Fishers and Its Love of Ice Cream
Few things capture the spirit of a warm Fishers evening better than ice cream. After a concert at the amphitheater, a stroll through the Nickel Plate District, or a long day at youth sports fields, families and friends often end the day with a scoop or a cone. Ice cream is also a year-round comfort, with premium pints filling freezers during Indiana's colder months.
The Fishers ice cream scene includes regional scoop shops with devoted followings, Indiana-made favorites, and national premium brands sold in local grocery stores. This guide highlights ten ice cream brands that consistently delight residents, each with its own personality and signature flavors.
How We Selected These Brands
We considered flavor quality, ingredient standards, variety, availability to Fishers residents, and overall reputation. The list balances scoop shops you can visit with brands you can bring home from local stores.
The Top 10 Ice Cream Brands for Fishers
1. Handel's Homemade Ice Cream
Handel's is known for rich, homemade ice cream made fresh daily in dozens of rotating flavors. Its walk-up shop experience and generous servings have made it a summertime tradition. Fishers families often make an evening of visiting Handel's for a cone after dinner.
2. Graeter's
Graeter's, a Cincinnati institution with locations in the Indianapolis area, is famous for its French pot process and large chocolate chunks. Its black raspberry chocolate chip flavor is a regional legend, and its pints are also available in grocery stores.
3. Sundae's Homemade Ice Cream
Sundae's Homemade Ice Cream is a beloved Indianapolis-area shop offering creative flavors and classic sundaes. It is known for a friendly, nostalgic atmosphere and generous portions that keep locals coming back.
4. Nicey Treat
Nicey Treat is an Indianapolis-born brand making handcrafted frozen pops with fresh ingredients and inventive flavor combinations. Its pops appear at farmers markets and local events, offering a lighter, refreshing alternative to traditional scoops.
5. Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni's, founded in Ohio, is celebrated for its smooth texture and creative flavors made with quality ingredients. Fishers residents can find Jeni's pints in many local grocery stores and specialty markets.
6. Kilwins
Kilwins combines ice cream with handmade chocolates and fudge, creating a classic confectionery experience. Its central Indiana shops are popular for date nights and special treats, with original recipe flavors that pair perfectly with waffle cones.
7. Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery is known for its signature experience of mixing ice cream and toppings on a frozen granite stone. Its customizable creations and ice cream cakes are popular for birthdays and celebrations in Fishers.
8. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen remains an American classic, offering Blizzard treats, dipped cones, and ice cream cakes. Its convenient locations around Fishers make it a quick and affordable stop for families on the go.
9. Ben & Jerry's
Ben & Jerry's is beloved for its chunky mix-ins and playful flavors. Widely available in Fishers grocery stores, its pints are a freezer staple for movie nights and cozy evenings at home.
10. Häagen-Dazs
Häagen-Dazs is known for its dense, creamy texture and simple ingredient lists. Its premium pints and bars are a favorite among Fishers residents who appreciate classic flavors like vanilla bean and dulce de leche.
Ice Cream Trends in 2026
Ice cream lovers in Fishers are exploring bolder flavors, including global inspirations, savory-sweet combinations, and seasonal ingredients. Dairy-free and plant-based options made with oat milk and coconut continue to expand. Lower-sugar and high-protein frozen desserts are attracting health-conscious consumers. Local and small-batch brands are gaining popularity as residents seek unique experiences and want to support regional businesses.
Tips for Enjoying Ice Cream in Fishers
Visit scoop shops on weeknights to avoid long summer weekend lines. Ask about seasonal and limited-time flavors, which are often the most memorable. For parties, consider ordering ice cream cakes or pints in advance. If anyone in your group has allergies, ask staff about ingredients and cross-contact practices. And when the weather turns cold, stock up on premium pints from local grocery stores to keep the fun going all year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ice cream and frozen custard?
Frozen custard contains egg yolks in addition to cream and sugar, giving it a richer, denser texture. It is typically served fresh and soft, while traditional ice cream is often hardened and scooped.
Are there dairy-free ice cream options in Fishers?
Yes. Many grocery stores carry plant-based pints from major brands, and several scoop shops offer sorbets or dairy-free flavors. Asking staff about rotating options is the best way to find new favorites.
Final Thoughts
From homemade scoops at Handel's to premium pints from Jeni's and Häagen-Dazs, Fishers residents have no shortage of delicious ice cream options. Each of these brands brings its own style, whether nostalgic, inventive, or classic. Explore them all, find your personal favorites, and enjoy one of life's simplest pleasures in one of Indiana's most welcoming cities.
