Many dessert recipes suggest that you serve ice cream on the side, but which ice cream? We chose vanilla ice cream as it it the most universal accompaniment to dessert dishes. We tested three of the leading branded ice creams found in most supermarkets.
Scoring was based on the following criteria:
1. Flavour
2. Texture
3. Calories / fat content
3. Value for money
The Contenders:
Haagen-Dazs Dairy Vanilla
Carte D'Or Vanilla
HB Vanilla Ice Cream
Haagen-Dazs Dairy Vanilla 500mls - (RRP approx. €6.10)
Flavour: Delicious, lovely balance of sweetness, dairy and vanilla. 5/5
Texture: This was the most dense and creamy of the three tested, feels very luxurious. 5/5
Calories: 2 scoops or 100g contains 224 kcals & 9.3g saturated fat. 2/5
Value for money: The most expensive ice cream in the test, but regularly on special offer. 2/5
Carte D'Or Vanilla 900mls - (RRP approx. €4.65)
Flavour: Delicious, great balance of vanilla and cream. 4/5
Texture: Nice firm texure and quite creamy. 3/5
Calories: 2 scoops or 100g contains 100 kcals & 4.5g saturated fat. 3/5
Value for money: Quite expensive, but a generous amount in the tub. 3/5
HB Vanilla Ice Cream 1 Litre - (RRP approx. €3.69)
Flavour: Nice flavour, a little blander than the other two. 3/5
Texture: Much lighter and less creamy than the other two. 2/5
Calories: 2 scoops or 100g contains 85 kcals & 2.5g saturated fat. 4/5
Value for money: Cheapest of the three and comes in a 1 litre tub. 5/5
The Winners, with a joint score of 14/20
HB Vanilla Ice Cream + Haagen-Dazs
While Haagen-Dazs came out top in the flavour and texture test, the HB Vanilla was ahead in the other factors. Almost a quarter of the price and a third of the calories and saturated fat, HB ice cream is a lovely, good value ice cream to have handy in the freezer. However, if you have created a show-stopper dessert for a special occasion or you have guests over, the absolute luxury of Haagen-Dazs will make a meal feel even more special.
