We tried the best independent ice cream makers in LA and this was the best

Fresh off National Ice Cream Month, the California Post set out to crown LA’s ultimate ice cream, with a visit to food festival Smorgasburg’s “ice cream alley,” described as a selection of the best independent ice cream makers in the city. I sampled ice cream — as well as frozen yogurt and gelato — from seven different vendors, and it was a tough choice. (And luckily, ice cream is good for you!)But the winner offers options that fulfill all the cravings: whether you’re looking for something rich and ultra creamy for your sweet tooth or something refreshing, healthy and totally guilt free. I also shout out a couple runner-ups I felt were exceptional in their own right. Ice cream has been my favorite food since I was 18, and my sweet tooth is not easily impressed.I shun anything that’s not artisanal ice cream made with authentic ingredients.

I’m looking for thick creamy texture and complex flavor.  California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story Like Smorgasburg’s advertising for ice cream alley, throughout this article, I use “ice cream” as an umbrella term for ice cream, gelato and frozen yogurt. The overall winner was Swirlies, an ice cream and fro-yo shop that first originated in Jalisco, Mexico, and offers traditional and Mexican-inspired flavors. They first captivated me with their banana ice cream with caramel and marzipan crumbs.

I’m always looking for but usually disappointed by banana ice cream because most of them taste like they’re made with artificial flavoring, like a laffy taffy candy. Swirlies’ ice cream achieves the subtle complex flavor notes of real banana, because it’s made with real bananas and vanilla ice cream! And somehow their machine makes the final concoction ultra-thick and creamy.“It’s all ...