Vanilla ice cream, often criticized for its association with blandness, continues to hold a special place in our hearts. Whether enjoyed as a simple treat, topped with an array of mix-ins, or savored straight from the tub during difficult times, vanilla ice cream offers a comforting, nostalgic experience. However, when it comes to quality, not all vanilla ice creams are created equal.
Melissa Cabey, writing for Tasting Table, recently tested 13 popular vanilla ice cream brands, ranking them from worst to best based on ingredient quality. At the bottom of the list was Target’s Favorite Day vanilla ice cream, one of the retailer’s private label offerings.
While it may seem difficult to mess up a classic flavor, the ingredients in Favorite Day’s “Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream” reveal a troubling reality. Instead of the expected mix of sugar, milk, cream, and vanilla, the ice cream contains non-fat milk, high fructose corn syrup, additional corn syrup, artificial vanilla flavoring, food coloring, and carrageenan. This formulation is far from the simple, wholesome ingredients typically found in homemade ice cream, and the irony of labeling it “homemade” is not lost on critics. The use of artificial flavors, prominently displayed on the front of the package, is another point of contention, with many consumers questioning why these additives are considered a selling point.
The result of these questionable ingredients is a distinctly unpleasant taste and texture. Reviewers described the ice cream as having a chemical, off-putting flavor, likening it to spoiled eggnog. The texture also fell short, with many noting that it lacked the creamy consistency typically associated with quality ice cream. Instead, it was described as flaky and more akin to a sherbet than a rich, indulgent dessert.
Customers were further disturbed by the ice cream’s unexpected orangey hue, which led some to wonder if they had accidentally purchased a spoiled product. The overall experience left many disillusioned, with one reviewer even commenting that the ice cream made them “sad.”
In stark contrast, the top-ranked vanilla ice cream in Cabey’s tasting was Van Leeuwen’s Premium Vanilla Bean French Ice Cream. With a straightforward and high-quality ingredient list featuring milk, cream, cane sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, Van Leeuwen’s ice cream lives up to the classic standards of the beloved dessert. Available on Amazon, it’s a solid choice for anyone craving an authentic, top-tier vanilla ice cream experience.
For those seeking a reliable vanilla treat, Van Leeuwen’s ice cream stands out, while Favorite Day should be skipped.
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