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Who doesn’t love a cold scoop on a warm day or a decadent cup after dinner? Frozen desserts—ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, and sorbet—are more than just treats. They’re mood boosters, party starters, and comfort food wrapped into one creamy package. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia with a classic cookie dough cup or experimenting with plant-based coconut milk gelato, there’s a frozen dessert out there to match your mood.
Walmart stands out if you want variety and value under one roof. From single-serve cups to giant tubs for gatherings, Walmart’s freezer aisles cover the full spectrum. You’ll find everything from mainstream icons like Ben & Jerry’s cookie dough cups (3.6 fluid ounce single-serve sizes ideal for portion control) to party-friendly 3-gallon tubs from brands such as Chocolate Shoppe. If you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, those multi-gallon tubs save money and time—just scoop and serve.
Highlights to look for include plant-based options and novelty items. A plant-based coconut milk gelato in a 5 liter size (about 169 fluid ounces, roughly 1.32 gallons) is perfect if you want a dairy-free alternative without sacrificing creaminess. Sorbet mixes, like a 64 ounce pomegranate-raspberry soft serve concentrate, are also handy for making refreshing soft-serve at home or for semi-professional soft-serve machines. And for a snack that's a little different, freeze-dried ice cream bites weigh about 0.46 ounce per pack—fun, crunchy, and perfect for lunchbox surprises.
If you host regularly or have a big family, Costco is hard to beat. Known for large-format offerings, Costco’s frozen dessert selection often includes generous pints, multi-packs, and grand tubs at a price per ounce that’s tough to match anywhere else. Think party-size tubs, two-pint packs of premium pints, and seasonal varieties that rotate through the year. It’s the kind of place where you can snag a 3-gallon sorbet case or a twin pack of artisanal pints and still come out under budget.
Target mixes the trendy with the accessible, stocking limited-edition flavors and well-known premium brands in convenient formats. If you chase the latest flavor drop—salted caramel pretzel, experimental plant-forward blends, or a regional novelty like Blue Moon—Target often gets those first. Their single-serve cups and 16 fluid ounce pints are great when you want to try something new without committing to a huge container.
Target’s curated selections and collaborations often introduce unique flavor mashups or seasonal twists. That makes it a fun stop if you like rotating flavors every few weeks. Plus, those single-serve cups are perfect for mindful indulgence—no need to wrestle with the last scoop in the tub.
If you prefer ingredient-driven brands or small-batch producers, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s deliver. Whole Foods leans toward organic, ethically sourced ingredients and higher-end artisanal brands. Trader Joe’s, on the other hand, excels at creating its own cult-favorite flavors at wallet-friendly prices—think seasonal novelties and offbeat varieties that keep shoppers coming back for more.
Plant-based frozen desserts have come a long way. Coconut milk gelato or almond milk ice cream can deliver a creamy mouthfeel that surprises skeptics. Dairy-free sorbets like organic acai berry sorbet are intensely flavored and refreshing; a 3-gallon case of an organic dairy-free sorbet is perfect for events where you need a vegan-friendly crowd-pleaser. Many plant-based options now mirror the texture of traditional ice cream thanks to stabilizers and fat sources that mimic dairy’s richness.
Kroger family stores and Safeway often balance national brands with strong private-label offerings. Their store brands can be terrific value without sacrificing flavor, and regional favorites often show up alongside national names. If you’re price-conscious but picky about taste, check the store-brand tubs and seasonal novelties—many shoppers find excellent quality in these less expensive options.
Confused about what to choose? Here’s a quick guide. Traditional ice cream tends to be higher in fat and air, giving it a light but rich texture. Gelato is denser and served slightly warmer than ice cream, so flavors taste more intense. Frozen yogurt carries a tang from live cultures and feels lighter on the palate, while sorbet is dairy-free and relies solely on fruit and sugar for flavor. Choose gelato when you want concentrated taste, frozen yogurt for tangy refreshment, and sorbet when you want a dairy-free fruit-forward option.
Planning portions helps you avoid waste and keep portions sensible. A standard scoop is about 4 fluid ounces (a half-cup), which is a satisfying serving without going overboard. For parties, plan roughly 1/2 pint (8 fluid ounces) per adult if ice cream is one of several dessert options—more if it’s the main attraction. And pro tip: letting a tub sit at room temperature for 2 to 3 minutes before scooping softens it just enough for a clean scoop without melting into a mess.
Flavors evolve every season. Right now you’ll see a mix of comforting classics and bold experiments: cookie dough cups, peppermint stick, nostalgic Blue Moon, and inventive superfood blends. Freeze-dried snacks and bite-sized novelties—tiny 0.46 ounce packs of freeze-dried vanilla ice cream—are cropping up for an on-the-go crunch. Pomegranate-raspberry soft-serve mixes and acai berry sorbets highlight the ongoing trend toward fruity, tangy options that feel lighter but still pack a punch.
Good storage preserves flavor and texture. Keep your freezer at 0°F to maintain optimal texture, and place tubs toward the back of the freezer where temperatures are more stable. To avoid freezer burn, press a layer of plastic wrap against the surface of the tub before resealing the lid—this minimizes air exposure. When serving, warm your scoop in hot water and dry it; a warm scoop glides through the ice cream and gives you neat, attractive scoops every time.
Want to save without sacrificing flavor? Buy in bulk for events at stores like Costco and Walmart, where per-ounce costs drop significantly. Target and Kroger often run buy-one-get-one promotions or digital coupons that make premium brands more affordable. Signing up for store loyalty programs or checking weekly circulars can also uncover seasonal markdowns—especially in the summer, when stores rotate flavors and clear out last season’s inventory.
Ice cream pairs beautifully across the menu. Vanilla or coconut milk gelato is a natural match for warm desserts like apple pie; intense flavors like peppermint stick or Blue Moon stand up well with rich chocolate desserts. Sorbets cut through fatty dishes and act as palate cleansers between heavy courses, while frozen yogurt makes a tangy topping for fruit salads. And don’t forget beverages: a scoop of vanilla in a glass of cold coffee makes an instant affogato-style treat.
Throwing a frozen-dessert bar is easier than it sounds. Offer two or three base options—classic ice cream, a dairy-free gelato, and a sorbet—plus a handful of toppings like cookie crumbs, hot fudge, crushed nuts, and fruit. Use small portion cups (3.6 fluid ounce cups are ideal single-serve sizes) so guests can build small, repeatable samplers. Label everything so folks know which options are vegan or nut-free.
Whether you’re stocking up for a party, experimenting with plant-based options, or hunting down a nostalgic flavor, the best frozen dessert reflects your taste and occasion. Walmart and Costco excel for bulk and value, Target and grocery chains like Kroger and Safeway offer convenient and trendy choices, and specialty shops such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s bring artisan and health-focused options to the table. Mix and match based on occasion, budget, and dietary needs—and don’t be afraid to try something unexpected.
Ready to build your perfect freezer stash? Start with one classic tub, one novelty pack, and one dairy-free option—then let your cravings be your compass.
