The Australian summer is synonymous with the sweet relief of ice cream melting on your tongue, a simple pleasure that becomes all the more precious as the mercury soars. But with the cost of living climbing just as high as the temperatures, many of us are swapping out the artisanal gelato scoops for more wallet-friendly tubs from the local supermarket freezer. And as it turns out, this budget-friendly switch might not be a compromise on quality after all.

In a surprising twist, a recent CHOICE taste test has revealed that some of the most affordable ice creams on the market have scooped up the top spots over their gourmet counterparts. The taste test, which included 20 vanilla ice creams from various supermarkets, was conducted blind to ensure impartiality, focusing on appearance, smell, taste, texture, vanilla strength, and balance of flavour.



The results? A Coles own-brand and an ALDI favourite, both retailing for under $8, have emerged as the cream of the crop, leaving more expensive 'gourmet' brands in their wake. This outcome is a testament to the fact that price isn't always indicative of quality, and that supermarket own-label products can sometimes surpass expectations.


So, which ice cream should you be stocking up on this summer? The CHOICE team's number one pick is the Coles Vanilla Bean 1L ice cream, priced at a cool $6.50. What sets it apart is the inclusion of real vanilla bean seeds – a rarity among vanilla ice creams – and its composition of mostly Australian ingredients. It's a hit with consumers too, with rave reviews on Product Review praising its creamy texture and visible vanilla bean specks.



But Coles isn't the only supermarket getting it right. ALDI's Kapiti Vanilla Bean 1L ice cream, priced at $7.99, has also churned up excitement, outperforming luxury brands like Connoisseur, Haagen-Dazs, Maggie Beer, and Gelato Messina. Made with real vanilla bean seeds, fresh cream, and whole milk, this New Zealand-made treat has garnered a cult following, with Aldi shoppers sharing their love for its creamy deliciousness on social media.

Interestingly, the Kapiti ice cream boasts a total fat content of 14.7 percent, which not only allows it to be marketed as 'ice cream' – surpassing the minimum of 10 percent milk fat – but also contributes to its rich texture. This is in contrast to the Streets' Blue Ribbon Classic Vanilla, which has recently been reclassified as a 'vanilla flavoured frozen dairy dessert' due to its reduced milk fat content, now at just 7 percent.

The change in Blue Ribbon's recipe, which now includes vegetable oil, has sparked controversy among consumers, with many expressing their disappointment in the product's altered texture and taste. The brand's parent company, Unilever, claims the recipe change was intended to improve texture and reduce freezer shrinkage, but the feedback from customers suggests otherwise.



In a world where the cost of living is a constant concern, it's refreshing to know that indulgences like a good quality ice cream don't have to break the bank. The CHOICE taste test serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life (or in the freezer aisle) can come with a modest price tag.

So next time you're at Coles or Aldi, consider giving these top-rated vanilla ice creams a try. You might just find that they satisfy your sweet tooth as well as any gourmet brand – and with the money you save, you can keep your freezer stocked all summer long.


We'd love to hear from you, our savvy Seniors Discount Club members! Have you tried these winning ice creams? Do you have a budget-friendly favourite that rivals the more expensive brands? Share your thoughts and your own taste test experiences in the comments below!