Ice Cream Culture in Cambridge
Few experiences capture a summer day in Cambridge quite like enjoying an ice cream by the river. Visitors exploring King's Parade, families picnicking on Jesus Green and students relaxing after exams all share a fondness for frozen treats. Yet ice cream in Cambridge is not only a summer pleasure. The city's artisan gelato shops attract queues year-round, and its supermarkets and delis stock a wide range of premium British and international brands.
This guide celebrates ten of the best ice cream brands available in Cambridge, covering local artisans, regional dairies and internationally recognised favourites. Each offers something special, whether it is innovative flavours, exceptional ingredients or a commitment to sustainability.
What Makes Great Ice Cream
Exceptional ice cream starts with quality ingredients: fresh milk and cream, real fruit, premium chocolate and natural flavourings. Texture is equally important, with the best ice creams being smooth, creamy and well balanced in sweetness. Artisan makers often produce in small batches, allowing them to experiment with seasonal flavours and maintain freshness.
1. Jack's Gelato
Jack's Gelato is perhaps the most celebrated ice cream maker in Cambridge. Known for its constantly changing menu of inventive flavours, it uses fresh, often local ingredients to create gelato and sorbets that surprise and delight. Flavours inspired by herbs, spices, flowers and seasonal fruits have earned it a devoted following and regular queues outside its shops.
2. Aromi Gelato
Aromi, the Sicilian bakery and café, also serves authentic Italian gelato. Its pistachio, chocolate and fruit flavours reflect traditional recipes, and pairing a scoop with one of its pastries makes for an indulgent treat in the heart of the city.
3. Booja-Booja
Booja-Booja is an East Anglian company producing dairy-free ice cream and chocolate truffles. Made with cashew nuts and organic ingredients, its ice creams are rich, creamy and suitable for vegans. The brand is widely available in Cambridge health food shops and supermarkets.
4. Alder Tree
Alder Tree is a Suffolk-based producer of fruit cream ices made with fresh cream and locally grown fruit. Its intense fruit flavours and commitment to regional sourcing make it a favourite in farm shops and delis around Cambridgeshire.
5. Jude's
Jude's is a British ice cream brand known for its sustainable approach and indulgent flavours. Using high-quality ingredients and carbon-conscious production, it has become a popular choice in Cambridge supermarkets for those seeking premium ice cream with environmental credentials.
6. Ben & Jerry's
Ben & Jerry's is one of the most recognisable ice cream brands in the world, famous for its chunky mix-ins, creative flavour names and social activism. Its tubs are widely available across Cambridge and remain a favourite for nights in and student gatherings.
7. Häagen-Dazs
Häagen-Dazs is synonymous with premium, dense and creamy ice cream. Its classic flavours, such as vanilla, salted caramel and Belgian chocolate, are crafted with a short list of quality ingredients. It is available in supermarkets and convenience stores throughout the city.
8. Kelly's of Cornwall
Kelly's of Cornwall produces clotted cream ice cream using Cornish milk and cream. Its rich, traditional flavour offers a taste of the British seaside and is a popular choice in Cambridge supermarkets for family desserts and summer gatherings.
9. Mackie's of Scotland
Mackie's is a family-run Scottish brand producing ice cream from milk and cream from its own farm. Its traditional flavour and commitment to renewable energy have earned it a loyal following across the UK, including among Cambridge shoppers.
10. Purbeck
Purbeck Ice Cream, made in Dorset, offers a range of natural, gluten-free ice creams and sorbets. Its flavours are crafted without artificial additives, and the brand is often found in delis, farm shops and cafés in and around Cambridge.
Ice Cream Trends
Plant-based and dairy-free ice creams have moved from niche to mainstream, with many brands offering oat, coconut and nut-based alternatives. Lower sugar and high-protein ice creams are also growing in popularity among health-conscious consumers. Artisan makers continue to push boundaries with savoury and botanical flavours, such as olive oil, basil and lavender.
Sustainability is another important trend. Brands are reducing packaging waste, using renewable energy and sourcing ingredients responsibly. Cambridge consumers, who tend to be environmentally aware, increasingly choose brands that align with these values.
Best Places to Enjoy Ice Cream in Cambridge
Enjoy a scoop while walking along the Backs, watching punts glide beneath the bridges, or relaxing on Midsummer Common. Market Square and the streets around King's Parade offer plenty of options for visitors, while Mill Road and Chesterton have neighbourhood favourites. On sunny days, expect queues at popular gelato shops, especially in the afternoon.
Conclusion
Cambridge's ice cream scene combines inventive local artisans with beloved British and international brands. From Jack's Gelato's imaginative flavours to Booja-Booja's dairy-free indulgence and Kelly's classic clotted cream, there is something for every taste. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, these ten brands offer the perfect way to cool down and treat yourself in one of England's most beautiful cities.