Customers Voted For The Best Ice Cream Of 2026 (& It’s Not Dairy Queen)

I’m endlessly fascinated with the data available on consumer interest, especially when it comes to the food world. YouGov recently put out their Best Bites 2026 report which outlined the U.S. restaurant brand rankings in a number of factors. One category in particular caught my attention―America’s top rated ice cream spots.

Videos by Sporked

The Data Doesn’t Lie

One clear winner stood out in the category. None other than Cold Stone Creamery. While we’re not particularly surprised at the news, it’s nice to see them get recognition. You’d understand if you’ve ever walked into a Cold Stone Creamery and tasted their product. It’s good. Damn good. I’ve been infatuated with their Milk & Oreo Cookies shake since I was in high school. It is, no joke, responsible for at least five pounds that I’ve gained over the years.

A Step Above The Competition

Cold Stone beat out the likes of Baskin Robbins, Dairy Queen, and Culvers to earn the crown in the ice cream category. Which is a little confusing considering two of those three spots don’t serve up actual ice cream. Nonetheless, I’m sure they’re savoring the title.

The very next category on the restaurant brand rankings report was a ranking of specialty dining restaurants by quality and value. Krispy Kreme barely beat out Cold Stone in quality for the top spot (30.7 net score vs 29.7)―which is a little surprising. I mean, I like Krispy Kreme probably more than the average person but I certainly wouldn’t equate it to a quality product.

The only category that Cold Stone Creamery really lost was in value. Dunkin’ earned the top spot with a net score of 24.2 and Cold Stone was all the way in 8th place with a score of 7.1. This is not shocking in the slightest. That beautiful ice cream isn’t cheap! And don’t get me started on their ice cream cakes. Just be ready to sell off a child if your kid asks for one for their birthday.

A Constant Stream Of Collaborations

I think another healthy sign of Cold Stone’s domination in the industry is their consistent collabs that they have with big named brands. This year they’ve teamed up with Cat in the Hat, Supergirl, and a metric ton food brand specific collabs. I think that last bit really shows it off. Names like Oreo and Reese’s aren’t afraid to attach themselves to the concoctions that Cold Stone Creamy whip up.