the season locals call the simmer dim, are perfect for an ice cream by the harbour. The islands also have excellent dairy produce, and one Lerwick business has turned that into a distinctive local brand.

The range available in Shetland combines local artisan production, highly regarded Scottish makers and international brands found in island supermarkets and shops. Availability can vary by store and season, but the following ten brands are among the best to look out for.

The Top 10 Ice Cream Brands in Shetland

1. Shetland Ice Cream

Shetland Ice Cream is an artisan gelato produced by Lerwick-based Island Larder, developed in partnership with Shetland Farm Dairies. Made with fresh local milk and cream, it is a true taste of the islands. Flavours have included creative options inspired by the business's own fudge and confectionery. It is sold at the Island Larder premises in Lerwick and is the natural first choice for anyone wanting a genuinely local treat.

2. Mackie's of Scotland

Mackie's, based on a family farm in Aberdeenshire, is one of Scotland's best-loved ice cream brands. It is known for its creamy traditional flavour and its commitment to renewable energy on the farm. Its tubs are a common sight in Scottish supermarkets and a dependable favourite for families.

3. Orkney Ice Cream

From Shetland's neighbouring archipelago to the south, Orkney ice cream has a strong following thanks to rich dairy from Orkney farms. For many islanders it feels like a fellow northern isles product, combining quality ingredients with island heritage.

4. Equi's

Equi's is a Scottish family business with Italian roots and more than a century of ice cream making behind it. Its range has earned numerous awards, and its traditional recipes reflect the strong Italian-Scottish heritage that shaped the country's ice cream culture.

5. Nardini's

Nardini's is famous for its historic seafront parlour in Largs and its classic Italian-style ice cream. Its name is synonymous with the golden age of Scottish seaside ice cream, and its products bring a little of that nostalgia to freezers across the country.

6. Ben and Jerry's

Ben and Jerry's is known worldwide for chunky, indulgent flavours and playful names. Widely available in UK supermarkets, it is a go-to for those who like plenty of cookie dough, brownie pieces and swirls in every spoonful.

7. Haagen-Dazs

Haagen-Dazs is a premium international brand recognised for its dense, smooth texture and relatively short ingredient lists. Its classic flavours such as vanilla and salted caramel make it a popular choice for an after-dinner treat.

8. Magnum

Magnum's chocolate-coated ice cream bars are among the most popular hand-held treats in the UK. Convenient multipacks make them a staple in home freezers, perfect for a sunny afternoon at a beach such as St Ninian's Isle.

9. Cornetto

The Cornetto is a timeless classic, combining crisp cone, smooth ice cream and a chocolate tip. It remains a familiar favourite in local shops and garages across the islands, particularly during the summer months.

10. Swedish Glace

For those avoiding dairy, Swedish Glace offers a long-established plant-based option with a smooth, creamy texture. Its availability in UK supermarkets makes it an easy choice for vegan and dairy-free households in Shetland.

The Local Dairy Connection

Shetland's dairy sector is small but important. Shetland Farm Dairies produces milk for the islands, which is significant in a place where supply from the mainland depends on ferry schedules and weather. Using that milk to create a local ice cream adds value to island dairy farming and gives residents and visitors a product with true provenance. It is part of a wider trend of Shetland food producers creating premium, locally rooted products that celebrate island identity.

Ice Cream Trends Worth Knowing

Across the UK, consumers are increasingly drawn to artisan, small-batch ice creams made with natural ingredients and local dairy. Gelato-style textures, unusual flavour combinations and seasonal specials are especially popular. Plant-based alternatives continue to grow, and many shoppers now look for recyclable packaging and responsibly sourced ingredients. In Shetland, buying locally made ice cream is also a way to support island jobs and businesses.

Where and When to Enjoy Ice Cream in Shetland

Lerwick's waterfront and Commercial Street are ideal for a stroll with a cone, especially on a bright summer day when the harbour is busy with boats. Beaches such as those at Sands of Breckon in Yell, Meal Beach near Hamnavoe or St Ninian's Isle offer spectacular backdrops for a picnic dessert. Ice cream also features at agricultural shows and summer events across the islands, where it is part of the day out for many families.

If you are buying tubs to take home, remember that some outlying shops have limited freezer space, so ranges can be smaller than in Lerwick. Planning ahead, especially for gatherings, ensures you will have your favourite flavours ready.

Final Thoughts

From the locally made gelato of Shetland Ice Cream to the classic Scottish names of Mackie's, Equi's and Nardini's, Shetland offers a surprisingly rich choice of ice cream. Whether you are enjoying a cone under the midnight sun or a tub on a cosy winter evening, these ten brands show that a great ice cream is welcome in every season, even on the edge of the North Atlantic.