I Taste-Tested 7 Peppermint Bark Ice Creams—Here’s the One Worth Buying

Peppermint lovers know that December is our time to shine—candy canes fill store shelves, peppermint bark is on our gift wish lists, and peppermint bark ice cream is finally in stock in grocery store freezers. While mint chip ice cream is available year-round, peppermint bark ice cream is a totally different treat with a short seasonal window that runs from late November through early January.

Many ice cream brands produce this highly coveted flavor only for a limited time, so it helps to stock up early or risk missing out. As a certified peppermint bark fan with a baking and pastry degree, I taste-tested seven widely available pints of peppermint bark ice cream to determine which brands are worthy of our admiration —and freezer space.

The 7 Peppermint Bark Ice Creams I Taste-Tested 

I shopped for peppermint bark ice creams in early December, focusing on brands available in grocery stores across the United States. Since I live in the South, I was able to shop at Publix and Kroger, as well as larger retailers like Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s, and Aldi. 

Because mint chip and other peppermint ice creams exist, I limited my search to ice creams that included both peppermint and some form of chocolate. Prices are based on my location in southeast Tennessee. They vary by state and city, so your local prices may differ.

I wasn’t the only one doing the tasting—my husband, son, and daughter helped sample each pint. My peppermint-loving daughter co-signed my picks, while my husband cast a write-in vote for Talenti because it was “too minty” for him, but finishing the pint anyway. 

Here are the seven contenders:

Trader Joe's Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s Ice Cream ($3.79)

Based on Trader Joe’s beloved Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s cookies, this pint features a blend of vanilla and peppermint ice creams swirled together with a fudge ribbon and chunks of peppermint-flavored chocolate sandwich cookies.

Aldi Sundae Shoppe Peppermint Bark Ice Cream ($2.49)

Aldi keeps its Sundae Shoppe Peppermint Bark Ice Cream pretty simple: peppermint ice cream studded with chunks of peppermint bark and finished with a swirl of mint fudge.

Talenti Peppermint Bark Gelato ($5.89)

Technically, this is a gelato, not an ice cream, but Talenti promises a pint of white chocolate peppermint gelato packed with flecks of semisweet chocolate that peppermint bark fans will love.

Jeni's White Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream ($7.99)

Jeni’s is well-known for innovative flavors, and its take on peppermint bark somehow walks the line between fun and traditional: pink and white swirls of peppermint ice cream studded with chunks of creamy white chocolate.

Häagen-Dazs Peppermint Bark Ice Cream ($5.69)

Häagen-Dazs doesn’t spend much packaging space describing its ice cream, so I didn’t quite know what to expect until I opened the pint. White chocolate peppermint ice cream is packed with pieces of chocolate peppermint bark and crunchy peppermint bits.

Ben & Jerry's Minter Wonderland ($4.99)

This wintry pint from Ben & Jerry’s isn’t technically a peppermint bark ice cream, but because it features dark chocolate mint ice cream with a marshmallow swirl and a chocolate cookie swirl, I decided to include it in the taste test.

Blue Bell Peppermint Bark Ice Cream ($3.99)

Blue Bell is the most regional ice cream I tried—it seems to be available everywhere except the Pacific Northwest. Its seasonal offering features a mint ice cream base mixed with chocolate mint pieces and peppermint bark.

The Best Peppermint Bark Ice Cream

Häagen-Dazs Peppermint Bark Ice Cream is one of the few pints I tried that actually tasted like peppermint bark. As soon as I opened the container, I could see that the peppermint bark was plentiful and evenly distributed. 

Even better was the first bite—the plain-looking ice cream base tasted exactly like white chocolate and peppermint. The contrast between the crunchy chocolate peppermint bark and the sharp, candy-like peppermint pieces made for an especially fun pint to eat.

Other Worthy Peppermint Bark Ice Creams 

Aldi Sundae Shoppe Peppermint Bark Ice Cream is another standout pint. I was initially wary of its pink color and worried it wouldn’t deliver much chocolate or peppermint flavor, but it more than delivered on both. It’s also the most affordable ice cream we taste-tested.

Though Jeni’s White Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream might not appeal to peppermint bark purists, it delivers something deeply satisfying and nostalgic in both appearance and flavor. It’s definitely worth seeking out, especially if you have a Jeni’s Ice Cream shop nearby.