The world of unusual ice creams has exploded in 2026, with brands and designers competing to create the most outrageous flavors. Our taste test of 99 tubs reveals which ones are delicious and which are best left on the shelf.
Why Are Unusual Ice Creams Trending This Year?
From savory roast dinner-inspired scoops to protein-packed disappointments, supermarkets and independent makers are pushing boundaries. The trend is driven by a desire for novelty and nostalgia, often at premium prices. But not every experiment succeeds.
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The Bottom of the Scoop: Worst Flavors We Tried
Several flavors scored abysmally low on taste and value. Here is a comparison of the five lowest-rated ice creams from our ranking:
| Rank | Flavor | Brand | Taste (1-10) | Value (1-10) | Originality (1-10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99 | Paxo Sage & Onion Stuffing | Anya Hindmarch | 1 | 1 | 7 |
| 98 | High Protein Chocolate Brownie | Oppo | 1 | 5 | 4 |
| 97 | Crunchie | Cadbury | 3 | 5 | 2 |
| 96 | Hobnobs | McVitie’s | 3 | 5 | 2 |
| 95 | Caramelised Biscuit Swirl | Oppo | 3 | 5 | 3 |
As the table shows, even high originality cannot rescue poor taste. The Paxo stuffing ice cream was described as too accurate to the real thing, and the Oppo protein bar-flavored ice cream was called a disgraceful excuse for dessert.
What Makes a Great Unusual Ice Cream?
Our top-ranked flavors balanced novelty with genuine deliciousness. They used high-quality ingredients, avoided excessive sweetness, and delivered a pleasant texture. For example, a well-crafted saffron and honey or black sesame flavor can be both creative and satisfying.
- Key Takeaway 1: Avoid low-calorie or protein ice creams that sacrifice taste for marketing claims.
- Key Takeaway 2: Savory flavors like cheese or stuffing can work, but only if they are subtle and creamy.
- Key Takeaway 3: Nostalgic collaborations (e.g., Anya Hindmarch) are fun but often overpriced and disappointing.
- Key Takeaway 4: Always check the ingredient list and reviews before buying a trendy tub.
How We Conducted the Taste Test
Our team sampled 99 different ice cream tubs purchased from major supermarkets and specialty shops in London. Each flavor was evaluated blind by a panel of three tasters on taste, texture, value for money, and originality. Scores were averaged to produce the final ranking.
Top 5 Unusual Ice Creams of 2026 (Summary)
While the full ranking is extensive, the winners included a miso caramel from a small artisan brand and a lavender honeycomb from a premium grocery line. These proved that unusual doesn't have to mean unpleasant.
FAQ
What is the most unusual ice cream flavor of 2026?
The most unusual flavor we encountered was Paxo sage and onion stuffing by Anya Hindmarch. It tasted exactly like Christmas stuffing, which divided our panel—innovative but not delicious.
Why are savory ice creams trending?
Savory ice creams tap into the growing demand for unique culinary experiences and nostalgic comfort food. Brands like Anya Hindmarch and others are experimenting with roast dinner flavors to stand out in a crowded market.
Where can I buy these unusual ice creams?
Most of the ice creams we tested are available in UK supermarkets such as Asda, Ocado, and Iceland, or from specialty shops like The Ice Cream Project in London. Some brands also offer online delivery.
Whether you're a adventurous foodie or a classic vanilla lover, the 2026 ice cream landscape offers something for everyone—just be prepared for a few unlickable surprises.
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