A Nutrition Diet Guide: Which Ice Cream has the Highest Butter Fat Content?

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a product must contain at least 10% milkfat to be legally called ice cream. However, many premium and ultra-premium brands far exceed this minimum, leading to the question: which ice cream has the highest butter fat content? This guide explores the brands and tiers of ice cream known for their high butterfat percentages.

Quick Summary

Artisanal and ultra-premium ice creams typically have the highest butterfat percentages, often exceeding 16%. Premium brands like Häagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry's are also known for higher fat content, which creates a denser, richer texture and carries flavor more intensely than standard ice creams.

Key Points

Butterfat is the key to creaminess: Higher butterfat content prevents large ice crystals from forming, resulting in a smoother, richer mouthfeel and more intense flavor.
Ultra-premium has the most butterfat: Ultra-premium ice creams, often from small-batch or artisanal producers, can reach 20% butterfat or more, surpassing major brands,.
Häagen-Dazs is a leader among national brands: Häagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry's are consistently recognized among the top national brands for high butterfat content, typically in the 14–25% range,.
Overrun impacts texture and flavor: High butterfat ice creams often have a low overrun (less air), making them denser and more flavorful than standard ice creams,.
Consider diet goals with high butterfat: High butterfat content means higher calories and saturated fat, so enjoying these rich treats in moderation is key for a balanced diet,.
Ice cream is legally defined by butterfat: In the U.S., a frozen dessert must have at least 10% milkfat to be labeled “ice cream,” a standard easily exceeded by premium brands.

Understanding the Role of Butterfat

Butterfat, also known as milk fat, is the natural fat found in milk and cream. It is arguably the most crucial ingredient for the textural and sensory qualities of high-end ice cream. Its primary roles include creating a rich, smooth mouthfeel and preventing the formation of large, icy crystals during the freezing process. Fat does not freeze like water, so a higher butterfat percentage results in a smoother, creamier, and denser product that melts more slowly.

Another important factor is overrun, the amount of air whipped into the ice cream. Most premium and ultra-premium ice creams have a lower overrun compared to standard brands, meaning less air is incorporated. This, combined with high butterfat, produces a denser, heavier product with a more concentrated flavor,.

Ice Cream Grading by Butterfat Content

To be called “ice cream” in the U.S., a product must contain at least 10% milkfat. From there, the classification is generally tiered by butterfat content:

Regular Ice Cream: Meets the 10% legal minimum and usually has a higher overrun, making it lighter and softer.
Premium Ice Cream: Features a higher butterfat content, typically ranging from 12% to 16%. Brands like Häagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry's fall into this category,.
Super-Premium Ice Cream: Contains 15% butterfat or more and is very dense due to lower overrun,.
Ultra-Premium Ice Cream: Represents the pinnacle of butterfat content, often exceeding 16% and can be found in small-batch or artisanal creameries. Some local shops claim levels of 20% or higher,.

Which Ice Cream Has the Highest Butter Fat Content?

While national brands like Häagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry's are widely available and celebrated for their high butterfat content (often 14–25% in various sources), the highest percentages are typically found in specialized, local, or artisanal ice cream shops,,. For example, a Nebraska-based company, Ted & Wally's, advertises their ultra-premium ice cream as containing 20% butterfat, claiming it's the highest in the country,. Another example is Babcock Hall Dairy, which produces a super-premium ice cream with 17% butterfat,.

Noteworthy High-Butterfat Brands and Products

While the absolute highest may come from a local purveyor, here are some widely recognized brands and specific products known for their richness:

Ted & Wally's Ultra-Premium Ice Cream: Claims up to 20% butterfat, sourced from a local dairy and made from scratch,.
Häagen-Dazs: Frequently mentioned for its high butterfat content, with specific flavors like Chocolate Peanut Butter and Butter Pecan highlighted in taste tests for their richness,. Their butterfat content is noted to range between 16-25% in some sources.
Ben & Jerry's: Also a long-standing contender in the premium category, recognized for high butterfat and dense texture,. Their Chubby Hubby flavor is often cited as being particularly rich.
McConnell's Fine Ice Creams & Van Leeuwen: Mentioned among other high-fat, high-quality brands in industry roundups.

The Dietary Takeaway

For those on a nutrition diet, higher butterfat content means higher calorie and saturated fat intake per serving,. A higher quality, richer ice cream can potentially lead to greater satisfaction with a smaller portion, potentially reducing overall intake. However, it's important to be mindful that even a small portion can carry a significant calorie and fat load. Those seeking lower-fat options should look for products labeled as “light ice cream” or non-dairy frozen desserts, which will have a lower butterfat percentage or use alternative fats.

Comparison of Frozen Desserts by Butterfat Content

This table provides a helpful overview of how different frozen desserts stack up in terms of butterfat content,,:


Product Type	Typical Butterfat % (by weight)	Key Characteristics
Ultra-Premium Ice Cream	16%+ (can exceed 20%)	Extremely rich, dense, and creamy; low overrun
Super-Premium Ice Cream	14-16%	Very dense and flavorful; higher cost, lower overrun
Premium Ice Cream	12-14%	Rich and smooth; moderate overrun, widely available
Regular Ice Cream	Minimum 10%	Lighter texture; higher overrun, typically budget-friendly
Frozen Custard	Minimum 10% (plus egg yolk solids)	Creamy, dense texture; distinct egg flavor
Gelato	3-8%	Denser and silkier than ice cream; lower fat, slower churning
Sherbet	1-2%	Refreshing, fruit-flavored; much lower fat than ice cream

Conclusion

While some artisanal shops may claim the absolute highest percentage, leading national premium brands like Häagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry's are reliable choices for high butterfat content. This higher butterfat level is what gives these products their signature dense, creamy texture and superior flavor delivery. For those mindful of their nutrition, this richness can be a double-edged sword, offering intense flavor but also a high-calorie and fat count. For those looking to indulge in moderation, choosing a high-quality, high-butterfat ice cream can be a satisfying experience. For low-fat alternatives, options like gelato or sherbet are more appropriate choices. Ultimately, your choice depends on your preference for richness versus your dietary goals.

Learn more about food regulations at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the U.S. legal minimum is 10%, a butterfat content of 14% or higher is considered high. Super-premium brands typically start at 15%, while ultra-premium or specialty ice creams can have 20% or more,.

No, higher butterfat content means more saturated fat and higher calories, which are not necessarily healthier. However, some argue that the richness can lead to eating smaller, more satisfying portions,.

For store-bought ice cream, check the nutrition label for the total fat content. For artisanal shops, you can ask the staff. You can also infer the fat content by taste and texture; richer, denser, and smoother ice cream generally has more butterfat.

Both are known for high butterfat, in the premium to super-premium range. The exact percentage can vary by flavor, and depending on the source, some suggest Häagen-Dazs sometimes contains a slightly higher percentage, but both are among the richest available national brands,.

The main difference is butterfat and overrun. Ice cream generally has a higher butterfat content (10%+), while gelato has a lower fat content (3-8%) and less air whipped into it. This results in ice cream being lighter and gelato being denser and softer,.

Some companies market "healthier" ice creams, but these often have low-fat content and use alternative ingredients or sweeteners. A high-butterfat ice cream is inherently a high-fat dessert and should be considered an indulgence rather than a healthy dietary staple.

Yes, fat insulates the ice crystals and stabilizes the structure of the ice cream, causing it to melt more slowly and evenly than low-fat varieties.