Top 10 Best Ice Cream Brands in Torfaen

A Taste of Welsh Ice Cream Heritage

Wales and ice cream share a fascinating history. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Italian immigrant families settled throughout the south Wales valleys, opening cafés and ice cream parlours that became beloved community institutions. Many Welsh ice cream brands still trace their roots to these families, and their recipes and traditions continue to delight generations.

Torfaen shares in this legacy. Whether enjoying a cone during a stroll around Cwmbran Boating Lake, treating the family after a day at Pontypool Park, or cooling down after exploring Blaenavon, ice cream is part of life in the valleys. Here are the ten best ice cream brands and parlours enjoyed across Torfaen.

The Top 10 Ice Cream Brands in Torfaen

1. Ice and Roll Cwmbran

Ice and Roll Cwmbran is a dedicated ice cream parlour on Cwmbran Drive. Rolled ice cream, prepared on a chilled plate and rolled into spirals, has become a fun and theatrical treat. With a wide range of toppings and flavour combinations, it is a favourite with families and young people.

2. Kaspa's Cwmbran

Kaspa's is a dessert restaurant chain known for ice cream sundaes, waffles, crêpes and milkshakes. Its Cwmbran branch offers a relaxed setting for friends and families to enjoy indulgent desserts, making it a popular evening destination.

3. Sidoli's

Sidoli's is a celebrated ice cream maker from Ebbw Vale, just over the mountain from Blaenavon. Its ice cream reflects the proud Italian-Welsh tradition of the valleys and has earned a loyal following across south Wales for its creamy texture and classic flavours.

4. Joe's Ice Cream

Founded in Swansea by an Italian family, Joe's Ice Cream is one of the most iconic names in Welsh ice cream. Its famous vanilla recipe has been enjoyed for generations, and its tubs are a treasured treat for families across Wales.

5. Cadwaladers

Cadwaladers began in Criccieth in north Wales and has grown into a well-known Welsh café and ice cream brand. Its premium ice cream, made with Welsh dairy, has earned it a dedicated following among those who appreciate quality ingredients.

6. Mr Moo's

Mr Moo's is a farm-based Welsh ice cream producer from Pembrokeshire, made using milk from its own herd. Its farm-to-cone approach and creative flavours appeal to customers seeking provenance and freshness.

7. Shepherds Ice Cream

Shepherds Ice Cream is a Welsh producer known for ice cream made with sheep's milk, which offers a distinctively smooth and creamy texture. It is a unique option for adventurous ice cream fans and those looking for an alternative to cow's milk.

8. Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's is famous for chunky, imaginative flavours and its commitment to social causes. Widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores across Torfaen, it remains a favourite for nights in.

9. Häagen-Dazs

Häagen-Dazs is synonymous with premium ice cream, known for rich, dense textures and simple, high-quality ingredients. Its luxurious flavours make it a popular choice for special occasions and indulgent treats.

10. Wall's

Wall's has been a staple of British ice cream for generations, producing iconic favourites such as Magnum and Cornetto. Found in freezers across Torfaen, from corner shops to supermarkets, Wall's is the classic choice for a quick, refreshing treat.

Ice Cream Trends in Torfaen

Dessert parlours offering rolled ice cream, waffles, crêpes and freakshakes have become social destinations, particularly for younger audiences and families. Plant-based and dairy-free ice creams have grown considerably, with brands developing oat, coconut and almond-based alternatives that rival traditional recipes in creaminess.

Provenance is also a growing priority. Shoppers increasingly seek ice cream made with Welsh milk, supporting local farmers and enjoying the quality that comes from short supply chains. Seasonal and limited-edition flavours, often inspired by local ingredients such as Welsh honey, berries or bara brith, are creating excitement and encouraging repeat visits.

The Italian-Welsh Café Legacy

The Italian cafés of the valleys, often known locally as Bracchi cafés after one of the early families, were central to community life in mining towns. They offered warmth, hot drinks, simple meals and, of course, ice cream. While many original cafés have closed, their legacy lives on in brands like Sidoli's and Joe's, and in the enduring Welsh love of a good cone. For visitors exploring Torfaen's industrial heritage at Blaenavon, this story adds another delicious layer to the region's history.

How to Choose the Best Ice Cream

Look for ice cream made with real dairy and natural ingredients, and check the ingredient list for unnecessary additives. Premium ice creams generally contain less air, giving a denser, creamier texture. If you have dietary needs, many brands now offer vegan, lactose-free and lower-sugar options. Most importantly, try local and Welsh brands, as they often deliver exceptional quality while supporting regional producers.

Final Thoughts

From playful rolled ice cream in Cwmbran to heritage Welsh creameries rooted in Italian tradition, Torfaen offers a wonderful variety of frozen treats. Whether you prefer a classic vanilla cone, an indulgent sundae or an adventurous new flavour, the ice cream brands above are sure to satisfy every craving.