A Sweet Tradition in Berkeley
Few things capture the joy of a sunny Berkeley afternoon like a scoop of great ice cream. The city's mild climate makes frozen treats a year-round pleasure, and its food-loving population demands quality. Berkeley's ice cream scene includes local scoop shops, Bay Area creameries, and grocery-store brands made with organic dairy from nearby farms.
What unites the best ice cream in Berkeley is a commitment to ingredients. Fresh cream, seasonal fruit, and creative flavor combinations matter more here than flashy gimmicks. Below are ten ice cream brands that Berkeley residents love, whether they are enjoyed at a shop or brought home from a local market.
The Top 10 Ice Cream Brands in Berkeley
1. CREAM
CREAM, which stands for Cookies Rule Everything Around Me, was founded in Berkeley and quickly became a campus favorite. The brand is known for ice cream sandwiches made with freshly baked cookies and generous scoops. Its affordable prices, late hours, and customizable combinations make it especially popular with students on Telegraph Avenue.
2. Fentons Creamery
Fentons Creamery has been an East Bay icon for more than a century. Located just south of Berkeley, it is famous for enormous sundaes, house-made ice cream, and a nostalgic atmosphere. Many Berkeley families consider a trip to Fentons a cherished tradition for birthdays and celebrations.
3. Tara's Organic Ice Cream
Tara's Organic Ice Cream offers inventive flavors made with organic ingredients and minimal processing. Its rotating menu often features unexpected combinations inspired by herbs, spices, and global flavors. For adventurous eaters who appreciate natural ingredients, Tara's provides a distinctly Berkeley experience.
4. Almare Gelato
Almare Gelato brings authentic Italian gelato to Berkeley, made in small batches with traditional methods. Its pistachio, hazelnut, and stracciatella flavors are standouts, and its fruit sorbets showcase seasonal produce. The dense, silky texture of true gelato makes Almare a favorite for those seeking a European-style treat.
5. Humphry Slocombe
Humphry Slocombe started in San Francisco and has become one of the Bay Area's most celebrated ice cream brands. Its pints are widely available in Berkeley markets, and its bold flavors, such as Secret Breakfast, have earned a cult following. The brand's playful creativity and quality ingredients make it a frequent choice for Berkeley freezers.
6. Straus Family Creamery
Straus Family Creamery in Marin County produces organic ice cream from milk sourced from its own and neighboring family farms. Its simple, high-quality flavors are staples at Berkeley grocery stores such as Berkeley Bowl. Straus is also known for its environmental leadership and sustainable dairy practices, values shared by many Berkeley consumers.
7. Smitten Ice Cream
Smitten Ice Cream uses liquid nitrogen to freeze each order on demand, creating an exceptionally smooth texture. Its Bay Area shops serve fresh, seasonal flavors made from scratch. The theatrical preparation and ultra-creamy results make Smitten a memorable treat for visitors and locals alike.
8. Curbside Creamery
Curbside Creamery is a small-batch ice cream shop in Oakland that has earned praise from East Bay locals, including many Berkeley residents. Its rotating menu emphasizes creative, sophisticated flavors and high-quality ingredients. It is a great example of the neighborhood scoop shops that make the region's dessert culture so vibrant.
9. Mitchell's Ice Cream
Mitchell's Ice Cream is a legendary San Francisco brand known for tropical flavors such as ube, mango, and buko. Its pints and scoops are cherished across the Bay Area. Berkeley residents with a love of classic, rich ice cream often make the trip or seek out its products for special occasions.
10. Ben and Jerry's
Ben and Jerry's remains a widely available favorite in Berkeley, known for chunky mix-ins and playful flavor names. The brand's longstanding focus on social justice and environmental causes resonates with the city's activist history. Its non-dairy line also offers plenty of options for vegan customers.
Ice Cream Trends in Berkeley
Plant-based ice cream continues to grow quickly, with oat, coconut, and cashew bases becoming common. Global flavors such as ube, black sesame, matcha, cardamom, and horchata are increasingly mainstream. Customers also appreciate transparency about sourcing, from organic dairy to fair-trade chocolate and vanilla. Small-batch production and seasonal rotation keep menus exciting and encourage repeat visits.
Tips for Enjoying Ice Cream in Berkeley
Pair your scoop with a walk through Berkeley's most scenic areas. Grab a treat near the campus and stroll to the Campanile, enjoy a cone on Fourth Street while shopping, or bring pints to a picnic at the Berkeley Marina with views of the Golden Gate. If you have dietary restrictions, ask shops about dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free options, as many local businesses are happy to accommodate.
Choosing the Right Brand for You
Consider what matters most to you. If you love texture, gelato or nitrogen-frozen ice cream may be ideal. If you prefer bold creativity, try brands with rotating experimental flavors. For everyday indulgence, organic grocery brands offer quality and convenience. Sampling several brands is the most enjoyable way to find your favorite.
Conclusion
Berkeley's ice cream scene blends nostalgic tradition with innovative flavors and sustainable values. From campus-favorite ice cream sandwiches to organic farm-fresh pints, these ten brands offer something for every craving. The next time you are in Berkeley, treat yourself to a scoop and discover why the city's sweet side is just as impressive as its savory one.