Not all ice cream is made the same. Many supermarket tubs rely on vegetable oils and artificial additives rather than proper dairy.
Fortunately, several British producers still make their ice cream the traditional way, using fresh cream for a rich and velvety texture. These seven brands show how authentic ingredients can make all the difference.
This article is for general information only. Product recipes, availability, and flavour may vary by location and brand. Photos are for illustrative purposes.
1. Mackie's Of Scotland
Based on their family farm in Aberdeenshire, Mackie’s has been making ice cream since 1986. Fresh cream and milk come directly from their own herd of cows, located just minutes from the production site.
The company runs on renewable energy from its own wind turbines and solar panels, highlighting their commitment to sustainability.
Classic flavours such as Vanilla and Honeycomb remain popular, all made with real cream and traditional methods.
2. Kelly's Of Cornwall
Kelly’s has been a Cornish favourite since 1930, when it began as a small café in Bodmin. Their ice cream is made with Cornish clotted cream, known for its rich flavour and golden colour.
The signature Clotted Cream Vanilla remains a bestseller, while Honeycomb Crunch and other varieties showcase the indulgent texture that clotted cream brings. Each tub reflects Cornwall’s strong dairy tradition.
3. Jude's
Founded in 2002 in Hampshire, Jude’s started as a small family project and has since grown into one of the UK’s best-known premium ice cream brands. They use milk and cream from local herds and produce their ice cream in small batches for quality.
Award-winning flavours such as Salted Caramel and Brown Butter Pecan have earned Jude’s more than 50 Great Taste Awards. In 2020, they became the UK’s first carbon-negative ice cream company, combining indulgence with environmental responsibility.
4. Marshfield Farm Ice Cream
This family-run farm near Bath has been making ice cream since 1992 using cream from its own dairy herd. The cows graze in fields just yards from the production area, ensuring exceptional freshness.
Over 30 flavours are produced, including Blackcurrant in Clotted Cream and Toffee Fudge Fiasco. Marshfield Farm maintains its traditional approach, focusing on quality ingredients rather than industrial shortcuts.
5. Cheshire Farm Ice Cream
The Fell family began making ice cream in 1986 on their farm in Tattenhall, Cheshire. Fresh double cream and whole milk are sourced daily from local farms, supporting the surrounding agricultural community.
With more than 40 flavours on offer, their Classic Vanilla continues to stand out for its clean, creamy taste. Their parlour attracts thousands of visitors each year, cementing their reputation for quality and tradition.
6. Roskilly's
Located on the Roskilly family’s organic farm in Cornwall, this brand produces ice cream with cream from their own Jersey cows. Known for their rich, golden milk, the cows graze on pastures overlooking St Keverne.
Roskilly’s process is simple: cream, milk, sugar, and natural flavourings. Flavours such as Cornish Clotted Cream and Orange Chocolate Chip highlight their dedication to authenticity. Visitors can even see the ice cream being made on the farm.
7. Alder Carr Farm
Nestled in the Suffolk countryside, Alder Carr Farm has been producing ice cream since 1992. They use fresh double cream from nearby dairies, creating small-batch ice cream with no artificial flavourings, colourings, or preservatives.
Their Strawberry flavour, made with local berries, has won multiple Great Taste Awards. The farm’s French-style recipe and local sourcing give their ice cream a distinctive character that sets it apart from mass-produced alternatives.
