Frozen Desserts & Novelties - Other

Discover the Best Frozen Desserts & Novelties in the US: Where to Buy and What to Try

Why frozen novelties are having a moment

If you’ve ever stood in front of a freezer case trying to choose between a nostalgic ice cream sandwich and a trendy mochi ball, you know frozen desserts are more than just a sweet finish — they’re emotional. Lately, shoppers are chasing convenience, fun textures, and specialized diets, so retailers are expanding selections to include vegan ice cream sandwiches, single-serve novelties, and bulk tubs for parties. Whether you crave creamy, crunchy, fruity, or dairy-free, the modern frozen aisle is surprisingly adventurous.

Top national stores to shop for frozen desserts

When it comes to finding variety and value, a handful of large retailers routinely stand out. Walmart is a go-to for broad selection and budget-friendly packs; Target balances everyday novelties with seasonal exclusives; Costco and other warehouse clubs offer party-sized tubs; Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods cater to unique flavors and organic or specialty diets; while chains like Kroger and Safeway mix mainstream brands with local options. Knowing which store excels at what helps you match product to purpose.

Walmart: variety and value under one roof

Walmart frozen cases are designed for shoppers who want both familiar favorites and budget-friendly multipacks. You’ll often find plant-based novelties like Tofutti’s vegan vanilla cuties sold in multi-count cases, classic brands offering individually wrapped ice cream sandwiches, and niche items like mochis packaged as single-serve treats. If you’re planning an outdoor get-together or stocking the freezer for the week, Walmart’s assortment and competitive pricing make it a reliable starting point.

Standout picks you might find at Walmart

Look for vegan-friendly Tofutti vanilla treats sold by the case, Alden’s organic old-school vanilla ice cream sandwiches often packaged in six-count boxes at roughly 3.65 fluid ounce per sandwich, and trendy My Mo Mochi vanilla bean items packaged in small boxes (roughly 9.1 ounce cases). For parties or foodservice needs, you’ll also see large sorbet tubs — sometimes about 2.6 gallons — which are perfect for serving a crowd. Those size and pack options make Walmart a one-stop shop whether you want single-serve novelties or bulk tubs.

Target: seasonal flavors and novelty drops

Target has curated a reputation for limited-edition flavors and collaborations, especially in the frozen novelty space. If you enjoy trying seasonal twists on classics — pumpkin spice ice cream sandwiches in autumn, or playful candy-coating novelties at spring holidays — Target’s freezer lineup is worth checking. Target’s emphasis on design and trend-driven offerings also means you’ll often find eye-catching packaging and new indie brands before they hit other big-box stores.

What to expect at Target

Expect single-serve novelties and small multipacks aimed at impulse buyers as well as weekly shoppers. Target tends to stock both familiar brands and regional or boutique producers that experiment with flavors, textures, and plant-based formulations. If you’re hunting for mochi ice cream with inventive flavors or a gourmet ice cream sandwich with artisanal cookie layers, Target’s trendy approach often delivers.

Costco and warehouse clubs: bulk buys for parties and events

If you’re catering a large gathering or simply love buying in bulk, warehouse stores like Costco are built for you. Large-format frozen items — think multi-gallon sorbet buckets or 12-count dessert cases — provide huge value per ounce and reduce the frequency of restocking. For families, clubs are a smart choice because bulk tubs and multi-packs are easier to portion out, and the freezer life of many novelties lends itself to long-term storage.

When to choose bulk over single-serve

Buy bulk when you’re hosting more than a dozen people, want to save on per-unit cost, or plan to experiment with flavors over time. For example, a roughly 2.6 gallon bucket of sorbet is ideal for a backyard barbecue because it holds enough to serve dozens. Conversely, if you want convenience or plan to freeze small portions for lunches and snacks, single-serve novelties are the way to go.

Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s: specialty flavors and clean labels

For shoppers seeking organic ingredients, non-GMO labels, and unique artisan flavors, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s are top choices. These stores often curate frozen desserts with distinct ingredient lists — think organic single-origin vanilla, fruit-forward sorbets made with real berries, or dairy-free novelties sweetened with alternative sugars. If ingredient transparency and ethical sourcing matter to you, the specialty aisles at these grocers are treasure troves.

Vegan and organic options in specialty stores

Vegan brands like Tofutti are frequently available at Whole Foods and similar natural-food retailers, and they’re a good pick if you want a dairy-free vanilla novelty that still feels familiar. Trader Joe’s also rotates inventive frozen novelties that can be surprisingly affordable compared to other specialty stores. When shopping for health-forward options, look for clear ingredient lists and simple formulations — often a sign of careful sourcing.

Kroger, Safeway and regional supermarkets: steady availability

Regional supermarket chains such as Kroger and Safeway combine broad national distribution with local product offerings. These grocers typically stock mainstream frozen novelties like classic ice cream sandwiches and popsicles, and they often carry regional brands that reflect local tastes. If you want a dependable go-to for everyday treats, a large regional chain will usually have what you need in the frozen aisle.

How regional chains can surprise you

Even though grocery staples are predictable, regional stores sometimes partner with local creameries or makers of small-batch frozen desserts. That means you might find an artisanal ice cream sandwich or a hand-crafted sorbet that’s not carried by national chains. Keep an eye out for local labels, especially if you prefer supporting smaller producers while still enjoying the convenience of a supermarket run.

Mochi, sorbet, and ice cream sandwiches — the novelty breakdown

Frozen novelties span a delightful spectrum: chewy mochi balls, bright fruit sorbets, nostalgic ice cream sandwiches, and dairy-free knockoffs. Mochi ice cream is prized for its soft, chewy rice dough exterior and dense ice cream center; sorbets offer bright, dairy-free fruit flavor; ice cream sandwiches deliver a satisfying contrast of cookie and cream. Choosing between them comes down to texture and dietary preference — do you want chewy, refreshing, or creamy?

Spotlight: My Mo Mochi, Alden’s, Tofutti, and acai sorbets

Brands like My Mo Mochi often come in small cases — about 9.1 ounces per box — perfect for sharing or snacking. Alden’s organic ice cream sandwiches are sometimes sold in six-count packs with sandwiches around 3.65 fluid ounce each, appealing to those who want classic flavors with organic credentials. Tofutti’s vegan vanilla treats are frequently packaged in multi-count cases for freezer-friendly stocking, and large-format acai sorbet tubs in sizes near 2.6 gallons are ideal for events or smoothie bars. Sampling across these styles is a fun way to discover personal favorites.

How to choose the right frozen dessert for any occasion

Match the treat to the moment. For kids’ birthday parties, go with individually wrapped sandwiches or popsicles that are easy to distribute. For dinner parties, consider a gourmet ice cream sandwich or a showy sorbet served in chilled bowls. If dietary needs are a concern, vegan novelties or sorbets cover many bases without sacrificing flavor. And if you’re feeding a crowd, bulk tubs and multi-count cases reduce hassle and cost.

Questions to ask before you buy

Think about serving size (single-serve vs. bulk), dietary restrictions (dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free), storage space in your freezer, and how soon you’ll consume the items. Also consider the occasion’s vibe: novelty packaging and fun flavors can elevate a casual get-together, while premium or artisanal options might suit a more formal dessert course. Answering these simple questions narrows the choices quickly.

Storage and serving tips to keep desserts at their best

Store frozen novelties at consistent freezer temperatures to prevent ice crystals and soggy textures. Keep items in airtight containers or their original packaging and place them away from the freezer door to avoid temperature fluctuations. Serve ice creams and sorbets after a 5–10 minute temper at room temperature for scoopable texture; for sandwiches and mochis, a shorter 2–3 minute rest often yields the perfect bite. These small habits make supermarket finds taste like they came from a boutique shop.

Buying online: what to look for when ordering frozen novelties

Online shopping opens access to regional brands you might not find locally. Look for retailers and marketplaces that list clear pack sizes and show temperature-controlled shipping options, and check whether items are sold as single units or multi-packs. Shopping online is ideal when you’re hunting down specific brands like My Mo Mochi or Tofutti, or when you want to compare prices across stores before committing to a larger purchase.

Budgeting tips and comparing price-per-unit

Comparing prices per ounce is the clearest way to evaluate value across single-serve novelties and bulk tubs. Divide the total package price by the number of ounces to get a dollar-per-ounce figure — it’s a simple math trick that shows whether a multi-gallon sorbet or a six-count box of sandwiches gives more bang for your buck. Remember to factor in the frequency of use: a bulk tub may be cheaper by the ounce but unnecessary if you won’t eat it before freezer burn sets in.

Final recommendations: what to buy first

If you’re curious and want the widest perspective, start with a sampler approach: pick one vegan novelty, one mochi pack, and one bulk sorbet or multi-pack of classic sandwiches. Walmart is a practical first stop for that sampling because it often carries Tofutti vegan novelties, Alden’s organic sandwiches in six-count boxes at about 3.65 fluid ounce apiece, My Mo Mochi in roughly 9.1 ounce cases, and larger 2.6 gallon sorbet buckets for event needs. From there, explore Target for limited editions, Costco for bulk bargains, and Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s for specialty flavors.

Wrap-up: make the freezer your flavor playground

Frozen desserts and novelties are an accessible way to bring variety and joy into daily life, from quick single-serve treats to extravagant party tubs. With so many formats — vegan and dairy, chewy and creamy, single-serve and family-size — you can tailor purchases to taste, budget, and event. The next time you browse the freezer aisle, think like a curator: mix classics with adventurous picks and keep a few staples on hand so every craving has an answer.

Conclusion: From Walmart value-packed cases to Target’s seasonal drops, and from warehouse club tubs to specialty-bakery-inspired novelties, the U.S. frozen dessert market is packed with options for every eater. Try a few different formats, pay attention to pack sizes in ounces and gallons when comparing value, and store your finds properly to enjoy them at their best.