Best Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt in the UK: Where to Buy, What to Choose, and Smart Shopping Tips

Why frozen desserts are booming across the UK

Have you noticed how everyone seems to be reaching for a pint of ice cream or a tub of frozen yogurt these days? It’s no accident. People crave convenience, indulgence, and variety — and frozen desserts deliver all three. From classic tubs in the supermarket freezer to artisan gelato from a local parlour, there’s a frozen treat for practically every mood and diet. Whether you’re feeding the kids, crowd-pleasing at a barbecue, or treating yourself after a long day, you’ve got choices.

Top supermarkets to buy ice cream and frozen yogurt

Tesco

Tesco is a go-to for many shoppers thanks to broad availability and regular deals. You’ll find big brands like Häagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry’s alongside Tesco’s own ranges, which often include specialty options such as vegan and low-sugar pints. Look out for multi-buy promotions that drop the price per pint noticeably.

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s mixes premium names and innovative in-house options. Their stores often stock seasonal flavors and organic lines, and in larger outlets you’ll see artisan collaborations. If you want a balance of quality and value, check Sainsbury’s weekly offers — they typically run “buy one get one half price” on frozen desserts.

Asda

Asda is known for value and volume. You’ll find family-sized tubs and bargain pints here, plus popular brands and Asda’s own-label versions. If you’re planning a BBQ or party, Asda often carries larger pack sizes that save you money per ounce.

Morrisons

Morrisons blends well-priced staples with a solid selection of premium pints. Their freezer aisles usually have a healthy range of dairy-free and lower-calorie options, and the store brand often performs well in taste tests, which is handy when you want to cut costs without cutting pleasure.

Waitrose

If you prefer gourmet or organic frozen desserts, Waitrose is a great place to browse. Expect high-end labels, single-origin ingredients, and small-batch brands. Prices are higher, but so is the range — perfect if you’re after something special for a dinner party.

Iceland

Iceland is a specialist in frozen food and often carries unusual or hard-to-find frozen desserts. They’re a great option if you’re hunting for novelty items, multi-packs, or affordable family tubs. Iceland’s own-label desserts are frequently well priced and convenient.

Aldi and Lidl

Don’t underestimate the discounters. Aldi and Lidl have built strong reputations for creating own-brand ice creams that punch above their price. They rotate seasonal premium finds and limited editions that can deliver real value. If you want delicious without the high price, give the discounters a whirl.

Ocado

Shopping online? Ocado offers a great curated selection of frozen desserts from top brands and specialist producers, with delivery to your door. This is ideal when you want a specific pint or artisan gelato that your local supermarket doesn’t carry.

Co-op and Booths

Smaller chains like Co-op and regional stores such as Booths provide solid local choices and sometimes stock local producers. If you’re after something from an independent creamery or a community brand, these stores are worth checking.

Specialist and artisan ice cream shops to try

Independent gelato parlours

Local gelato shops are where creativity shines. Parlours often rotate flavors daily, offering seasonal fruit sorbets, nut-based gelatos, and decadent chocolate blends. These shops churn small batches, so you get a fresher, denser scoop — like artisanal bread vs mass-produced slices.

Craft brands you’ll spot online and in stores

Brands such as Jude’s, Kelly’s, and Mackie’s are excellent examples of craft-focused producers available across UK stores. They typically emphasize quality ingredients and unique flavor combos. You’ll often find these in Waitrose, Ocado, and selected supermarkets.

Delivery-only and subscription options

If you want to get adventurous, plenty of small producers ship pints or tubs frozen to your door. Some offer subscription boxes with quarterly flavor drops — perfect for gift-giving or regular self-indulgence. Delivery keeps your freezer stocked with tiny-batch surprises.

Frozen yogurt: healthier or just hype?

What frozen yogurt brings to the table

Frozen yogurt can feel lighter and tangier than traditional ice cream. Many people choose it because it often has less fat, a refreshing acidity, and a probiotic angle that sounds healthy. But don’t assume every frozen yogurt is a diet miracle — toppings and sweeteners can add calories fast.

Low-fat and lower-sugar picks

Supermarkets now carry low-fat frozen yogurts and light pints that reduce calories without sacrificing texture. If you’re watching intake, seek labels that list reduced sugar or “light” and compare the amount per ounce. A little planning means you can enjoy a scoop without the guilt.

Protein and high-protein frozen yogurts

Some brands blend whey or plant proteins into frozen yogurts to create a higher-protein dessert. These are great after workouts or as a more filling snack. Check the protein per serving and remember that flavor can be chalky in some versions, so sample before you commit to a whole pint.

Vegan and dairy-free frozen dessert options

Plant-based bases to look for

Oat, almond, coconut, and soy are popular bases for vegan ice cream and frozen yogurt. Oat tends to give creaminess similar to dairy, while coconut gives a richer, more tropical note. If you’re transitioning to plant-based, try a few bases to find your favorite mouthfeel.

Where to buy vegan pints

Major supermarkets and discounters are expanding vegan ranges rapidly. You can pick up plant-based pints at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Waitrose, Aldi, and Ocado, and many artisan producers now offer a dairy-free line. Look for “vegan” or “dairy-free” badges on the packaging.

Popular flavors and seasonal trends

Classic flavors that never fail

Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry are timeless for a reason — they pair with everything and rarely disappoint. If you’re buying for a crowd, one or two classic pints are a safe bet. Classics are also the best canvas for sauces, brownies, or warm fruit.

Innovative and trending flavors

Salted caramel, salted honeycomb, and pistachio are modern classics you’ll find everywhere. Floral notes like lavender or rose, and global inspirations such as matcha, yuzu, and mango lassi, are popping up in artisan tubs and supermarket specials alike. Trying one of these is like taking a mini trip without leaving your kitchen.

Seasonal limited editions

Brands love dropping limited flavors for summer and holiday seasons — think summer berries, pumpkin spice, or mince pie ice cream. These limited runs create excitement and can be great conversation starters at gatherings. If you see something seasonal, snap it up before it’s gone.

How to shop smart and save on frozen desserts

Look for multi-buy deals and loyalty discounts

Supermarkets often run “2 for” deals on pints and tubs. Multiply that savings over several visits and you’ll notice a real difference in your grocery bill. Loyalty cards can add extra savings or points, especially for premium brands.

Buy own-brand for great value

Store-brand ice creams have improved massively. You’ll often find that supermarket pints use similar ingredients to big-name brands but at a fraction of the price. Taste them side-by-side and you might be pleasantly surprised.

Check unit price, not just pack price

The temptation is to look at the sticker price, but unit price (price per ounce or per pint) tells you which deal is truly better. A “bigger” tub might not be the best value if the price per ounce is higher. Do the quick math and you’ll shop smarter.

Use coupons, apps and online promos

Coupons, cashback apps, and store apps can shave off a few pence per pint and add up. Online stores frequently have promo codes for first-time buyers or free delivery on frozen groceries, which is handy when ordering specialty tubs you can’t find locally.

Storage and serving tips to keep your ice cream perfect

Freezer temperature and placement

Keep your freezer at 0°F to maintain texture and prevent ice crystals. Store pints toward the back where temperature is most stable, and avoid the door where thaw-freeze cycles are common. Proper storage keeps ice cream tasting as the maker intended.

How to scoop perfectly

For the perfect scoop, take the pint out 5 to 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Warm your scoop under hot running water, shake off excess, and dig in. This trick helps you get smooth, rounded scoops without tearing the pint apart.

Refreezing partially melted ice cream

If your pint has softened in the car or at a party, re-freeze it immediately if it has not fully melted to liquid. Rapid refreezing can create small ice crystals and change texture a little, but it’s better than wasting the tub. For food safety, avoid refreezing if it’s been warm for a prolonged period.

Top brands and where to find them in the UK

Ben & Jerry’s and Häagen-Dazs

These global names show up across supermarkets and some specialist stores. Ben & Jerry’s is known for chunky mix-ins and inventive flavors, while Häagen-Dazs focuses on rich, creamy textures. Both are commonly available at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Ocado.

Magnum and Walls

Magnum and Walls dominate the novelty and tub categories. They’re staples for parties and barbecues, and you’ll find multipacks and single-serve options in most supermarkets and convenience stores.

Jude’s, Kelly’s and regional favourites

Jude’s and Kelly’s are examples of British craft-style brands that balance artisan quality with supermarket availability. These are often stocked in Waitrose, Ocado, and select branches of larger supermarkets.

Own-label and discounter brands

Don’t overlook supermarket and discounter pints. Tesco Finest, Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference, Aldi Specially Selected, and Lidl’s Deluxe lines often deliver premium flavor profiles for less cash, making them a smart buy for everyday treats.

Online shopping vs in-store: pros and cons

Buying in-store

Shopping in person lets you scan labels, spot special offers, and grab seasonal surprises. You can quickly compare textures and test small tubs before committing to a large pint. It’s immediate and tactile — satisfying if you like to see what you’re buying.

Buying online

Online shopping is ideal for variety and convenience. Ocado and specialist online shops carry hard-to-find flavors and nation-wide deliveries. You can also set up subscriptions and explore small producers who don’t have shelf space in supermarkets. Just be sure your delivery option keeps items frozen during transit.

Final tips before you scoop

Think about who you’re serving, what dietary needs you need to meet, and whether you want convenience or culinary adventure. Mix-and-match a classic tub with a small artisan pint, and you’ll please both conservative eaters and flavor seekers. Above all, enjoy the process — frozen desserts are one of life’s little pleasures, and with a little thought you can make every scoop count.

Conclusion

Whether you’re shopping at a big supermarket, picking up a bargain at a discounter, or treating yourself to artisan gelato, the UK’s frozen dessert scene has never been more exciting. Use these tips to find the best pints for your budget and taste, experiment with new flavors, and keep your freezer stocked properly. With the right shopping strategy and a little curiosity, you’ll always have the perfect dessert on hand. Now, which flavor will you try next?