Ice Cream and the Texas Summer
Summers in New Braunfels are long, sunny, and hot, which is exactly why the city's residents and visitors have such a strong love for ice cream. After tubing the Comal River, splashing at Schlitterbahn, exploring Landa Park, or strolling through Gruene, a cold treat is practically mandatory. Even in the cooler months, ice cream remains a family tradition for birthdays, celebrations, and evening walks downtown.
The New Braunfels area offers an impressive variety of ice cream, from beloved Texas brands stocked in every grocery freezer to artisan scoop shops and frozen custard stands. This guide highlights ten of the best ice cream brands available to local residents and visitors.
How We Chose These Brands
We considered flavor quality, ingredients, variety, availability in and around New Braunfels, and connection to Texas culture. Some brands are best enjoyed by the pint at home, while others shine as scoop shop experiences. Together, they represent the full range of frozen dessert options in the area.
The Top 10 Ice Cream Brands in New Braunfels
1. Blue Bell Creameries
Founded in Brenham, Texas, in 1907, Blue Bell is the undisputed icon of Texas ice cream. Its Homemade Vanilla is a household staple, and flavors like Cookies 'n Cream, Butter Pecan, and seasonal favorites such as Peppermint Bark inspire fierce loyalty. Blue Bell's motto about eating all they can and selling the rest captures its small-town Texas charm.
2. H-E-B Creamy Creations
H-E-B's Creamy Creations brand has earned a devoted following for rich, creative flavors at friendly prices. Texas-inspired varieties often feature pecans, Mexican vanilla, and local favorites. For many New Braunfels families, a carton of Creamy Creations is an easy weekly grocery pickup.
3. Lick Honest Ice Creams
Lick Honest Ice Creams, founded in Austin, focuses on seasonal, farm-to-table flavors made with locally sourced dairy and ingredients. Inventive options like goat cheese with thyme and honey or roasted beets with fresh mint showcase Central Texas agriculture. It appeals to adventurous eaters who value craftsmanship and sustainability.
4. Amy's Ice Creams
Amy's Ice Creams has been an Austin institution since 1984, known for its entertaining scoopers, creative mix-ins, and signature Mexican Vanilla. The playful experience of watching staff toss and crush toppings into your ice cream makes every visit memorable.
5. Marble Slab Creamery
Founded in Houston in 1983, Marble Slab Creamery popularized the mix-in experience by folding toppings into ice cream on a frozen marble slab. Guests can customize flavors and add-ins, making it perfect for families with picky eaters and creative dessert lovers.
6. Andy's Frozen Custard
Andy's Frozen Custard serves rich, dense custard made fresh throughout the day. Its concretes, blended with toppings so thick they can be served upside down, and its sundaes are hugely popular. The drive-thru format is convenient for hot summer evenings.
7. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen holds a special place in Texas culture, where its restaurants have long served as community gathering spots in small towns. Blizzard treats, Dilly Bars, and dipped cones remain favorites, and Texas locations are known for their own regional menu twists.
8. Tillamook
Tillamook, a farmer-owned cooperative from Oregon, is known for extra-creamy ice cream made with high-quality dairy. Flavors like Oregon Strawberry and Mudslide offer premium taste at a reasonable price, and Tillamook is widely available in grocery stores across New Braunfels.
9. Ben & Jerry's
Ben & Jerry's is famous for chunky, creative flavors such as Cherry Garcia, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Half Baked. The brand's commitment to social causes and fair trade ingredients resonates with many customers, and its pints are a popular choice for movie nights.
10. Häagen-Dazs
Häagen-Dazs is celebrated for its dense, rich texture and simple, high-quality ingredients. Classic flavors like vanilla bean, coffee, and dulce de leche deliver elegant indulgence, making it a favorite for dessert pairings and special occasions.
Ice Cream Trends in Texas
Texas ice cream lovers are embracing local ingredients such as pecans, peaches from the Hill Country, honey, and Mexican vanilla. Paletas and Mexican-style frozen treats are increasingly popular, reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage. Dairy-free and plant-based options made with oat, almond, or coconut milk are expanding for customers with dietary restrictions. Low-sugar and high-protein frozen desserts are also gaining shelf space in local grocery stores.
Best Times and Places to Enjoy Ice Cream
Summer evenings after a river float are prime ice cream time in New Braunfels. Landa Park, with its shaded picnic areas, is a lovely spot for a family dessert outing. Downtown New Braunfels and Gruene offer pleasant strolling areas where a cone pairs perfectly with window shopping. During festivals and holiday events, seasonal flavors add a festive touch.
Tips for Enjoying Ice Cream in the Texas Heat
When buying ice cream at the grocery store, make it your last stop and bring an insulated bag, especially in summer when temperatures soar. Store pints in the back of your freezer, where temperatures are most stable, to prevent ice crystals. When visiting scoop shops with kids, cups are often easier than cones on very hot days.
Conclusion
From the Texas pride of Blue Bell and H-E-B Creamy Creations to the craft creativity of Lick and Amy's, New Braunfels offers a frozen treat for every taste. Whether you prefer a classic vanilla cone, a custard concrete, or a farm-fresh seasonal scoop, these ten ice cream brands make the Hill Country summer even sweeter.