It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it. Consumer Reports went to the freezer aisle and put 11 brands of chocolate ice cream to the test, evaluating flavor, texture, and overall value to see which ones rose above the competition.

In CR’s blind taste test, big-name brands Breyers and Häagen-Dazs earned top marks for taste. But Consumer Reports nutritionist Amy Keating says shoppers can also save money with store brands—though the results varied.

Some supermarket options were only average, but others delivered strong flavor at a fraction of the price. Wellsley Farms Premium Chocolate Ice Cream from BJ’s Wholesale Club stood out for its deep, dark-chocolate flavor.

Specially Selected Aldi Super Premium Chocolate Ice Cream was another strong value. Testers said it tasted similar to Häagen-Dazs but cost about 65 percent less. It was dense and creamy, with a milk chocolate flavor and some nutty notes.

Testers also praised 365 Whole Foods Market Chocolate Ice Cream for its bittersweet chocolate flavor and hints of caramel. For dark chocolate fans, Trader Joe’s Super Premium Ice Cream, Ultra Chocolate, was another favorite.

Consumer Reports notes that ice cream generally falls into two categories: regular and premium. Regular ice cream typically contains about 150 to 250 calories per two-thirds of a cup, while premium varieties can have twice the fat and around 250 to 300 calories or more.

So go ahead and enjoy your favorite scoop—just consider choosing a single instead of a double.

For a lighter homemade option, Consumer Reports also suggests these homemade frozen chocolate-banana bites. 

CR’s Chocolate-Banana Bites

Peel six very ripe bananas and slice into 1-inch chunks. Place on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Transfer the chunks to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Scrape into a bowl and stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips. With a spoon, drop cookie-sized scoops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until firm, about 1 hour. 

Makes 6 servings.