Bettergoods Ice Cream

A Scoop Above the Rest: How This Artisanal Brand Is Changing How We Think About Ice Cream

The first time I tried Bettergoods Ice Cream, I was sitting on my friend’s porch on one of those impossibly hot summer evenings. You know the kind—where the air feels like it’s hugging you a little too tightly and even the thought of moving seems exhausting. She emerged from her kitchen with two pristine scoops of what looked like ordinary vanilla ice cream in vintage glass bowls.

“Trust me,” she said with a knowing smile, sliding a bowl my way.

One spoonful in, and I knew this wasn’t just another ice cream. The complexity of flavors, the velvety texture that somehow managed to be both light and indulgent—it was a revelation. Bettergoods isn’t just ice cream; it’s a culinary experience that challenges everything you thought you knew about frozen desserts.

That was my introduction to what has quickly become my personal obsession and the subject of this deep dive. If you haven’t heard about Bettergoods yet, get ready—because this artisanal ice cream brand is quietly revolutionizing freezer aisles across the country.

The Bettergoods Story: From Kitchen Experiment to Freezer Phenomenon

Bettergoods began like many great food stories do—in a home kitchen with someone who wasn’t satisfied with the status quo. Founded in 2019 by former pastry chef Miranda Cole, Bettergoods was born from frustration with existing ice cream options that forced consumers to choose between indulgence and health.

“I kept seeing this false dichotomy,” Cole explained in a 2022 interview. “Either you could have ‘healthy’ ice cream that tasted like frozen disappointment, or delicious ice cream loaded with ingredients you couldn’t pronounce. I wanted to create something that honored both the pleasure and nourishment aspects of food.”

Cole spent nearly two years perfecting her recipes before Bettergoods officially launched. What began as weekend sales at a Portland farmers market quickly expanded to regional distribution and then—following a feature in a major food magazine—national attention.

The brand’s philosophy is captured in their refreshingly straightforward tagline: “Better ingredients. Better process. Better ice cream.” It’s simple but powerful, much like the product itself.

What Makes Bettergoods Different?

In today’s crowded frozen dessert market, standing out requires more than clever marketing. Bettergoods has managed to carve its niche through a commitment to quality that’s evident from the first spoonful.

The difference starts with ingredient sourcing. While many brands tout “natural” ingredients, Bettergoods takes transparency to another level. Each ingredient is meticulously sourced—from small-batch dairy farms that practice regenerative agriculture to direct-trade vanilla from family cooperatives in Madagascar.

The company employs what they call “slow churning,” a modified French pot method that introduces less air into the mixture than commercial ice creams. The result is a denser, creamier product that doesn’t rely on excessive fat content for its luxurious mouthfeel.

Perhaps most notably, Bettergoods has reimagined sweetness. Rather than defaulting to refined sugar, they use a proprietary blend of natural sweeteners including organic honey, coconut sugar, and maple syrup—combined in proportions that provide complexity rather than just sweetness.

Flavor Profile: The Bettergoods Experience

Let’s talk flavors, because this is where Bettergoods truly shines. Unlike some artisanal brands that rely on outlandish combinations or shock value, Bettergoods has focused on perfecting both classic favorites and thoughtfully innovative options.

Their core lineup includes:

Classic Collection

• Vanilla Reimagined: Using three distinct vanilla varieties for unexpected depth
• Truly Chocolate: 72% dark chocolate with cacao nibs for textural contrast
• Strawberry Fields: Seasonal strawberries roasted to intensify their flavor
• Mint Condition: Real mint leaves steeped in cream (no artificial green coloring in sight)
• Coffee Companion: Made with small-batch cold brew for authentic coffee flavor

Signature Collection

• Honey Lavender: Subtle floral notes balanced with wildflower honey
• Salted Maple Pecan: Vermont maple syrup with butter-toasted pecans
• Cardamom Rose: Middle Eastern-inspired with rosewater and crushed pistachios
• Roasted Banana Caramel: Caramelized bananas with a ribbon of sea salt caramel
• Lemon Thyme: Bright citrus counterbalanced with herbaceous notes

Seasonal Rotations

• Spring: Rhubarb Crumble, Meyer Lemon Buttermilk
• Summer: Blackberry Basil, Peach Ginger
• Fall: Spiced Pear, Pumpkin Brown Butter
• Winter: Orange Cardamom, Peppermint Bark

Each flavor feels intentional—not just a random combination of ingredients, but a carefully calibrated experience where every component serves a purpose.

Where to Find Bettergoods: The Hunt for Frozen Gold

As Bettergoods has grown, so has its availability, though the company has been careful not to sacrifice quality for expansion. Currently, you can find their products in several distribution channels:

Retail Locations

Bettergoods has secured placement in premium grocery chains including:

• Whole Foods Market (nationwide)
• Sprouts Farmers Market
• Fresh Market
• Erewhon (California)
• Central Market (Texas)
• Wegmans (East Coast)
• Metropolitan Market (Pacific Northwest)

Additionally, many independent natural food stores and specialty markets carry the brand. The company maintains a store locator on their website that’s updated weekly as new retailers are added.

Direct-to-Consumer

For those without local access, Bettergoods offers direct shipping in insulated packaging that keeps products frozen for up to 36 hours. Their online store (bettergoods.com) features:

• Individual pints
• Curated collections (Classics, Signatures, Seasonal)
• Subscription options (monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly)
• Limited edition flavors exclusive to online customers

Scoop Shops

The company has opened three flagship scoop shops in Portland, Austin, and Chicago, with plans for additional locations in 2025. These shops offer exclusive rotating flavors and serve as testing grounds for potential additions to the permanent lineup.

The Investment: What Does Bettergoods Cost?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Bettergoods is not budget ice cream. With pints typically priced between $8.99-$11.99 depending on the retailer and flavor, it positions itself firmly in the premium category.

Online direct orders usually come with a minimum purchase requirement (typically 4-6 pints) plus shipping costs, though orders over $75 qualify for free shipping. Subscription services offer a 10-15% discount, bringing the per-pint cost down somewhat.

Is it worth it? That’s subjective, of course. But considering the quality of ingredients, ethical sourcing practices, and exceptional flavor experience, many customers (myself included) find the price justified as an occasional indulgence rather than an everyday staple.

For the budget-conscious, keep an eye out for promotions. Bettergoods typically offers:

• Seasonal sales (particularly during National Ice Cream Month in July)
• First-time customer discounts (usually 15% off)
• Retailer-specific promotions (Whole Foods frequently features the brand during their quarterly sales)
• Social media giveaways and flash sales

Health Considerations: The Nutritional Landscape

While no one should mistake ice cream for a health food, Bettergoods has made conscious choices that set their products apart nutritionally.

Organic Ingredients

Yes, Bettergoods uses certified organic ingredients wherever possible. Currently, approximately 92% of their ingredients are organic, with the company working toward 100% certification.

Dietary Accommodations

Bettergoods has expanded their line to include options for various dietary needs:

Dairy-Free/Vegan Options
Their plant-based line, “Bettergoods Plant,” uses coconut cream and cashew milk as bases. Currently available flavors include Vanilla, Chocolate, Cold Brew Coffee, and Salted Caramel.

Gluten-Free Status
All Bettergoods flavors are produced in a gluten-free facility, and only gluten-free ingredients are used. Even flavors with mix-ins like cookie pieces use gluten-free alternatives.

Keto-Friendly Options
Their “Mindful” line includes three flavors (Vanilla Bean, Dark Chocolate, and Butter Pecan) specifically formulated for keto diets, using allulose as the primary sweetener and containing 4-5g net carbs per serving.

Nutritional Profile

Nutritional content varies by flavor, but as a general guide:

Traditional Line (per 1/2 cup serving)

• Calories: 180-250
• Fat: 10-16g
• Sugar: 12-18g
• Protein: 3-5g

Plant-Based Line (per 1/2 cup serving)

• Calories: 160-220
• Fat: 11-14g
• Sugar: 10-16g
• Protein: 2-3g

Mindful Line (per 1/2 cup serving)

• Calories: 140-170
• Fat: 12-14g
• Net Carbs: 4-5g
• Protein: 3-4g

Added Sugars and Sweeteners

Bettergoods does contain added sweeteners, but they’re thoughtfully selected. The traditional line uses their proprietary blend of organic honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. The plant-based line relies primarily on coconut sugar and date syrup, while the keto-friendly line uses allulose, a rare sugar that doesn’t impact blood glucose levels.

Artificial Ingredients and Preservatives

This is perhaps one of Bettergoods’ strongest selling points: their products contain zero artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Every ingredient is recognizable and serves a culinary purpose rather than a chemical one.

Non-GMO Status

Yes, all Bettergoods products are certified Non-GMO Project Verified.

Packaging and Sustainability: Beyond the Pint

In an industry dominated by plastic containers, Bettergoods has taken a different approach. Their pints come in compostable paperboard containers with a thin plant-based lining derived from sugarcane. The lids are made from the same material, making the entire package backyard compostable within 80 days.

For shipping, they’ve partnered with a company that produces insulation from reclaimed denim fibers. These insulation panels can be reused or recycled after delivery.

The company has also committed to carbon-neutral shipping, purchasing offsets for all transportation emissions associated with their business.

The Social Experience: Customer Reviews and Community

A brand can make all the claims it wants, but the true test is customer experience. Based on aggregated reviews from their website, social media, and third-party retail sites, Bettergoods maintains an impressive average rating of 4.7/5 stars across all flavors.

Common praise points include:

• Exceptional texture (“Creamiest ice cream I’ve ever had”)
• Authentic flavors (“Tastes like real strawberries, not strawberry candy”)
• Clean ingredients (“Finally, an ingredient list I can pronounce”)
• Ethical practices (“Love supporting a company that cares about farmers”)

Criticisms typically center around:

• Price point (“Delicious but a splurge”)
• Limited availability in some regions
• Longer thaw time required compared to conventional ice creams

The brand has fostered a loyal community through thoughtful engagement. Their Instagram account doesn’t just showcase products but tells the stories behind ingredients, farmers, and production practices. They’ve created a hashtag (#BettergoodsMoments) that customers use to share their experiences, which the company regularly reposts.

Size Options: From Individual Indulgence to Sharing

Bettergoods is primarily sold in 16oz (pint) containers, but they’ve expanded their offerings to include:

• Mini Cups: 4oz single-serving containers, available in multipacks of 4
• Family Size: 32oz containers of their most popular flavors (currently limited to Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry)
• Scoop Shop Exclusive: At their physical locations, they offer pints, quarts, and custom-packed containers by weight

Special occasion options include:

• Party Packs: Curated collections of 6 pints with optional wooden serving spoons
• Ice Cream Cakes: Available through their scoop shops and for nationwide shipping with 72 hours notice

The Competitive Landscape: How Does Bettergoods Stack Up?

The premium ice cream market is crowded with established players. Here’s how Bettergoods compares to some key competitors:

Versus Halo Top

Halo Top pioneered the “better-for-you” ice cream category with its high-protein, lower-calorie approach. While Halo Top focuses on nutritional metrics, Bettergoods prioritizes ingredient quality and taste experience. Halo Top typically contains sugar alcohols and other alternative sweeteners that Bettergoods avoids. Texture-wise, Bettergoods offers a more traditional ice cream experience with less air incorporation.

Versus Ben & Jerry’s

Ben & Jerry’s defined the premium pint category with creative mix-ins and social activism. Bettergoods shares the commitment to social causes but takes a more restrained approach to mix-ins, focusing on flavor harmony rather than maximum inclusions. Ben & Jerry’s uses a conventional ingredient approach, while Bettergoods emphasizes organic and regenerative sourcing.

Versus Jeni’s Splendid

Perhaps Bettergoods’ closest competitor in terms of philosophy, Jeni’s also creates artisanal ice creams with high-quality ingredients. The brands differ in flavor approach—Jeni’s often features bold, unexpected combinations, while Bettergoods tends toward refined versions of familiar profiles. Price points are similar, though Bettergoods’ direct-to-consumer subscription offers better value for regular consumers.

Beyond the Bowl: Creative Uses for Bettergoods

While delicious straight from the container, Bettergoods’ dense texture and sophisticated flavor profiles make it versatile for culinary applications:

Milkshake Magic

The company’s website features several milkshake recipes specifically developed for their products. The higher density means you’ll need less ice cream for a thick shake—typically 1/2 cup of Bettergoods equals 3/4 cup of conventional ice cream in shake recipes.

Affogato Reimagined

Their Coffee Companion flavor was specifically designed to complement espresso in an affogato (the Italian dessert of ice cream “drowned” in espresso). The Vanilla Reimagined also works beautifully in this application.

Baked Alaska and Other Showstoppers

The denser texture means Bettergoods holds up exceptionally well in baked Alaska and other ice cream-centered desserts that involve brief heat exposure.

Cocktail Companion

Several mixologists have begun incorporating Bettergoods into craft cocktails—particularly their herbaceous flavors like Lemon Thyme and Cardamom Rose, which pair beautifully with spirits.

The Kid Question: Is Bettergoods Family-Friendly?

While not specifically marketed to children, Bettergoods has become popular with families who want to introduce their kids to less processed foods without sacrificing the joy of ice cream.

They don’t currently offer products specifically for children, though their classic flavors are generally kid-approved. The mini cups are particularly popular for family households as they provide portion control and less potential for waste.

Parents in review forums frequently mention appreciating the cleaner ingredient list, particularly the absence of artificial colors that can affect some children’s behavior.

Looking Forward: What’s Next for Bettergoods?

According to industry insiders and hints from the company itself, several exciting developments are on the horizon:

• Expansion into novelty products (ice cream sandwiches and bars)
• Collaborations with other artisanal food brands
• Additional scoop shop locations focusing on coastal cities
• Limited edition “Chef Collaboration” series featuring recipes from renowned pastry chefs
• Enhanced sustainability initiatives, including a container return program

The Final Scoop: Is Bettergoods Worth It?

After exploring every aspect of this brand—from its founding philosophy to nutritional profile to customer experience—the question remains: Is Bettergoods worth your time and money?

The answer, as with most things in life, depends on your priorities.

If you’re seeking the most affordable ice cream option or maximum quantity for your dollar, Bettergoods isn’t your brand. If artificial sweeteners don’t concern you and you’re focused primarily on macronutrient counts, other options might better serve your needs.

But if you value thoughtful ingredient sourcing, exceptional flavor development, and a company that considers its environmental and social impact—and you’re willing to pay a premium for these qualities—Bettergoods offers tremendous value.

In my view, Bettergoods represents the future of indulgence: mindful pleasure that doesn’t compromise on taste or ethics. It’s ice cream for people who want to eat more consciously without giving up one of life’s simple joys.

Like the slow food movement before it, Bettergoods is asking us to reconsider our relationship with a common food item—to slow down, appreciate quality, and recognize that how our food is produced matters as much as how it tastes.

So next time you’re facing the freezer case, contemplating which pint deserves your attention, consider giving Bettergoods a try. Your taste buds will thank you—and you might just change your relationship with ice cream forever.

As for me, I’ll be diving into a pint of their Salted Maple Pecan tonight, savoring each spoonful with the knowledge that sometimes, the most delicious choice can also be the more thoughtful one.