I Used To Crave Friendly’s Ice Cream, But These Brands Are Way Better
Friendly’s was once the gold standard for ice cream nostalgia, but times and freezers have changed. Newer brands are stepping up with richer textures, bolder flavors, and cleaner ingredients. Some are small-batch operations, while others are popping up in major grocery chains. Either way, the options now are a serious upgrade from what came in that old red carton. These ice cream brands better than Friendly’s just might ruin you for anything else.
Ben & Jerry’s
Founded in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont back in 1978, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield churned out more than just ice cream—they built a movement. Known for chunky mix-ins, groovy social activism, and unapologetic flavor names (hello, Half Baked), Ben & Jerry’s turned every pint into a cause. Their top seller? Half Baked, of course. Sorry, Friendly’s—this flavor-packed revolution doesn’t come in a box.
Baskin-Robbins
Created in sunny Glendale, California in 1945 by brothers-in-law Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins, Baskin-Robbins offered 31 flavors when other shops stuck with vanilla. With a legacy of giving customers a scoop a day for a month, they’ve earned their spot in the dessert hall of fame. Best seller? Classic Vanilla, which proves simple doesn’t mean boring—unless we’re talking about Friendly’s again.
Blue Bunny
Founded in Le Mars, Iowa—self-proclaimed Ice Cream Capital of the World—Blue Bunny has been scooping since 1913 under Wells Enterprises. As the largest family-owned ice cream brand in the U.S., they’re known for playful flavors that appeal to everyone from toddlers to your picky uncle. Top seller? Bunny Tracks, a gooey, crunchy masterclass. Friendly’s could never.
Van Leeuwen
Launched from a yellow truck in NYC in 2008, Van Leeuwen dared to make artisanal ice cream out of actual ingredients you can pronounce. Founders Ben Van Leeuwen, Pete Van Leeuwen, and Laura O’Neill have built a cult following with luxurious classics and vegan flavors alike. Honeycomb is their gold-standard best seller—decadent, creamy, and no synthetic fluff in sight.
McConnell’s
Churning since 1949 in Santa Barbara, McConnell’s doesn’t just talk about quality—they live it. Every pint is made from scratch with cream from their own cows and a deep commitment to sustainability. Founder Gordon “Mac” McConnell would be proud of how far they’ve come, especially with hits like Eureka Lemon & Marionberries. Smooth, rich, and decidedly not Friendly’s.
Magnum
Born in Denmark in 1989 and now part of Unilever’s dessert empire, Magnum is what happens when you dip indulgence in thick Belgian chocolate and put it on a stick. Known for their luxurious bars and over-the-top tubs, Magnum’s Double Caramel reigns supreme. It’s European elegance in a wrapper—Friendly’s, take notes.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni Britton started her flavor-forward empire in Columbus, Ohio with a dream and a spice grinder. After 20+ years of perfecting her recipe from scratch, Jeni’s ice cream is now beloved for its rich body and quirky flavors like Brambleberry Crisp. Each scoop feels like a boutique experience—not the cafeteria vibe you get from Friendly’s.
Talenti
Named after the Italian behind gelato himself, Talenti started in Dallas in 2003 thanks to Josh Hochschuler and his obsession with old-world Argentine methods. Their transparent jars are packed with smooth, scoopable magic—especially their best-selling Sea Salt Caramel. It’s the kind of gelato that deserves a spoon made of gold, not plastic.
Vanilla Ice Cream
It may seem basic, but vanilla ice cream is the backbone of the frozen dessert universe. Originating from the old-school method of chilling cream, sugar, and vanilla over ice and salt, this classic has stood the test of time on three continents. When done right, it’s anything but plain—especially when it’s crafted with real vanilla beans and not just artificial promises (looking at you, Friendly’s).
So Delicious Dairy Free
Going dairy-free before it was cool, So Delicious has been dishing out plant-based frozen treats for over 30 years. Based in Oregon, they believe in doing more—like using organic coconuts, paying fair wages, and standing up for sustainability. Their Coconutmilk Vanilla Bean is a silky favorite that doesn’t try to imitate ice cream—it redefines it. Meanwhile, Friendly’s is still arguing over whether sorbet counts.
