The Ultimate Ice Cream Sandwich Taste Test: Ranking the Best and Worst Classic Sandwiches
Blind panel testing reveals the standout with creamy vanilla and perfect chocolate wafer.
The Ultimate Ice Cream Sandwich Taste Test
The ice cream sandwich, with its sweet vanilla ice cream and yielding chocolate wafer, evokes nostalgia and remains a staple of summer. Though many brands offer their take on this classic, not all treats are created equal. We assembled a diverse tasting panel to determine which supermarket ice cream sandwich delivers on flavor, creaminess, and that irresistible classic appeal—and which fall short.
Our mission: expertly evaluate America’s best-selling classic ice cream sandwiches and uncover the true childhood summer champion. We focused exclusively on the traditional vanilla ice cream between rectangular chocolate wafers, setting aside more unconventional cookies-and-cream or chip-studded versions for another day.
How We Chose and Tested the Ice Cream Sandwiches
To fairly compare, only classic-style ice cream sandwiches were considered—plain vanilla ice cream nestled between two soft chocolate-flavored wafers. We purchased a variety of widely available national brands from major grocery retailers, making sure each product was in its stock form: no added mix-ins, no fancy flavors, just the classic iteration.
- All sandwiches were tested blind—panelists did not know which brand they were tasting.
- Tasters focused on flavor, ice cream quality, wafer texture, and overall experience.
- Each sandwich was rated for balance, structure, creaminess, sweetness, and nostalgic factor.
- Mess factor (how sticky, how much the ice cream squeezed out, residue left on fingers, etc.) was noted for each brand.
What Matters in a Classic Ice Cream Sandwich?
While some might think all ice cream sandwiches are essentially equal, our tasting proved otherwise. Panelists agreed the best sandwich should:
- Have a smooth, rich vanilla ice cream that’s not overly sweet or bland.
- Feature chocolate wafers with a tender texture—soft enough to bite through, not so mushy that they dissolve, nor so firm that the ice cream flies out under pressure.
- Offer a balanced flavor profile—the chocolate and vanilla complementing, not competing or overpowering.
- Hold its form from first to last bite, yet offer a melt-in-your-mouth nostalgia.
Not least, extra points go to sandwiches that shine through their childhood nostalgia—reminding us why this treat endures.
The Contenders: Brands We Tested
We gathered the classic vanilla-chocolate sandwiches from the following recognizable brands:
- FatBoy
- Klondike
- Friendly’s
- Walmart Great Value
- Market Pantry (Target)
Each brand brought its own approach to the formula, from wafer thickness to packaging style. Here’s how each stacked up in our panel’s rankings, starting from least to most impressive.
Market Pantry (Target): The Underachiever
Appearance & Texture: On first look, Market Pantry’s sandwich seems traditional, yet the wafer’s firmness stood out as an immediate obstacle. Early bites encountered a hard chocolate wafer that, instead of yielding, forced the ice cream to squeeze and slide out the sides.
Flavor: The vanilla center, rather than being the creamy, decadent core of the sandwich, tasted more like vanilla-flavored whipped topping—airy and underwhelming.
- The wafer was too dry and lacked that nostalgic chewiness; any pressure threatened to send the ice cream out the back.
- The vanilla “ice cream” didn’t deliver on the richness or real cream flavor we expect from the treat. It bordered on bland, with a slightly artificial aftertaste.
- Panelists found it unsatisfying and, ultimately, disappointing—a far cry from the ideal summer treat.
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Final verdict: Market Pantry lands at the bottom. Its over-firm wafer and lackluster filling make it a last resort when nostalgia calls.
Walmart Great Value: Uneventful and Messy
Appearance & Texture: Unwrapping this sandwich revealed a notably soft, almost mushy chocolate wafer. It was so pliable the sandwich bent under its own weight, and as a result, the ice cream inside began to melt much faster than rival brands.
Flavor:
- Panelists noted a decent chocolate flavor from the wafers, richer than some competitors, yet the overly soft texture led to quick melting and made for a messy eating experience.
- The vanilla ice cream underwhelmed with a simple, unremarkable sweetness; several testers described it as “meh.”
Overall Experience: Though not offensive, the Walmart sandwich faded into the background. The melting factor and lack of stand-out flavor made for more of a forgettable snack than a memorable treat.
Friendly’s: Decent, Yet Dull
Appearance & Texture: Friendly’s offers a familiar sandwich wrapped in old-school white paper, but the excitement faded after the first bite. The chocolate wafer had an almost overly robust cocoa presence, which risked overwhelming the delicate vanilla ice cream.
Flavor:
- The vanilla center was described as “plain Jane”—serviceable but not creamy or bold.
- The chocolate wafers almost overshadowed the filling, creating a slight imbalance between the two elements.
Other Notes: The packaging caused some annoyance as pieces of the white paper stuck to the sandwich after unwrapping, nearly pulling away bits of the chocolate wafer with it. However, Friendly’s earned praise for its tidy eating experience: no melting mess, and the sandwich held up until the last bite.
Final verdict: Serviceable but forgettable. Not bad in a craving emergency, but outshined by its competitors in every key category.
Klondike: Substantial and Satisfying
Appearance & Texture: One word: thick. Klondike delivered a sandwich noticeably chunkier than the rest, immediately scoring points with those who crave a dessert you can truly bite into.
Flavor:
- The vanilla ice cream inside hit the mark with a sweetness that felt classic, though some found it less creamy than the winning brands.
- The chocolate wafer held its form well, delivering a firm yet yielding bite that kept the ice cream in place—no unwanted ooze.
Packaging: Klondike broke with tradition by using a plastic wrapper instead of the waxy white or paper versions. This helped keep the sandwich fresher and visually clean, though some missed the nostalgia of the original ice cream truck packaging.
Final verdict: Hits close to perfection for classic lovers seeking thickness and structure. Just a step shy of ultimate creaminess, but a permanent favorite of the panel.
FatBoy: The Gold Standard
Appearance & Texture: FatBoy’s sandwich arrives thick and proud, generously filled with luscious vanilla ice cream between chocolate wafers that hit a “just right” tenderness—solid enough to hold ice cream, soft enough to keep each bite mess-free (though a bit sticky for the fingers).
Flavor:
- Panelists were immediately wowed by the creamy, farm-fresh-tasting vanilla ice cream, praised for its close-to-homemade flavor.
- The chocolate wafers harmonized perfectly—neither too sweet nor overpowering; they supported the ice cream rather than competing with it.
Experience: This was the sandwich everyone reached for second helpings of. While the sticky fingers required a quick clean, everyone agreed the finger-licking payoff was worth it.
Final verdict: FatBoy reigns supreme. Creaminess, thickness, balance, and nostalgia combine for the ideal ice cream sandwich.
Full Ranking: Best to Worst Classic Vanilla-Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches
| Rank | Brand | Key Strengths | Key Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FatBoy | Supremely creamy, perfect thickness, nostalgic flavor | Sticky finger residue |
| 2 | Klondike | Great structure, thick, sweet vanilla | Slightly less creamy |
| 3 | Friendly’s | Neat to eat, classic feel | Unexciting, dull filling |
| 4 | Walmart Great Value | Chocolate-rich wafer | Mushy, melts too quickly, forgettable |
| 5 | Market Pantry (Target) | Traditional appearance | Hard wafer, bland filling, easy to lose ice cream |
Navigating the Ice Cream Sandwich Aisle: Buyer’s Tips
- Read ingredient lists: Look for real cream, milk, and cocoa—avoid ‘frozen dairy desserts’ unless you’re in it for nostalgia alone.
- Wafer thickness is key: Too thin and the sandwich lacks structure, too thick and you might have a jaw workout. The ideal strikes a balance.
- Packaging matters: Traditional waxed paper may offer more nostalgia, but plastic wrap often keeps the sandwich fresher for longer.
- Consider thickness: If you crave a big, substantial dessert, look for brands noted for their extra-thick build (such as FatBoy or Klondike).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are all ice cream sandwiches made with real ice cream?
A: No. Many lower-priced supermarket varieties use “frozen dairy dessert” instead of true ice cream. Read labels to ensure you get actual cream and milk if that’s important to you.
Q: What makes a classic ice cream sandwich different from a Chipwich or other novelties?
A: The classic uses soft chocolate-flavored wafers with vanilla ice cream, while novelties like the Chipwich use cookies and may include mix-ins (e.g., chocolate chips).
Q: Why do some ice cream sandwiches stick to the wrapper?
A: Traditional paper or wax wrappers often adhere to soft wafers, especially if the sandwich warms up a bit. Newer packaging (like plastic wrap) can help reduce sticking but may detract from the nostalgic feel.
Q: Which brand is best for thick ice cream lovers?
A: FatBoy and Klondike offer the thickest and most substantial classic ice cream sandwiches, perfect for those who want a big bite.
Q: What’s the best way to serve ice cream sandwiches for a party?
A: Serve them slightly softened—not rock hard—so the wafers yield and the flavors shine. Cut larger sandwiches in half for easy party bites, or offer a variety of brands for a fun taste test!
Parting Thoughts: The Nostalgic Joy of Ice Cream Sandwiches
The classic vanilla-chocolate ice cream sandwich will always hold a special spot in America’s dessert memories. While options on the shelves may multiply and evolve, our taste test confirms: there’s magic in the perfect balance of creamy vanilla and chewy chocolate wafer. The best brands transport you instantly to a sun-drenched day, sticky fingers and all—reminding us that some childhood indulgences still stand the test of time.
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