I love ice cream. Let’s get that straight. The frozen dessert is probably the best thing to have ever been invented. I have tried many different brands and flavors so here is a list of the very best ice cream Orlando has to offer ranked from worst to best.
6. Chick-Fil-A
Their milkshakes definitely count as ice cream. If I am on a budget but need to beat the heat of a hot summer’s day, this is my first choice. Chick-Fil-A offers either cookies 'n cream (my recommendation), vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry shakes that are just thick enough to avoid melting into slush like a McDonald's milkshake would. By no means is this quality ice cream, but it is the best option when you need something on-the-go.
5. Ben & Jerry's
Vermont’s finest ice cream is famous for being loaded with toppings. I love that Ben & Jerry's offers it in a pint instead of a gallon. This way, I can convince myself it's okay to eat the entire pint. They are constantly creating new flavors and seasonal options such as Spectacular Speculoos Cookie Core for Christmas. Let’s not forget their punny, whimsical flavor names either like my favorite dedicated to Jimmy Fallon called The Tonight Dough.
4. Twistee Treat
Look for the giant ice cream cone and you will find heaven. Twistee Treat has the creamiest soft serve in Orlando. It’s a fun place to visit and you have the choice of a myriad of toppings from sprinkles to delicious fudge. My favorite is an Amaretto cone. They also just created waffle cone tacos. This is the only ice cream shop I know to offer such a creative option. Craving ice cream at midnight? Well, Twistee Treat is open!
3. Publix
I know what you’re thinking – how did Publix earn third overall? Publix has the highest quality ice cream in Florida. For a good price, you can buy a gallon at the nearest grocery store instead of having to drive to an ice cream shop. Their ice cream is filled with flavor; every one I have tried (which is quite a few) always has a strong taste of whatever flavor was promised on the outside of the container. My favorite is Cappuccino Fudge Blitz. It is coffee ice cream with chocolate syrup swirls and mocha espresso brownies and white chocolate truffles.
2. Coldstone
This only beat Publix because of its customizability. They offer some interesting flavors from Peppermint Chocolate to Cake Batter. You can pick from fresh mix-ins such as brownies and cupcakes. Their ice cream is very creamy and rich. My favorite flavor has to be Cake Batter with brownies. If you sign up for their email you receive a BOGO coupon!
1. Jeremiah's Italian Ice
This is hands down the best ice cream on the planet. I never thought anything could overthrow Coldstone, but Jeremiah’s has taken the number one spot on my list. Their soft serve ice cream is so dense and flavorful. Their genius combination of combining Italian ice with ice cream to create a Gelati is what really sold me. Originally, I believed Italian ice came only in fruity flavors, but I was happily proved wrong. With dozens of flavors from Pumpkin Pie to Peanut butter, Jeremiah’s offers something for everyone. My personal favorite is a chocolate soft serve and peanut butter ice Gelati. Another plus? This frozen dessert is very cold; my ice cream never melted while I was eating it!
