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Ice Cream Brand Comparison: Magnum vs. Store Brands in Comprehensive Taste Test
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As Summer heats up,the quest for the perfect frozen treat intensifies. A recent taste test pitted Magnum, a well-known ice cream brand, against several store-brand alternatives to determine which offers the best combination of taste, value, and overall quality. The results, published on June 22, 2025, reveal some surprising contenders in the ice cream aisle.
Packaging and Presentation
The packaging of ice cream products plays a crucial role in attracting consumers. Magnum’s packaging, with its signature brown background and well-presented chocolate-coated ice cream, remains largely unchanged over the years. Many store brands, including Aldi, Carrefour, and lidl, appear to emulate Magnum’s classic design. Intermarché, opting for a different approach with almond chocolate coating, was criticized for a “catch-all” design with excessive drawings and details. Delhaize and Colruyt, while not exceptional, at least avoided directly copying Magnum’s style.
Taste Test Results: The Scoop on Flavors
The taste test revealed critically important differences in flavor profiles among the brands. Aldi emerged as a pleasant surprise, with tasters praising its well-balanced chocolate and vanilla flavors that weren’t overly sweet. Lidl also scored high marks, considered a notch above Colruyt due to its superior ice cream and chocolate quality. magnum itself was rated as very good, possessing a unique vanilla flavor that distinguishes it, though it might not appeal to those seeking a classic vanilla taste. Carrefour, however, received the lowest rating, with tasters describing its chocolate as “disgusting” and the ice cream as having artificial aromas.
Did You Know? The global ice cream market is projected to reach $97.85 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2022 [[Fortune Business Insights]].
Nutritional Value and Label Readability
All the tested ice cream brands received a Nutri-score of E, indicating a less healthy nutritional profile.In terms of label readability, Carrefour and Delhaize excelled, providing clear and easily accessible information. Aldi also performed well, with legible labels. Intermarché’s label, while containing a lot of information, somewhat obscured the product’s composition. Colruyt faced similar issues, while magnum and Lidl’s labels were deemed too busy and small.
Value for Money: Which Brand Offers the Best Deal?
Price is a significant factor for consumers.Here’s a breakdown of the prices for 4 to 6 ice creams, according to the test:
| Brand | Price (Euros) |
|---|---|
| Magnum | €3.79 |
| Aldi | €2.99 |
| Carrefour | €2.95 |
| Colruyt | €2.87 |
| lidl | €2.49 |
| Intermarché | €2.49 |
| Delhaize | €2.45 |
Lidl and Intermarché offer the best value, priced at €2.49.Delhaize is slightly cheaper at €2.45. Magnum is the most expensive at €3.79.
Pro Tip: Consider buying ice cream in larger tubs to save money per serving and reduce packaging waste.
The Verdict: A Chilling Conclusion
While Magnum remains a popular choice, the taste test reveals that store brands like Aldi and Lidl offer compelling alternatives in terms of taste and value. Carrefour, however, may need to rethink its ice cream formulation to compete effectively. Ultimately, the best ice cream brand depends on individual preferences and priorities.
