10 ice cream brands to avoid & why & what to eat instead

Not all ice cream brands are transparent about their ingredients. Here are ten popular ones you might want to skip if health is a priority, based on their reliance on questionable additives. (Note: Specific concerns are based on common formulations; always check current labels for accuracy.)

1. Breyers – Issues and Concerns
Breyers, once a natural-ingredient champion, now uses Red No. 3 in some flavors, alongside HFCS and artificial flavors. Its high sugar content adds to the risk.

Blue Bell’s creamy appeal often comes from titanium dioxide and polysorbate 80. Some varieties also pack in artificial colors and excessive fats.

Known for bold flavors, Turkey Hill leans on artificial flavors and preservatives like potassium sorbate, which may irritate sensitive stomachs.

Baskin-Robbins’ rainbow of flavors owes much to synthetic dyes like Red No. 3 and Yellow 5, plus carrageenan, raising digestive and allergy concerns.

This brand uses polysorbate 80 and carrageenan in many offerings, alongside HFCS, making it less ideal for regular indulgence.

Friendly’s ice cream often contains HFCS and artificial sweeteners, contributing to metabolic risks, plus stabilizers linked to gut issues.

Great Value prioritizes cost over quality, using synthetic dyes, emulsifiers, and titanium dioxide in its budget-friendly pints.

While premium, some Häagen-Dazs flavors sneak in artificial colors and stabilizers, diluting its “pure” reputation.

Kroger’s private label uses titanium dioxide for whiteness and artificial flavors, paired with high sugar levels that amplify health risks.

Perry’s unique flavors often rely on artificial ingredients and preservatives, potentially causing reactions in sensitive consumers.