Once a beloved household name, Friendly’s ice cream reigned as a symbol of nostalgic treats for decades. But a new generation of ice cream brands is redefining what it means to indulge. With bolder flavors, creamier textures, and cleaner ingredients, these modern standouts are setting a new standard—and making that iconic red carton feel like a relic of the past. Whether you’re looking for plant-based options, old-world gelato, or over-the-top mix-ins, these ice cream brands offer something far beyond Friendly’s.
Ben & Jerry’s: Activism in Every Pint
Since opening their first scoop shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont in 1978, Ben & Jerry’s has become a cultural icon. Known for quirky names and chunky ingredients, flavors like Half Baked and Cherry Garcia have made this brand a freezer staple. With a strong stance on social issues and a fearless flavor approach, they’ve taken ice cream beyond dessert—and into the spotlight.
Baskin-Robbins: A Flavor Pioneer
With its “31 flavors” promise, Baskin-Robbins disrupted the vanilla status quo in 1945. Founded in Glendale, California, it’s still known for crowd-pleasers like Classic Vanilla, proving that timeless doesn’t mean boring. It’s a franchise that helped shape the foundation for today’s ice cream franchise opportunities.
Blue Bunny: Family-Owned and Fun
Founded in 1913 in Le Mars, Iowa—the so-called Ice Cream Capital of the World—Blue Bunny delivers flavors that feel playful but indulgent. Its top flavor, Bunny Tracks, blends caramel, chocolate, and crunchy peanuts for a perfect bite every time. It’s an accessible brand with mass appeal and small-town roots.
Van Leeuwen: Artisanal and Honest
Started from a yellow ice cream truck in Brooklyn in 2008, Van Leeuwen offers ultra-creamy classics and vegan options, all made with ingredients you can pronounce. Fan favorite Honeycomb delivers buttery crunch and rich sweetness in every scoop. This brand brings a boutique ice cream shop experience to the grocery aisle—an exciting contender in the latest ice cream franchise space.
McConnell’s: From Farm to Freezer
Since 1949, McConnell’s of Santa Barbara has set itself apart by making ice cream from scratch using milk from its own dairy. Signature flavors like Eureka Lemon & Marionberries are proof that fresh, sustainable practices lead to richer, smoother results. Quality over shortcuts—it’s everything Friendly’s isn’t.
Magnum: Decadence on a Stick
Born in Denmark and now a global luxury brand under Unilever, Magnum bars are a gold standard in indulgence. Double Caramel, with its thick Belgian chocolate shell, feels like a dessert designed for royalty. One bite, and you’ll forget all about those red cartons.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: Boutique in a Pint
Founded by Jeni Britton in Columbus, Ohio, Jeni’s has become a go-to for those craving inventive flavors and premium ingredients. With options like Brambleberry Crisp and Brown Butter Almond Brittle, each pint is a sensory experience—light years ahead of the cafeteria-style scoops of Friendly’s.
Talenti: The Gelato Gold Standard
Inspired by old-world Argentine methods, Talenti offers gelato in clear jars that show off their creamy texture. Their Sea Salt Caramel remains a best-seller, combining sweet and savory in each spoonful. If ice cream is everyday, Talenti is weekend luxury.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The Reinvented Classic
Vanilla may seem basic, but when made with real vanilla beans and high-quality cream, it’s anything but bland. Today’s vanilla is smooth, fragrant, and far from Friendly’s artificial-tasting version. It’s the foundation of countless modern creations—and a must-have for any serious freezer.
So Delicious: Plant-Based and Proud
Oregon-based So Delicious has been leading the dairy-free movement for over 30 years. With creamy coconutmilk-based options like Vanilla Bean, they’ve reimagined what frozen desserts can be. Their ethical sourcing and environmental commitments make them a modern favorite for conscious eaters.
Whether you’re chasing nostalgic flavors or exploring the latest ice cream franchise trends, these brands prove the frozen dessert landscape has evolved far beyond Friendly’s. Richer textures, better ingredients, and bold innovation are now the new standard—one scoop at a time.
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