Why Ice Cream Is Serious Business in Rialto
Summer in Rialto is hot. With the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains framing the northern skyline and inland temperatures regularly topping ninety-five degrees from June through September, a cold dessert is part of daily life. Families gather at parks such as Jerry Eaves Park and Frisbie Park, kids pour out of school looking for a treat, and evening strolls often end with a cone or a cup.
Rialto residents enjoy ice cream in two main ways: visiting scoop shops and soft-serve counters, and stocking up on pints and half-gallons from local grocery stores. This list covers both, featuring ten ice cream brands that deliver quality, variety and value to the West Valley.
How We Ranked These Brands
We considered flavor quality, ingredient standards, variety, accessibility for Rialto residents, price and overall reputation. Brands available both in shops and in local grocery freezers received extra consideration for convenience.
The Top 10 Best Ice Cream Brands in Rialto
1. Baskin-Robbins
Founded in Southern California, Baskin-Robbins remains one of the most recognizable ice cream brands in the world. Its famous lineup of flavors, monthly specials and custom ice cream cakes make it a top choice for birthdays. Shops across the Inland Empire keep it within a short drive of most Rialto neighborhoods.
2. Handel's Homemade Ice Cream
Handel's has built a passionate following in the Inland Empire with ice cream made fresh in each store daily. Rich flavors such as Graham Central Station, Chocolate Pecan and seasonal specials draw lines on warm evenings. Its generous scoops and friendly walk-up windows give it a classic neighborhood feel.
3. Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone turned ice cream into a performance, mixing toppings on a frozen granite slab right in front of customers. Signature creations, ice cream cakes and shakes make it a favorite for celebrations and date nights.
4. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen's Blizzard Treat is an icon of American dessert culture. Soft-serve cones, dipped cones and seasonal Blizzard flavors offer affordable indulgence, and drive-thru convenience makes it ideal for families on the go.
5. Dreyer's
Known as Edy's in some parts of the country, Dreyer's is a California brand that dominates grocery freezers across the West. Its Grand and Slow Churned lines offer creamy, budget-friendly options in classic flavors, ideal for family dinners and backyard parties.
6. Häagen-Dazs
Häagen-Dazs is synonymous with premium ice cream made from a short list of high-quality ingredients. Dense, rich pints of vanilla bean, coffee and dulce de leche are widely available in Rialto supermarkets.
7. Ben & Jerry's
Ben & Jerry's stands out for its chunky mix-ins, playful flavor names and strong social values. Favorites such as Cherry Garcia, Half Baked and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough are staples of the Inland Empire grocery freezer.
8. Tillamook
The farmer-owned Tillamook creamery has gained a strong foothold in Southern California with extra creamy ice cream made with more cream and fewer additives. Its Oregon Strawberry and Mudslide flavors are standouts.
9. McConnell's Fine Ice Creams
Based in Santa Barbara, McConnell's crafts small-batch ice cream from grass-grazed milk and cream. Its pints, found in select local stores, are a favorite among customers who prioritize clean ingredients and California-made products.
10. Fosters Freeze
A California original, Fosters Freeze has served soft-serve cones, dipped cones and sundaes for generations. Its nostalgic style fits perfectly with Rialto's Route 66 heritage and remains a budget-friendly summertime stop.
Ice Cream Trends in the Inland Empire
Inland Empire dessert lovers are embracing new styles alongside the classics. Mexican-style paleterías and nieves offering mango, coconut and horchata flavors remain hugely popular, and many mainstream brands now offer churro, tres leches and cajeta-inspired flavors in response. Non-dairy options made from oat milk, almond milk and coconut cream are growing quickly as more customers look for lactose-free treats.
Delivery has also reshaped the category. Pints from scoop shops and grocery stores can arrive at the door within an hour through food delivery apps, insulated so they survive Rialto's summer heat.
Tips for Enjoying Ice Cream in the Heat
When buying ice cream at the grocery store, make it the last item in your cart and bring an insulated bag, especially in summer when car interiors heat up within minutes. For parties, ice cream cakes should be kept in a cooler with ice until serving. If you have dietary needs, read labels carefully, since many premium brands now offer reduced-sugar, dairy-free and allergy-conscious lines.
Value-minded shoppers can also watch for weekly grocery promotions, which frequently feature premium pints at significant discounts during summer months. Scoop shops often run loyalty programs and birthday rewards that make repeat visits more affordable for families.
Final Thoughts
From California-born classics such as Baskin-Robbins, Dreyer's and Fosters Freeze to made-in-store favorites like Handel's, Rialto residents have plenty of ways to beat the heat. Whether you are planning a birthday, rewarding the kids after a game or simply relaxing on a summer evening, these ten brands deliver reliably delicious results.