In this taste test, we rated the best supermarket chocolate ice cream available, finding rich and creamy options that rival artisanal brands. Our expert panel sampled several products, scoring on taste, texture, and ingredient quality. The results reveal a clear shift toward less-processed, higher-quality ice creams with fewer gums and emulsifiers.
Top Supermarket Chocolate Ice Cream Picks
We evaluated each ice cream for smoothness, mouthfeel, cream content, and overall flavor complexity. Dense, custard-based French-style ice creams earned extra points, as did those with short, recognizable ingredient lists. Below are the standout performers.
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Best Overall: Waitrose No.1 Santo Domingo Chocolate Ice Cream
Waitrose No.1 Santo Domingo impressed with its voluminous, super-rich texture and deep chocolate flavor. Made with 35% West Country whipping cream, Rainforest Alliance-certified Dominican Republic chocolate, and free-range eggs, this ice cream is remarkably smooth and creamy. It carries a Great Taste one-star award and contains no stabilizers. Priced at £4.50 for 480ml (94p/100ml), it earned 4 out of 4 stars.
Best Bargain: Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference offers excellent value at £3.50 for 480ml (73p/100ml). It combines British cow's milk with 27% double cream and Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa for a medium-intensity chocolate custard with a sugary toffee note. This ice cream is free from stabilizers and emulsifiers beyond the soya lecithin in the chocolate, earning 4 stars.
Premium Choice: Brickell's All-Natural Craft Chocolate Ice Cream
For those seeking an indulgent splurge, Brickell's all-natural craft chocolate ice cream (£7.50 for 475ml, £1.58/100ml) delivers a fudgy, rich, and satiating experience. Its bittersweet, nutty flavor comes from dark brown sugar and British milk from a family farm. This 4-star contender is intensely characterful and complex.
Comparison Table: Top Chocolate Ice Creams
| Brand | Price (per 100ml) | Rating | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waitrose No.1 Santo Domingo | 94p | ★★★★★ | 35% whipping cream, no stabilizers, Rainforest Alliance chocolate |
| Sainsbury's Taste the Difference | 73p | ★★★★ | 27% double cream, no stabilizers, cocoa |
| Brickell's Craft | £1.58 | ★★★★ | All-natural, dark brown sugar, family farm milk |
Key Takeaways
- Look for ice creams with high cream content and short ingredient lists.
- French-style custard bases typically yield a smoother, denser texture.
- Avoid products with multiple gums and emulsifiers; they often indicate lower quality.
- Provenance matters: Rainforest Alliance certification ensures sustainable sourcing.
- Supermarket brands now compete with artisan makers on flavor and quality.
FAQ
What is the best supermarket chocolate ice cream overall?
Our taste test found Waitrose No.1 Santo Domingo chocolate ice cream to be the best overall, thanks to its rich creaminess, deep chocolate flavor, and clean ingredient list.
Which supermarket chocolate ice cream is the best value?
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Belgian chocolate ice cream offers great quality at 73p per 100ml, making it the best bargain option.
Are supermarket chocolate ice creams healthier now?
Yes, many supermarket brands have reduced gums and emulsifiers, using more cream and better chocolate, resulting in less-processed, higher-quality ice creams.
Choosing the right chocolate ice cream comes down to your preference for richness, sweetness, and price. Whether you opt for the luxurious Waitrose, the budget-friendly Sainsbury's, or the artisan Brickell's, you can enjoy a premium dessert without leaving the supermarket aisle.