Ice Cream Culture in the Pomona Valley
With long, sunny summers and warm evenings that stretch well into autumn, Pomona is a natural home for ice cream lovers. The region's frozen dessert scene ranges from historic family-owned creameries to trendy scoop shops with inventive flavors, alongside the classic brands stocked in every local grocery freezer. Ice cream is part of how the community celebrates, whether after a Little League game, a day at the Fairplex, or a stroll through downtown Pomona's Arts Colony.
This guide highlights ten ice cream brands that Pomona residents love, including scoop shops in nearby Claremont and the San Gabriel Valley, as well as grocery brands available throughout the city. Selections are based on flavor, texture, ingredient quality, variety, and overall experience.
Top 10 Ice Cream Brands for Pomona
1. Bert and Rocky's Cream Company
A longtime favorite in the Claremont Village, Bert and Rocky's makes its ice cream in small batches with a wide array of rotating flavors. Students from the Claremont Colleges and families from across the Pomona Valley line up for generous scoops, waffle cones, and friendly service.
2. Fosselman's Ice Cream
Fosselman's in Alhambra has been making premium ice cream since the early twentieth century. Its rich, creamy texture and classic flavors, alongside seasonal and tropical options like lychee and mango, have earned it a devoted following throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
3. Handel's Homemade Ice Cream
Handel's is known for making ice cream fresh daily in each shop and offering an enormous rotating flavor list. Its Inland Empire locations make it an easy drive from Pomona, and its generous portions and mix-in-heavy flavors are especially popular with kids.
4. Salt and Straw
Salt and Straw has become a Southern California favorite thanks to its chef-driven, sometimes surprising flavors made with local ingredients. Monthly flavor series keep the menu exciting, and its pints are also available in select grocery stores for enjoying at home.
5. Afters Ice Cream
Founded in Southern California, Afters is famous for its Milky Bun, a glazed donut filled with ice cream and toppings. Its playful flavors and social media-friendly treats have made it a hit with teens and college students throughout the region.
6. Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins, which got its start in Southern California, remains a go-to for classic scoops, sundaes, and ice cream cakes. Its many neighborhood locations and dependable flavor lineup make it an easy choice for birthday cakes and quick family treats.
7. Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery lets customers create custom combinations mixed on a frozen granite stone. Its signature creations and ice cream cakes are popular for celebrations, and the interactive experience appeals to younger visitors.
8. Haagen-Dazs
Haagen-Dazs is one of the most recognized premium ice cream brands in the world. Known for its dense, rich texture and simple ingredient lists, it is a grocery freezer staple across Pomona. Its classic vanilla bean and dulce de leche flavors are enduring favorites.
9. Ben and Jerry's
Ben and Jerry's is famous for chunky, creative flavors packed with cookie dough, brownies, and swirls, as well as its commitment to social and environmental causes. Its pints are widely available at grocery and convenience stores throughout the city.
10. Dreyer's
Dreyer's has been a West Coast household name for generations. Its Slow Churned line offers lighter options, while its classic flavors make it an affordable choice for family gatherings, backyard parties, and after-school treats.
How to Pick the Perfect Ice Cream
Consider the experience you want. Local scoop shops offer freshness, unique flavors, and a fun outing, while grocery brands provide convenience and value for enjoying at home. Check labels for butterfat content if you prefer a richer texture, and look for brands that offer dairy-free, vegan, or reduced-sugar options if anyone in your household has dietary needs.
Also explore Pomona's traditional paleterias and neverias, which serve Mexican-style ice creams and paletas in flavors like mango with chile, horchata, tamarindo, and fresh strawberry. These family-run shops are a cherished part of the local food scene and offer excellent value.
Frozen Dessert Trends
Globally inspired flavors, including ube, matcha, black sesame, and Mexican chocolate, continue to gain popularity. Plant-based ice creams made with oat, almond, and coconut milk are improving rapidly in texture and taste. Many shops are also emphasizing local sourcing and sustainable packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ice cream, gelato, and frozen custard? Ice cream generally has more cream and air, gelato is denser with less fat and is served slightly warmer, and frozen custard includes egg yolks for an extra-rich texture.
Are there good dairy-free options in Pomona? Yes. Many scoop shops now offer oat, coconut, or almond milk flavors, and fruit-based paletas from local paleterias are naturally dairy-free in many cases.
When are ice cream shops busiest? Summer evenings and weekend afternoons draw the biggest crowds, so weekday visits are ideal for shorter lines.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are cooling off with a waffle cone at Bert and Rocky's, sampling tropical flavors at Fosselman's, or enjoying a pint of Haagen-Dazs at home, Pomona offers endless ways to satisfy an ice cream craving. Try something new, support local creameries, and make the most of the Pomona Valley's sunny days one scoop at a time.