Unusual ice creams are taking over supermarket freezers and independent scoop shops this year. We taste-tested 99 varieties from 2026’s most novel offerings, ranking them from the unbeatable to the unlickable. Here’s everything you need to know before buying a tub.
The Rise of Weird Ice Cream Flavors
From roast-dinner-inspired concoctions to high-protein disappointments, brands are competing to stand out. Anya Hindmarch’s Ice Cream Project leads the charge with fashion-designer collaborations, but even classic names like Cadbury and McVitie’s have joined the trend. Our taste test reveals which are worth the hype and which should stay in the freezer aisle.
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Our Methodology
We ranked each flavor on taste (0–10), value (0–10), and originality (0–10). The scores below highlight the extremes we encountered.
| Rank | Flavor | Brand | Taste | Value | Originality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99 | Paxo Sage and Onion Stuffing | Anya Hindmarch | 1/10 | 1/10 | 7/10 |
| 98 | High Protein Chocolate Brownie | Oppo | 1/10 | 5/10 | 4/10 |
| 97 | Crunchie | Cadbury | 3/10 | 5/10 | 2/10 |
| 96 | Hobnobs | McVitie’s | 3/10 | 5/10 | 2/10 |
| 95 | Caramelised Biscuit Swirl | Oppo | 3/10 | 5/10 | 3/10 |
| 94 | Jacob’s Mini Cheddars | Anya Hindmarch | 3/10 | 1/10 | 7/10 |
| 93 | Amarena Cherry Cheesecake | Hackney Gelato | 6/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 |
Key Takeaways from the Taste Test
- Savory flavors generally fail – stuffing and cheese ice creams score low on taste.
- Low-calorie ice creams like Oppo’s caramelised biscuit swirl are overly sweet and disappointing.
- Designer price tags don’t guarantee quality – Anya Hindmarch’s £16 tubs rank among the worst value.
- Originality ≠ deliciousness – many high-originality flavors deliver poor taste.
- Classic brands like Cadbury and McVitie’s also struggle with texture and sweetness.
How to Choose a Worthwhile Unusual Ice Cream
Stick to flavors that balance creativity with actual palate appeal. Cheesecake-inspired options (like Amarena cherry) tend to perform better than protein-packed or roast-dinner experiments. If you want a safe bet, skip the gimmicks and go for a premium artisan brand that respects traditional flavor profiles.
FAQs
What was the worst unusual ice cream in 2026?
The worst was Anya Hindmarch’s Paxo Sage and Onion Stuffing ice cream, scoring only 1/10 for taste and value. It tastes exactly like stuffing—which is not what ice cream should be.
Are there any good unusual ice creams?
Yes, options like Hackney Gelato’s Amarena Cherry Cheesecake scored 6/10 for taste and 8/10 for originality. Look for fruit-based or dessert-inspired flavors rather than savory ones.
Which brand should I avoid for unusual ice cream?
Avoid Oppo’s high-protein and low-calorie lines—they scored 1–3/10 for taste. Also skip Anya Hindmarch’s savory collaborations unless you’re curious about novelty over enjoyment.
Ultimately, 2026’s unusual ice cream trend is a mixed bag. While some flavors are creative and enjoyable, many fall flat. Use our rankings to save yourself both money and disappointment.
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