The Ice Cream Showdown: Thrifty Ice Cream vs. Ben & Jerry's

Remember the Pepsi Challenge? Well, I decided to put my own spin on it—this time with ice cream! As the founder of Pints, Forks & Friends, I couldn’t resist the urge to pit two ice cream heavyweights against each other. Inspired by Jeanniey Walden, Chief Marketing Officer at Rite Aid, I headed to my local Rite Aid to grab a couple of tubs for a showdown: Thrifty Ice Cream vs. Ben & Jerry’s. The goal? Find out which one scoops the win!

With a spoon in hand and a nostalgic craving, I was ready to dive in. The contenders? Thrifty Ice Cream’s Chocolate Malted Krunch, a flavor that seemed to promise that classic childhood sweetness, and Ben & Jerry’s, which I’ve always known for its bold flavors and chunky mix-ins. This time, it wasn’t about crazy mix-ins or wild combinations—it was all about flavor, texture, and that first bite magic.

The Results Are In! Drumroll, please… Thrifty Ice Cream Chocolate Malted Krunch came out swinging and snagged the crown! Why? It took me right back to those chocolate malt milkshakes I used to love as a kid. The “Krunch” added that perfect extra bit of texture—like biting into a Crunch bar mid-milkshake. Absolutely amazing!

Ben & Jerry’s? Don’t get me wrong, it’s good, but man, scooping it was a workout. Even after letting it sit for 20 minutes, it felt like I was digging into a frozen brick house.

The Post-Taste Test Banter Jeanniey Walden, who had set me on this adventure, couldn’t help but chime in: “I told you! Leave them on the counter for 10 minutes—frozen ice cream doesn’t taste good. And no running the spoon under hot water! So glad you enjoyed the test!”

And even Thrifty Ice Cream jumped in: “We’d like to thank the academy… but really, Chocolate Malted Krunch is one of our favorites, too. Glad you loved it!”

In the end, Thrifty’s nostalgic flavors and perfect texture won me over. If you haven’t tried it yet, do yourself a favor and pick up a scoop next time you’re at Rite Aid. You’ll thank me later!

For all you flavor fanatics and ice cream lovers out there, stay tuned—I’m already gearing up for round two. More flavors, more fun, and maybe a few surprises (I see that Chuck E. Cheese Birthday Cake Ice Cream). Who’s ready to take on the challenge with me?

My Dive into the History of Thrifty Ice Cream

Now, let’s talk about Thrifty Ice Cream—this isn’t just some run-of-the-mill brand. It’s a staple, especially in California, and its roots go all the way back to 1940. Here’s the story: two brothers, Harry and Robert Borin, owned the Thrifty Cut Rate Drugstore in downtown Los Angeles. They saw potential in making ice cream an essential part of their offerings. At first, they sold ice cream from other suppliers, but soon realized they could do it even better themselves. So, they bought a factory from Borden Ice Cream Company and started producing their own frozen treats.

Their success was immediate. With flavors like Rocky Road, Fruit Cake, and the surprisingly delicious Concord Grape-Pineapple, they sold scoops for just five cents! In 1948, Thrifty Ice Cream proved it wasn’t just a hit with customers—it took home multiple gold medals from the California State Fair.

By the time the 1970s rolled around, Thrifty Ice Cream had become a fixture in the largest drugstore chain on the West Coast. Even today, their factory in El Monte, which has been in operation since 1976, pumps out around five million gallons of ice cream each year. When Rite Aid acquired the brand in 1996, they made sure to keep the legacy alive. For so many, myself included, a trip to Rite Aid wouldn’t be the same without grabbing a scoop of Thrifty’s famous cylindrical ice cream.

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What Makes Thrifty Ice Cream’s Scoop So Special?

Now, if you’ve ever had Thrifty Ice Cream, you know what I’m talking about when I say that scoop is something special. Walk into any Rite Aid, and you’ll see what I mean—the ice cream isn’t served in the typical round scoop we’re all used to. Nope, Thrifty’s scoop is a perfectly cylindrical wonder, and there’s a reason for that.

Back in the day, Thrifty introduced a proprietary barrel-shaped metal scooper, and it’s been a game-changer ever since. This isn’t just about looks, though. The unique design ensures consistent portions with every scoop, without the wrist strain that comes with traditional scooping. You use your body weight to press into the ice cream, and the two-pronged trigger release gives you a perfect serving every time.

For those of us who grew up with Thrifty, that cylindrical scoop is a nostalgic symbol. It’s the taste of summer afternoons, family time, and carefree days. And it’s not just the shape that’s special—the ice cream itself is top-notch. Thrifty uses high-quality ingredients, with a butterfat content of 10.25%, putting it right up there with premium brands. And yet, it stays super affordable, which is part of the reason it’s still such a fan favorite.

So, next time you’re craving something sweet, grab a tub of Thrifty Ice Cream and experience a taste of history, nostalgia, and pure deliciousness.

Want to try Thrifty’s famous scoop for yourself? Grab it here on Amazon and take a scoop trip down memory lane.

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