We Tested 9 Ice Cream Sandwiches and One Dominated Easily

A Nostalgic Treat: Exploring the World of Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ice cream is often considered the ultimate summer dessert, but there are countless other warm-weather treats that bring joy as the temperature rises. From pies and cakes to fruity cobblers and refreshing popsicles, there's a wide array of options to enjoy. While we love all these choices, sometimes the simplest treat—like a classic ice cream sandwich—feels like the perfect pick-me-up.

Making your own ice cream sandwich can be fun, but there’s something special about the traditional version with thin chocolate cookies and fluffy vanilla ice cream. It's a convenient grab-and-go option that tastes even better when enjoyed outside, especially near a lake or beach.

The history of the ice cream sandwich dates back to 1899 in New York, where street vendors first sold small slabs of ice cream in paper called "hokey pokeys." One vendor had an innovative idea by placing the ice cream between two cookies, which led to the creation of the modern ice cream sandwich. Over time, this treat has evolved into the familiar frozen snack we know today, often wrapped in plain white paper.

Curious about how different brands measure up, we decided to conduct a tasting. We gathered a team of tasters, including my husband, Matt, our 9-year-old son Gus, and two of his friends, to evaluate various ice cream sandwiches. Our goal was to find the best classic option—defined as those with thin chocolate cookies and vanilla ice cream.

We visited several stores in southern Massachusetts and northern Rhode Island, collecting as many brands as possible. After a chaotic tasting session, I did a follow-up solo tasting to refine the rankings. The results were clear, with one brand standing out above the rest.

Ranking the 9 Popular Ice Cream Sandwiches

9. Great Value Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream Sandwiches

Walmart’s version is affordable but didn’t impress the tasters. The ice cream was hard and flavorless, while the cookie had a sticky texture and an odd taste. One taster described it as dry and bland.

8. Friendly's Friendwich Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches

This option lacked flavor, with some tasters detecting a sour note in the ice cream. The cookie had a strange chemical aftertaste, and the packaging was flawed, leaving some bars slightly open.

7. Sundae Shop Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches

These were softer than others but had a stale cookie and a bitter taste. One taster gave them a 0/10, though they weren't entirely convinced why.

6. Stop & Shop Ice Cream Sandwiches

Tasters had mixed reactions, with some appreciating the vanilla flavor. However, the cookie wasn’t particularly flavorful, and the ice cream had a hollow sweetness that disappeared quickly.

5. Hood Ice Cream Sandwiches

A classic New England brand, these were somewhat bland. The cookie had a stale taste, and the ice cream was one-dimensional. Despite this, they weren’t bad, just unremarkable.

4. Alden's Organic Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches

This organic option was okay but didn’t stand out. The cookie had a light color and a slightly bitter aftertaste, while the ice cream was smooth but not rich.

3. Klondike Classic Vanilla Sandwiches

The cookie was fine, but the ice cream had an unusual flavor. Some tasters detected fruity or cotton candy notes, while others found it bland.

2. 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Ice Cream Sandwiches

This organic choice offered a nice balance of flavors. The cookie was dark and chocolatey, with a hint of salt, while the ice cream was smooth and creamy.

1. Fat Boy Ice Cream Sandwiches

This was the clear winner, with everyone agreeing on its superior quality. The ice cream was rich and creamy, with a distinct vanilla flavor. The cookie was soft and not sticky, making for a perfect bite. All tasters gave it high marks, with one teen giving it a perfect score.

Final Thoughts

After tasting nine different ice cream sandwiches, it’s clear that the right combination of cookie and ice cream can make all the difference. Whether you're looking for a nostalgic treat or a new favorite, the Fat Boy Ice Cream Sandwiches proved to be the standout choice.