🍨The 2026 Freezies Category Guide
Best Ice Cream & Frozen Treats of 2026
“Rich egg-yolk custard bases, slow churns, and decadent crunch inclusions.”
62Products Tested
30Blind Tasters
99/100Top Winner Score
The State of Ice Cream & Treats in 2026
American ice cream is experiencing a golden age. From Brooklyn-born French custard churners to Ohio heritage creamers, supermarkets now stock pints with over 16% butterfat, zero artificial gums, and hand-swirled inclusions that rival top scoop shops.
Sensory Profile
Artisan Flavor & Texture Winners
Score: 99Van Leeuwen
Honeycomb French Ice Cream
The gold standard of grocery ice cream. A luxurious French custard base loaded with shatteringly crisp house-made caramel honeycomb crunch.
💡The Ice Cream Connoisseur's Checklist
- •Examine the overrun percentage: Premium pints contain minimal whipped air, weighing at least 14 ounces per pint.
- •Check the egg yolk count: Traditional French custard bases incorporate real egg yolks for unmatched silkiness.
- •Temper before scooping: Allow artisanal pints to rest on the counter for 5 to 7 minutes before digging in.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ice Cream & Treats
What makes French ice cream different from regular ice cream?
French ice cream contains at least 1.4% pasteurized egg yolk solids, resulting in a richer, denser custard texture that coats the palate.