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The 10 Best Store-Bought Vanilla Ice Cream Brands, Ranked

Our winner isn't the most expensive.

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best vanilla ice cream
Allie Folino

Vanilla ice cream sometimes gets over-shadowed—who wants to just eat plain vanilla?!—but a truly good vanilla ice cream from a brand should be able to stand on its own without the sprinkles or hot fudge. We hit up every freezer section around to find out which ice cream brands make the best vanilla ice cream. Not only is the winner obvious, but it's also easy to find. Excuse me while I bake some brownies to go with it.

Haagen-Dazs

haagen dazs ice cream
Courtesy of Fresh Direct

Haagen-Dazs gets us every time: It's not too sweet and has a texture sturdy enough for ice cream desserts like cakes and sandwiches.

Van Leeuwen

van leeuwen ice cream
Courtesy of Van Leeuwen

Handmade in Brooklyn, this cult favorite has a perfectly creamy texture and super-authentic vanilla flavor.

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Adirondack Creamery

adirondack ice cream
Courtesy of Fresh Direct

This was the creamiest of the bunch, but the vanilla flavor was just a tad too sweet to be deemed our ultimate favorite.

Ben & Jerry's

ben and jerrys ice cream
Courtesy of Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's can do no wrong. We could devour a pint and feel zero shame. The vanilla doesn't have the strongest flavor, but I think that adds to its allure. It's the perfect ice cream to binge on.

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Jeni's

jeni's honey vanilla bean ice cream
Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream

Jeni's knows what they're doing when it comes to their more eclectic flavors, and the slight touch of honey in their Honey Vanilla Bean is a welcomed addition.

Turkey Hill

turkey hill vanilla bean
Turkey Hill

Sometimes the grocery aisle staples are so good they don't need improvements. So goes the story for Turkey Hill.

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Breyers

breyers ice cream
Courtesy of Walmart

A truly nice vanilla flavor and solidly creamy texture.

Stonyfield Vanilla Frozen Yogurt

stonyfield whole milk frozen yogurt
Stonyfield

If you don't get vanilla froyo to act as a blank canvas for all of your toppings, you're doing it wrong. I said what I said. Stonyfield's stands great alone but can also be great with the toppings of your choice.

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Edy's

edy's ice cream
Courtesy of Edy's

Edy's takes us right back to every childhood birthday party. It's smooth and creamy with a totally real vanilla flavor.

Talenti

talenti gelato
Talenti

Technically this is gelato, but the thick scoop of Talenti gelato absolutely deserves a spot on this list. The specks of vanilla bean throughout also pack so much flavor, making this pint proof that vanilla isn't boring.

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