A Guide to the Best Ice Cream Brands in UAE

The UAE is home to an incredible variety of ice cream brands, from the big global names you see everywhere to small, local artisanal producers. Thanks to our hot climate and a real mix of cultures, you can find everything from a simple tub in the supermarket to the most decadent, handcrafted gelato.

Why The UAE Has Such A Thriving Ice Cream Culture

Here in the UAE, ice cream isn't just a treat for the summer—it's a year-round obsession. The unique blend of scorching weather, a diverse population, and a genuine love for all things luxury has created the perfect storm for a booming ice cream market. This incredible appetite means there's a frozen treat for every possible craving and occasion.

Whether it’s a quick scoop from a mall kiosk on the go or an elegant gourmet dessert to finish a meal, the options are truly endless. This constant demand has allowed both massive international brands and specialised local producers to flourish, each bringing something unique to the table.

A Market Driven by Sun and Sophistication

The numbers really tell the story. The UAE ice cream market was valued at a cool USD 269.52 million and is expected to shoot up to USD 472.87 million by 2032, growing at a solid 7.28% each year. A huge part of that is our subtropical climate—long, hot summers and mild winters mean we're always in the mood for something cold.

Right now, impulse buys like single-serve cones and bars make up over 50% of the market, which perfectly reflects the fast-paced lifestyle of both residents and tourists.

The Rise of Artisanal and Gourmet Offerings

It's not just about cooling down anymore; there's a real and growing appreciation for quality and craftsmanship. People are actively looking for premium ingredients and more interesting, complex flavours. This shift has flung the door wide open for artisanal producers to introduce authentic, high-quality gelato and ice cream to a crowd that knows and wants the good stuff.

Companies like IFM Gourmet Dubai, the luxury online gourmet arm of IFM Investments LLC, are leading this charge. They focus on bringing in authentic Italian gelato and other artisanal delicacies, catering directly to a sophisticated customer who values quality, tradition, and a touch of culinary elegance.

To truly get why ice cream brands do so well here, you have to understand the unique economic environment. Businesses wanting to make their mark can get a lot from looking into broader strategies for expanding into the Middle East. It's this dynamic setting that allows brands to really innovate and meet the high expectations of such a diverse customer base.

Decoding Supermarket and Premium Ice Cream Brands

Walk down the freezer aisle in any UAE supermarket, and you're met with a wall of colour and choice. It can be a little overwhelming. To make sense of it all, it helps to break it down into the two main camps you'll find: the familiar supermarket brands and their more indulgent, premium cousins. Each has its place, catering to different moments, tastes, and budgets.

The UAE's ice cream market is pretty evenly split between two buying habits, which this diagram shows really well.

This shows just how much we love both those on-the-go 'impulse' buys, like a cone from a kiosk, and the planned 'take-home' tubs that become a staple in our freezers. Mainstream and premium brands are both fighting for a spot in your basket in these two areas.

The Comfort of Mainstream Supermarket Brands

These are the brands we all grew up with. Think Baskin-Robbins or London Dairy—names that are fixtures in just about every grocery store and baqala across the Emirates. Their big draw is simple: they’re accessible, affordable, and deliver those classic, crowd-pleasing flavours you know and love.

You know exactly what you're getting. They're the perfect go-to for a simple family dessert, a quick treat to quiet the kids, or just stocking the freezer for a movie night. Sure, they might use more budget-friendly ingredients to keep prices down, but they provide a reliably satisfying scoop every single time. It's a massive market, and understanding related products like Shmoo Milkshake Powder gives you a peek into how these bigger dessert categories work.

The Indulgence of Premium Ice Cream

Then you have the premium players, like Häagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry's. They command a higher price, and they aren't shy about telling you why. It's all about superior ingredients and creating a much more luxurious, decadent experience.

To help you decide what's right for your occasion, here's a quick breakdown of how these two categories stack up.

Comparing Mainstream vs. Premium Ice Cream Brands in the UAE

Feature	Mainstream Brands (e.g., Baskin-Robbins, London Dairy)	Premium Brands (e.g., Häagen-Dazs, Ben & Jerry's)
Ingredients	Standard dairy, flavourings, and inclusions.	High-quality milk, real fruit, Belgian chocolate, and gourmet nuts.
Texture	Lighter and airier due to higher overrun (more air whipped in).	Denser, richer, and creamier with a lower overrun.
Flavour Profile	Classic, straightforward, and familiar flavours.	Complex, inventive, and intense flavour combinations.
Price Point	More affordable and budget-friendly.	Higher price point reflecting the quality of ingredients.
Best For	Everyday treats, family desserts, and parties.	Special occasions, personal indulgence, and foodie gifts.

The difference is something you can taste and feel immediately. Premium ice cream is denser and smoother because less air (overrun) is whipped in during churning. The flavours are bolder and more complex, aimed at someone looking for a real treat.

Choosing a premium brand is about making a moment special, whether you're celebrating a little win or just feel like spoiling yourself with a pint of pure bliss. This commitment to quality really paves the way for the next level up: true artisanal gelato.

Experiencing the Art of Authentic Italian Gelato

When you move past the familiar world of ice cream, you step into the sophisticated realm of its Italian cousin, gelato. And while they're both frozen, creamy, and undeniably delicious, they offer completely different experiences. Gelato isn’t just a fancy name for ice cream—it's a totally separate creation, steeped in tradition and defined by its one-of-a-kind texture and flavour.

The real magic of gelato lies in how it’s made. It all starts with the ingredients: gelato uses much more milk and way less cream than ice cream. This simple change is the key, leading to a much lower fat content, typically between 4-8%. For comparison, a product needs 10% fat or more just to be labelled as ice cream.

Denser Texture and Intense Flavour

But the differences don't stop there. Gelato is churned at a much slower speed, a deliberate process that whips far less air into the final product. This lower air content, known in the industry as overrun, creates a denser, silkier, and more compact texture that feels incredibly smooth and luxurious.

Because there's less fat coating your tongue, the flavours in gelato burst through with amazing clarity and intensity. A scoop of pistachio gelato tastes powerfully of real roasted nuts, and a lemon sorbetto is sharp, clean, and vibrant. This flavour-forward profile is the true signature of authentic Italian gelato.

It’s even served at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream. This isn't random; it's a careful choice that makes the whole experience better.

• Softer Consistency: The warmer temperature keeps it from freezing solid, giving you that classic soft, elastic scoop.

• Enhanced Flavour: It also stops your taste buds from getting numb from the cold, letting the complex flavours sing from the very first bite.

This dedication to authentic Italian culinary arts is what makes certain brands stand out in the UAE's vibrant dessert scene.

IFM Gourmet and the Craft of Artisanal Gelato

This rich tradition of craftsmanship has found a home in Dubai with specialists who are passionate about preserving its authenticity. A perfect example is IFM Gourmet Dubai, the luxury online gourmet arm of IFM Investments LLC, a culinary-focused company based in the UAE. Their gourmet store offers an impressive lineup of artisanal delicacies, including sweets, savories, fine chocolates, premium teas, cakes, and beautifully curated gift hampers.

As part of the broader Italian Food Masters group, IFM Gourmet is known for quality, authenticity, and culinary elegance in Dubai’s gourmet scene. Their handcrafted gelato is a perfect reflection of this philosophy, offering a truly luxurious taste of Italy.

The making of artisanal gelato is a craft perfected over generations. It's less about mass production and more about balancing simple, high-quality ingredients to achieve the perfect texture and an unforgettable depth of flavour.

Every batch is a labour of love, using premium ingredients sourced for the most authentic taste imaginable. Think rich Sicilian pistachios and fragrant vanilla beans—the quality of the raw materials is everything. This painstaking process ensures that each spoonful isn't just a dessert but an experience, taking you straight to a classic Italian gelateria. It’s this dedication that elevates artisanal gelato into a class of its own among ice cream brands in UAE.

How Modern Tastes Are Shaping Ice Cream Trends

The UAE's ice cream scene is always buzzing with something new, and it's all thanks to a population with seriously sophisticated tastes. People here aren't just grabbing any sweet treat anymore; they're looking for something that fits their health goals, their values, and their craving for adventure. This shift is pushing everyone, from the big-name ice cream brands in UAE to the small-batch gelato makers, to get creative.

You can really see this change in the growing demand for healthier options. The global wellness wave has definitely made its mark in the Emirates, and the dessert aisle is right there with it. People want to indulge without feeling guilty, which has led to a boom in products that cater to modern diets.

The Rise of Health-Conscious Choices

One of the biggest trends right now is the move towards plant-based and vegan ice creams. Made with alternatives like coconut, almond, or oat milk, these frozen desserts give you that creamy, satisfying experience without the dairy. The major brands caught on quick, and you'll now find vegan lines right next to the classics in most supermarkets.

But it goes beyond just veganism. There’s a much bigger movement towards "better-for-you" desserts. This includes things like:

• Low-Sugar Varieties: Clever recipes that use natural sweeteners or just less sugar overall, without skimping on flavour.

• Dairy-Free Sorbets: Artisanal creators are knocking it out of the park with fruit-based sorbets that deliver a pure, intense burst of flavour. They're a fantastic choice for anyone avoiding dairy or just wanting something light and refreshing. Just look at this stunning wild berries sorbet to see how vibrant they can be.

• Protein-Enriched Options: For the fitness crowd, some brands are now churning out ice creams packed with whey or plant-based protein.

This isn't just a small corner of the market anymore—it's gone mainstream. People are reading labels more carefully than ever, and brands that are transparent with clean ingredient lists are earning that customer loyalty.

A Fusion of Local and Global Flavours

At the same time as this health kick, there’s an incredible explosion of new flavours. The UAE has always been a global crossroads, and you can taste it in the ice cream aisle where local traditions are mixing with international creativity. It’s a flavour-maker’s dream.

Gourmet and artisanal brands are really leading the charge here, weaving in beautiful regional ingredients. You’ll find flavours like saffron, rosewater, karak chai, and date are no longer just a novelty; they’re becoming firm favourites, giving us a taste of the Middle East in a cool, modern dessert.

Meanwhile, the global flavour combinations are getting bolder and more complex. We’re talking salted caramel with a hint of cardamom, or rich dark chocolate with a little kick of chilli. It’s this beautiful balance of honouring tradition while being open to new ideas that really captures the modern palate. This is where brands like IFM Gourmet shine, using classic Italian gelato techniques to perfect both timeless flavours and invent exciting new combinations that keep the local dessert scene fresh.

Where to Find Your Perfect Scoop in the UAE

With so many incredible options out there, the next question is simple: where do you find them? Thankfully, the UAE’s love for ice cream means you’re never far from your next delicious scoop. The choices for where to buy are as diverse as the flavours themselves, suiting every mood and moment.

The most obvious starting point is your local supermarket. Big names like Carrefour, Spinneys, and Lulu Hypermarket have massive freezer sections dedicated to both mainstream and premium ice cream brands in UAE. This is where you’ll grab your weekly staples and those family-favourite tubs.

For a more immediate treat, dedicated ice cream parlours and brand-specific kiosks pop up in malls everywhere. They offer a freshly scooped cone or cup that’s perfect for an impulse buy while you're out shopping, turning a simple errand into a mini-celebration.

The Convenience of Online and Speciality Stores

The digital age has completely changed how we get our frozen dessert fix. Online delivery platforms like Talabat and Deliveroo have made it ridiculously easy to have your favourite pint delivered right to your doorstep, often in minutes. On a hot day, this is an absolute game-changer.

At the other end of the spectrum, speciality food stores have become havens for food lovers. These shops often stock niche, imported, and artisanal brands you just won’t find in the larger supermarkets, offering a carefully selected range for anyone hunting for something truly unique.

Premium and innovative ice creams are completely reshaping the UAE’s dessert scene. The broader food and beverage sector has seen growth of over 10% in a recent year, and ice cream claims a big piece of that pie. This surge is fuelled by rising incomes and a diverse population hungry for artisanal flavours all year round. The rise of e-commerce only makes these treats more accessible, even inspiring home chefs to pair gourmet gelato with other fine foods. You can read more about the growth of the UAE's ice cream market.

Gourmet Gelato Delivered to Your Door

For the ultimate blend of quality and convenience, nothing beats having authentic artisanal gelato delivered straight to your home. This is where the IFM Gourmet Dubai online store really shines, bringing the luxury of a fine Italian gelateria right into your kitchen.

Ordering from IFM Gourmet is a seamless process designed for families, home chefs, and event planners. With just a few clicks, you can browse a selection of handcrafted gelato and have it scheduled for delivery, ensuring it arrives perfectly frozen and ready to enjoy.

This service is perfect for planning a special dinner, hosting a party, or simply keeping your freezer stocked with a top-tier treat. It makes elevating an everyday meal or a special occasion incredibly simple—just imagine adding a scoop of rich vanilla gelato to a warm dessert. And speaking of perfect pairings, you might be interested in these deliciously crisp waffles, the ideal partner for any scoop.

Elevating Gifts and Events with Gourmet Gelato

In the UAE, generosity and hospitality are woven into the very fabric of the culture, so the art of gifting is something we take seriously. While traditional gifts will always have their place, imagine presenting a beautifully packaged pint of artisanal gelato. It's a modern, sophisticated, and wonderfully unexpected alternative that can elevate any occasion.

This isn't just about giving a dessert; it's about sharing a truly delightful experience. It’s a gift that speaks volumes about thoughtfulness and quality.

Think beyond just a post-dinner treat. Gourmet gelato can completely transform a get-together, whether it's an intimate family dinner during Ramadan or a large-scale corporate event. Its luxurious texture and intense, authentic flavours create a memorable culinary moment, making any celebration feel that much more special. Suddenly, gelato isn't just on the menu—it becomes the centrepiece of a shared experience.

Curated Hampers for Unforgettable Moments

For a gesture that’s truly impressive, a curated gift hamper can take your guests on a complete culinary journey. This is where a brand like IFM Gourmet Dubai really shines, showing just how perfectly artisanal gelato can be paired with other Italian delicacies to create a stunning, cohesive gift. Their online store, part of the respected Italian Food Masters group, is a goldmine for putting together these bespoke experiences.

Imagine pairing a rich, creamy pistachio gelato with other authentic Italian products. The possibilities are as creative as they are delicious:

• Classic Pairing: A tub of classic vanilla bean gelato nestled alongside a traditional Panettone—perfect for festive seasons like Christmas or Eid.

• Decadent Duo: A dark chocolate gelato matched with a selection of fine Italian chocolates and nougats for the ultimate indulgence.

• A Taste of Italy: A sophisticated combination of hazelnut gelato, artisanal biscuits, and premium Italian coffee.

By thoughtfully combining these elements, you’re not just giving food; you're creating a memorable experience. This approach transforms a simple present into a story of flavour and craftsmanship, making gourmet gelato the ultimate luxury food gift among ice cream brands in UAE.

Whether it’s for a personal celebration or as a sophisticated corporate gift, these curated hampers are designed to leave a lasting impression. They showcase the elegance and authenticity of true Italian gourmet culture and stand as a testament to quality and culinary excellence in Dubai’s vibrant food scene.

Your Top Questions About Ice Cream in the UAE

With so many incredible frozen desserts available across the UAE, it's easy to have a few questions. To help you find your perfect scoop every time, we've put together some simple answers to the queries we hear most often about the different ice cream brands in UAE.

Think of this as your quick guide to understanding the delicious details, from the big differences between treats to finding something that fits your lifestyle.

What Is the Main Difference Between Gelato and Ice Cream?

It all comes down to three things: ingredients, air, and how it’s served. Classic ice cream is richer, with a higher cream and butterfat content (at least 10%). On the other hand, authentic Italian gelato leans on milk more than cream, which brings its fat content down to a lighter 4-8%.

The texture is another dead giveaway. Gelato is churned at a much slower speed, so less air gets mixed in. This is what gives it that dense, silky feel that’s so different from the fluffier texture of ice cream. Finally, gelato is served a bit warmer, which keeps it soft and really lets those intense, pure flavours shine through.

Where Can I Find Vegan or Dairy-Free Options?

You’re in luck! Finding plant-based options has never been easier. Nearly every major supermarket like Carrefour and Spinneys now has a dedicated section for dairy-free ice creams from all over the world. You’ll find plenty of delicious tubs made from coconut, almond, or oat milk.

For something truly special, artisanal gelato shops are a fantastic bet for high-quality, dairy-free sorbets. If you want a taste of luxury, IFM Gourmet Dubai offers stunning artisanal sorbets that capture pure, vibrant fruit flavours—an absolutely perfect treat for anyone avoiding dairy.

Ultimately, the best frozen dessert is all about what you're in the mood for. Whether it's the creamy, decadent richness of a premium ice cream or the clean, intense flavour of a true Italian gelato, there’s something for every palate here in the UAE. Knowing these little differences just makes it easier to pick the perfect treat for the moment.

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Ready to dive into the world of authentic Italian gelato and other gourmet delights? Visit the IFM Gourmet Food Store and discover a curated selection of artisanal treats, delivered right to your door. Browse our collection today at https://www.ifmgourmet.com.