Ice Cream and the West Texas Heat
Summer in Midland is long, sunny, and hot. Temperatures regularly climb above 100 degrees, and cool treats become a daily ritual for many families. Ice cream is also part of local celebrations, from after-game treats following Little League victories to birthday parties and church socials.
Midland residents enjoy a wide range of ice cream options, including Texas-made favorites in grocery freezers, classic drive-in treats, and scoop shops offering creative mix-ins. These are the ten ice cream brands locals love most.
How We Chose These Brands
We evaluated brands on flavor, texture, ingredient quality, variety, value, availability in Midland, and overall reputation. We included both grocery brands and scoop shop chains to reflect the ways people enjoy ice cream around town.
The Top 10 Ice Cream Brands in Midland
1. Blue Bell Creameries
Founded in Brenham, Texas, in 1907, Blue Bell is an icon of Texas food culture. Its Homemade Vanilla is a legendary favorite, and flavors like Cookies 'n Cream, Buttered Pecan, and seasonal specialties inspire devoted loyalty. For many Midland families, Blue Bell is the only ice cream in the freezer.
2. Braum's
Braum's operates its own dairy farm and produces ice cream, milk, and dairy products under its own label. Its stores serve generous scoops, sundaes, and thick shakes, and its half-gallon cartons are a great value for families.
3. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen holds a special place in Texas culture, with locations in small towns and big cities alike. Its Blizzard Treats, dipped cones, and Dilly Bars are nostalgic favorites, and a stop at DQ is a classic road-trip tradition across West Texas.
4. Marble Slab Creamery
Founded in Houston, Marble Slab Creamery makes ice cream fresh in store and folds in mix-ins on a frozen granite slab. Customers can create custom combinations with candies, fruits, and nuts, making each visit a personalized experience.
5. Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins is famous for its many flavors and ice cream cakes. Its rotating flavor of the month and customizable cakes make it a popular choice for birthdays and celebrations.
6. Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery offers rich, freshly made ice cream mixed on a frozen stone with toppings. Its signature creations, available in different sizes, provide an indulgent treat for special outings.
7. Ben & Jerry's
Ben & Jerry's is known for chunky, inventive flavors like Cherry Garcia, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, and Half Baked. Its pints are widely available in Midland grocery stores and appeal to those who love bold mix-ins.
8. Häagen-Dazs
Häagen-Dazs is a premium brand known for dense, creamy ice cream made with a short list of simple ingredients. Classics like vanilla bean, coffee, and dulce de leche offer a refined indulgence.
9. H-E-B Creamy Creations
H-E-B's Creamy Creations line offers Texas-inspired flavors at affordable prices. Options like Texas pecan varieties and seasonal specials have earned a strong following among shoppers looking for great value.
10. Bahama Buck's
Founded in Lubbock, Bahama Buck's is a West Texas favorite for shaved ice and frozen treats. While best known for its colorful sno, it also offers creamy additions and tropical-themed desserts that are perfect for hot afternoons.
Ice Cream Trends in Midland
Dessert lovers are exploring new styles and flavors. Mexican paletas and nieves made with fresh fruit have become popular alternatives to traditional ice cream. Dairy-free and plant-based options, made from oat, almond, or coconut milk, are increasingly available in grocery stores. Lower-sugar and higher-protein ice creams appeal to health-conscious shoppers. Meanwhile, nostalgic treats and Texas-inspired flavors like pecan, peach, and cinnamon continue to dominate local preferences.
Tips for Enjoying Ice Cream in the Heat
West Texas heat can melt ice cream quickly, so bring an insulated cooler bag when shopping and make the grocery store your last stop. Store ice cream in the back of the freezer, where temperatures are most consistent, rather than in the door. Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent ice crystals. For outdoor parties, serve ice cream in smaller batches and keep backups in a cooler with ice.
Ice Cream for Celebrations
Ice cream cakes from Dairy Queen and Baskin-Robbins are popular for birthdays, while sundae bars are a fun addition to graduation parties and summer events. Many families host homemade ice cream socials during the summer, cranking old-fashioned ice cream makers filled with vanilla or peach. Pairing Blue Bell with a warm cobbler is a timeless Texas dessert tradition.
Supporting Local Frozen Treat Makers
Beyond the major brands, Midland is home to independent paleterías, snow cone stands, and dessert shops that add local flavor to summer. These small businesses often use fresh fruit and family recipes, and visiting them is a delicious way to support the community.
Final Thoughts
Ice cream is a beloved way to beat the Midland heat. Blue Bell and Dairy Queen carry deep Texas roots, Braum's and H-E-B offer excellent everyday value, Marble Slab and Cold Stone deliver customizable scoops, and premium brands like Ben & Jerry's and Häagen-Dazs satisfy indulgent cravings. Whatever your favorite flavor, Midland has a cool treat waiting for you.