24/7 Customer Support
Free returns
Same-day & Next-day Delivery
Quality Guaranteed
Download the APP
Categories
Finding the right tub of ice cream can feel like a surprisingly big decision. The freezer aisle, whether in-store or when you buy ice cream online, is filled with options. From classic, luxurious tubs to innovative high-protein alternatives, the choice is vast. As your Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you navigate these choices. This guide offers straightforward advice and highlights a few standout options to help you find the perfect frozen treat for your evening in.
Before diving into our recommendations, here are a few practical points to consider that can help you narrow down your search.
The term premium ice cream isn't just marketing speak. It typically refers to products with a higher milk fat content (often 15% or more), less air whipped into the mixture (known as overrun) and a focus on simple, high-quality ingredients like fresh cream, milk and eggs. This results in a denser, richer and creamier texture. A classic Haagen Dazs 460ml tub is a prime example of this category, prioritising texture and pure flavour.
The demand for desserts that align with fitness goals has led to a surge in protein ice cream and low calorie ice cream options. These products often use alternative sweeteners like erythritol or stevia to reduce sugar content and are fortified with milk proteins. When choosing one, check the nutritional information for the protein content per serving or per tub, and be mindful of the ingredient list if you have specific dietary preferences.
Beyond the base ice cream, what's inside the tub—the "inclusions"—defines the experience. Are you a purist who prefers a smooth, unadulterated flavour, or do you crave a tub loaded with chunks, swirls and different textures? Options range from the timeless cookies and cream ice cream to more complex creations packed with brownie pieces, caramel swirls or chunks of cookie dough ice cream.
Here are three distinct ice cream tubs, each catering to a different preference, from pure indulgence to fitness-focused satisfaction.
Why It Stands Out: Haagen-Dazs has built its reputation on a simple formula: using a minimal number of high-quality ingredients. This Cookies & Cream tub is a testament to that philosophy. It’s crafted with real cream, milk, sugar and eggs, resulting in a luxuriously dense and velvety vanilla ice cream. The generous scattering of crunchy chocolate cookie pieces provides a satisfying textural contrast in every spoonful.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is for the dessert purist. If you appreciate a sophisticated, straightforward treat where the quality of the core ingredients shines through, this is an excellent choice for a quiet moment of indulgence.
Why It Stands Out: A Ben & Jerry's tub is synonymous with being packed full of "chunks and swirls," and Spectacu-love is no exception. It features a sweet cream ice cream base loaded with crunchy, caramelised Speculoos cookie pieces and a smooth caramelised cookie swirl. The flavour profile is distinctive, with hints of cinnamon and spice. The brand also highlights its commitment to using Fairtrade certified sugar and free-range eggs.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is for those who believe more is more. If you love a dessert that delivers a multi-layered experience with every bite and appreciate a brand with a social mission, this flavour is well worth trying.
Why It Stands Out: This tub is designed for those who want to enjoy a treat without straying from their nutritional goals. The entire tub contains 20.3g of protein for just 344 kcal, making it a compelling low calorie ice cream alternative. It uses sweeteners like erythritol and stevia to achieve its vanilla flavour, which is complemented by cookie dough pieces and chocolate flakes.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is an ideal choice for gym-goers, athletes or anyone actively managing their calorie and protein intake. It provides a way to satisfy a craving for a sweet, frozen dessert in a way that aligns with a health-conscious lifestyle.
If our recommendations haven't quite matched what you're looking for, or if you're simply curious to see the full spectrum of flavours and brands available, there are many more choices to discover.
From sorbets and gelato to other unique brand flavours, you can browse our complete collection to find your perfect match.
[Explore our full range of Ice & Ice Cream here](https://www.joybuy.co.uk/explore/ice-ice-cream/Wtm4uOlV)
For optimal texture and flavour, store your ice cream tubs in the main body of your freezer, not the door, at a consistent temperature of -18°C or colder. To prevent ice crystals from forming, ensure the lid is sealed tightly after each use. For a better eating experience, many manufacturers suggest letting the tub sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving.
In the UK, for a product to be legally labelled "ice cream," it must contain at least 5% milk fat and 2.5% milk protein. Products that don't meet these criteria, such as some lower-fat or non-dairy alternatives, are often labelled as "frozen dessert." This doesn't necessarily mean lower quality, but simply a different composition.
Yes, absolutely. Shopping for ice cream tubs online is a convenient way to have your favourite frozen treats delivered directly to your door. At Joybuy, we ensure your items are handled and transported under temperature-controlled conditions to arrive in perfect frozen condition, ready for you to enjoy.