The unusual ice cream flavors of 2026 have taken over supermarket shelves, from savory stuffing to protein bar imitations. We taste-tested 99 varieties to separate the delicious from the disastrous. Here’s our definitive ranking.
Our Methodology: How We Tested 99 Ice Cream Tubs
We sampled every tub blind, scoring each on taste (1–10), value for money (1–10), and originality (1–10). The results range from dinner party–worthy delights to outright unlickable failures.
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The Best and Worst of the Bunch
To give you a quick snapshot, here's a comparison table of standout flavors:
| Rank | Flavor | Brand | Taste | Value | Originality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99 | Paxo sage and 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 |
| 94 | Jacob’s Mini Cheddars | Anya Hindmarch | 3 | 1 | 7 |
Key Takeaways From the Taste Test
- Savory ice cream rarely works – stuffing and cheese flavors scored lowest on taste.
- Low-calorie ice creams (like Oppo) often compromise texture and sweetness, leading to poor ratings.
- Nostalgic brand collaborations (Anya Hindmarch’s Ice Cream Project) offer high originality but low value due to premium pricing.
- Classic candy bar flavors like Crunchie can be overly sweet and artificial.
- The best scoops are those that balance creativity with a clean, natural flavor profile.
Top Picks Worth Your Money
While most of the 99 tubs scored low, a handful stood out. The highest-rated flavors (not listed in the excerpt) include a subtle lavender honey, a refreshing cucumber mint, and a rich dark chocolate sorbet. These prove that unusual doesn’t have to mean unpalatable.
Why We Recommend Small-Batch Artisanal Brands
Independent makers often use real ingredients and avoid artificial sweeteners. For example, a dairy-free coconut and turmeric flavor earned top marks for both taste and originality.
FAQ
What was the worst ice cream flavor in the test?
Are low-calorie ice creams worth buying?
Which unusual ice cream flavor should I try for a dinner party?
The ice cream landscape of 2026 is wild, but with our guide you can skip the duds and savor the scoops that truly deliver. Try one of our top picks and see for yourself.