Blue Bell Vs Blue Bunny: Why One Costs So Much More

Ice cream always hits the spot on a hot day. But when you dig into the store freezer for a carton of Blue Bell ice cream, you might pause, check the price tag, and wonder why it costs so much more than Blue Bunny ice cream. A ½ gallon of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream retails for $8.32 for a 64-ounce container, while a tub of Blue Bunny Vanilla Bean Ice Cream costs $3.52 for a 48-ounce package, depending on location. The fact that Blue Bunny's package has more ounces could be a factor — but it's not the only one. There's another possibility which points to the major difference between these two ice cream brands. 

While the suggested serving size on the back of both the Blue Bell and Blue Bunny packaging is identical at ⅔ cup, the weight of each is worth paying attention to. Blue Bunny's portion comes out to 91 grams, compared to Blue Bell's heavier 118 grams. What does that mean? Blue Bunny is likely whipping some air into their final mix, known as overrun. Overrun allows manufacturers to make more ice cream with less product, but it affects the overall consistency and flavor. More expensive ice cream brands tend to avoid this to achieve a richer, denser product. The difference in weight and density might be a major factor in what sets Blue Bunny and Blue Bell ice cream apart.

Another factor driving the price difference between Blue Bell and Blue Bunny ice cream is how they're manufactured: one is a smaller company, while the other is a subsidiary of a much larger entity. Blue Bell Ice Cream is independently distributed and manufactured, meaning it fronts the costs itself. This is then reflected in the price of the product. Blue Bunny, on the other hand, is owned by The Ferrero Group and manufactured and distributed by Wells Foodservice. 

When Tasting Table ranked the 23 best ice cream brands, Blue Bell came in second-to-last place, and Blue Bunny last. It seems the dissimilarities in weight and manufacturing don't make much of a difference in the taste or quality of these brands. In the end, no matter which is more expensive, it depends on your taste buds whether either ice cream brand is worth your money. However, if you're looking for an ice cream with top-notch ingredients, buy this brand.