I Asked 4 Chefs To Name the Best Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream (They All Said the Same Brand)

I’ve been on an ice cream kick recently. I couldn’t quite tell you why. It could be a deep, unshakable childhood nostalgia, or it could just be the peak of summer heat. Whatever the reason, I’m not mad at it.

While I refuse to discriminate between ice cream flavors, I have some favorites, including, but not limited to, dulce de leche, chocolate chocolate chip, and vanilla. 

One flavor, however, that usually reigns above the rest for me is mint chocolate chip. While chatting with a few chef friends recently, I discovered I had missed the memo on which brand to buy when it comes to the best mint chocolate chip ice cream.

After realizing that all four of the chefs I spoke to favored the same brand (a brand I don’t usually buy) I had to ask them for all the details that set their favorite mint chocolate chip above all the rest. 

The Mint Chocolate Chip Experts

The Best Store-Bought Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, According to Experts

“Mint chocolate chip has been a favorite flavor of mine since I was a kid, and Tillamook’s is just fantastic,” says Clarke. “It’s one of those flavors that feels nostalgic, but thanks to the natural, refreshing flavor of the mint and quality of the chocolate, it’s grown up at the same time.” A mint chip for kiddos and adults alike? I’m in.

The most important component in mint chip is, of course, the mint. “Tillamook uses real peppermint oil,” explains Ingber, “which gives the mint flavor a clean, natural punch without tasting like toothpaste.” Plus, Awada says, “Its rich, creamy texture is due to the fact that it has no artificial flavors or fillers and no high fructose corn syrup.”

Clarke also appreciates the lack of artificial ingredients, saying: “Mint chip should be a very pale green; if it’s neon bright, that’s a red flag for artificial ingredients. Tillamook’s is nice and pale.”

It’s important to these chefs (and to me!) that mint chocolate chip ice cream doesn’t have any of that super-intense, almost toothpaste-like fake mint flavor. Because Tillamook’s is made with actual peppermint oil, it’s far milder and soothing than other options. 

“Tillamook simply has the most authentic mint flavor,” says Pelosi. “It tastes fresh, not fake! The joy of eating mint ice cream on a hot summer day (or any day) is that it’s cool and refreshing in your mouth. Tillamook does just that.” 

Let’s not forget the chip part of this iconic flavor. “The chocolate chips in this ice cream are more like small shavings or flakes,” explains Ingber, “so you get a delicate crunch without big waxy chunks that disrupt the texture.”

Clarke agrees: “Chocolate flecks have just the right amount of texture and melt in your mouth.” Mint chocolate chip is all about the ratio, says Awada, “you need the right amount of chocolate to mint flavor.” Tillamook nails that delicate balance, so much so, says Pelosi, that “you should buy two pints, because it disappears fast!”