5 Best Ice Creams in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian

When we talk of frozen treats, ice cream is undoubtedly one of the most popular options that come to mind. It is made from sweetened dairy milk or cream and other ingredients for flavoring, and it is then churned until it becomes a frozen delight. The churning process is responsible for incorporating air, giving it a fluffy consistency instead of a solid ice block.

Ice cream is always a hit in the Philippines because it is a perfect dessert to combat the perpetual hot weather. You can buy it basically anywhere if you need to cool down, from the dirty ice cream or sorbetes being peddled across the streets to homegrown, big-name ice cream brands. 

If you want a bit of a lighter option, try frozen yogurt. It is made from almost the same ingredients as ice cream but includes bacterial cultures. It also has lower fat content than regular ice cream, so it has fewer calories, which is perfect for those conscious about their health.

It is characterized by its rather tart taste, and its consistency is not as velvety as regular ice cream. This makes it an excellent option for those who want something light for dessert or snacks. With this, you won't feel as umay. 

Originating from Italy, gelato is made with more milk and less sugar. It has a denser and silkier consistency, enabling it to absorb more flavor than ice cream. It also uses flavors from natural sources.

This is ideal for those who want their ice cream to pack more punch in terms of taste. Unlike ice cream’s subtle flavor, gelato can come on strong, making it perfect for those looking to indulge their sweet tooth.

If you're the type who has a penchant for fruits, never fear because there is something for you! You might want to try sorbets or sherbets. They are made of frozen fruits mixed with water, so you can munch on them with less guilt.

The main difference between the two lies in their ingredients; sorbet has no dairy, while sherbet has little cream or milk. With that said, they are not as indulgent as usual ice creams in taste. They are ideal for those who are not too fond of sweet-tasting food in general but still want a way to cool down from the summer heat.

If you are serious about your frozen treats, you might want to try artisanal ice cream. Its main difference is in its fat content, process, and ingredients, which sets it apart from regular ice cream and also explains its heftier price tag.

Artisan ice cream contains a higher percentage of fat, at least 10%, which is integral to the taste and texture of ice cream. It also uses minimal ingredients; most of them are naturally sourced and rarely contain preservatives and artificial sweeteners.

Finally, it is made in small batches by skilled craftsmen, which often gives it a handmade feel instead of the more commercialized version of ice cream. 

If you want a hassle-free method of eating ice cream, then you might want to try popsicle sticks, cones, or even ice cream bars. They are individually wrapped and single-serve, which is excellent if you don’t have a lot of space in your freezer or want to eat one on the go. You also don’t have to fuss with utensils, as you can eat the entire thing barring the stick and wrapper!

An ice cream sandwich is characterized by a slab of ice cream wrapped between two slices of bread or cookie. This makes for a more filling snack! It also gives you a bit of variety in terms of texture, as you get to have a bite of something chewy and crunchy to offset or complement the creaminess of the ice cream.

If you are feeding a sizeable number of people, consider going for ice cream in tubs. They are available in different sizes, from a pint-sized tub perfect for solo eating to a family-sized gallon. They are also perfect for pairing with cones, pan de sals, and even monays.

They are conveniently packaged, as you don’t have to worry about leftovers – if there are even any! On top of that, they are handy for transport; there's no need to worry about them losing their shape or dripping all over.