Top 10 Best Ice Cream Brands in Erewash

Erewash's Love Affair with Ice Cream

There is something timeless about enjoying an ice cream on a sunny afternoon. In Erewash, families enjoy cones on walks along the Erewash Canal, at Victoria Park in Ilkeston, in West Park in Long Eaton, and during summer fairs and community events across the borough. Local shops, supermarkets, cafés and ice cream vans all offer a tempting selection.

Derbyshire has a strong dairy farming tradition, and the county and wider East Midlands produce some excellent artisan ice creams alongside the famous national brands found in every freezer aisle. This guide highlights ten of the best ice cream brands enjoyed in Erewash, judged on taste, texture, ingredients, variety and reputation.

Top 10 Ice Cream Brands in Erewash

1. Bradwell's Ice Cream

Bradwell's is a proud Derbyshire brand made in the Peak District village of the same name. Using fresh local milk and cream, it produces rich, traditional ice cream in flavours ranging from classic vanilla to rum and raisin. It is widely stocked by Derbyshire cafés, farm shops and retailers.

2. Frederick's Ice Cream

Frederick's has been making ice cream in Chesterfield for more than a century, making it one of the oldest family ice cream makers in the region. Its heritage recipes, creamy texture and nostalgic appeal have earned it a devoted Derbyshire following.

3. Beechdean

Beechdean is a family-run dairy that makes super-premium ice cream from the milk of its own herd. Its luxurious texture and indulgent flavours, such as Belgian chocolate and honeycomb, make it a favourite for dinner party desserts.

4. Mackie's of Scotland

Mackie's produces ice cream on its family farm using milk and cream from its own cows and renewable energy. Its classic Traditional flavour is known for its clean, creamy taste, and its sustainability credentials resonate with eco-conscious shoppers.

5. Kelly's of Cornwall

Kelly's is famous for its Cornish clotted cream ice cream, rich and indulgent with a distinctive golden colour. It brings a taste of the seaside to Erewash households and is a popular choice for family treats.

6. Jude's

Jude's is an award-winning brand known for inventive flavours, high-quality ingredients and a strong commitment to sustainability. Its dairy-free and lower-sugar ranges cater to modern dietary preferences without sacrificing flavour.

7. Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's is instantly recognisable for its chunky mix-ins, playful flavour names and social activism. Its tubs are a go-to for film nights across the borough, and its growing non-dairy range appeals to vegan customers.

8. Häagen-Dazs

Häagen-Dazs is synonymous with luxury, offering dense, velvety ice cream made with simple ingredients. Its Belgian chocolate and salted caramel flavours are enduring favourites for those seeking a premium treat.

9. Magnum

Magnum's thick chocolate-coated ice cream bars have become a British summer staple. With constant flavour innovations and limited editions, Magnum remains one of the best-selling ice cream products in the UK.

10. Carte D'Or

Carte D'Or offers large tubs of smooth, affordable ice cream in a wide range of dessert-inspired flavours. It is ideal for family gatherings, pairing perfectly with crumbles, pies and warm puddings.

What to Look for in Quality Ice Cream

• Real dairy: Fresh milk and cream deliver a richer flavour and smoother texture.
• Natural flavours: Real vanilla, fruit and chocolate outperform artificial alternatives.
• Low air content: Denser ice cream typically signals higher quality.
• Local sourcing: Regional brands often support nearby dairy farmers.
• Dietary choice: Vegan, lactose-free and reduced-sugar options broaden appeal.

Ice Cream Trends in 2026

Plant-based ice cream continues to grow, with oat, coconut and almond bases delivering impressive creaminess. Shoppers are also seeking reduced-sugar and high-protein options that fit healthier lifestyles. Artisan and farm-made brands are enjoying renewed interest as consumers value provenance and support local producers. Bold, globally inspired flavours such as matcha, mango lassi and miso caramel are appearing alongside timeless British classics.

Sustainability also influences buying decisions. Brands using recyclable packaging, renewable energy and responsibly sourced ingredients are increasingly favoured by environmentally aware customers in Erewash and beyond.

Where to Enjoy Ice Cream in Erewash

Erewash offers plenty of scenic spots to enjoy a cone. The towpaths of the Erewash Canal and the Nutbrook Trail are perfect for walks and cycle rides, while parks in Ilkeston and Long Eaton are ideal for family picnics. Summer events, local markets and nearby attractions in the Peak District offer further opportunities to sample regional brands straight from the source.

Serving Ideas for Ice Cream Lovers

Ice cream is wonderfully versatile. Pair a scoop of clotted cream vanilla with a warm Bakewell pudding for a Derbyshire twist, or serve salted caramel alongside a sticky toffee pudding on a winter evening. Affogato, made by pouring hot espresso over vanilla ice cream, is a simple yet impressive dinner party dessert. For summer barbecues, homemade ice cream sandwiches using cookies from a local bakery are always a hit with children and adults alike.

Conclusion

From Derbyshire favourites like Bradwell's and Frederick's to international icons such as Ben & Jerry's and Häagen-Dazs, Erewash residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to ice cream. Whether you prefer a traditional vanilla cone or an indulgent tub on a cosy evening, the brands listed here promise a delicious experience every time.