Korean Ice Cream: Our Top Frozen Dessert Picks

Tired of the same old vanilla-chocolate cone?? Craving flavours that are truly out of the ordinary?? The Korean wave has swept the globe, bringing its culinary treasures with it, and the frozen dessert aisle is no exception. Korean ice cream stands out for its unique textures and bold flavours, from passion fruit to the more traditional red bean, and even the surprising purple yam.

This guide is here to introduce you to the fascinating world of Korean ice cream. We'll give you all the keys to making the right choice and finding the dessert that will refresh your palate and surprise your guests.

How to Choose the Right Korean Ice Cream

Before you fall for a Korean ice cream, here are a few criteria to help you make the right choice. Forget your usual benchmarks?: these desserts offer an experience all their own.

1. Format: Bar or Sandwich??

Korean frozen desserts mainly come in two formats, each with its own advantages?:

• The Ice Cream Bar: Perfect for a no-fuss refreshing break. The bars from the Binggrae Melona range are cult classics for their ultra-creamy texture, halfway between a sorbet and an ice cream. Often sold in multipacks, they are perfect for families or for keeping a strategic stash in the freezer.
• The Ice Cream Sandwich: For a more indulgent and texturally rich snack. The Samanco is a perfect example, with its crispy fish-shaped wafer (bungeoppang) enclosing a creamy ice cream and, often, a gooey centre. A dessert that is as fun as it is satisfying.

2. Flavours: Between Tradition and Originality

One of the greatest strengths of Korean ice creams is, of course, the richness of their flavours.

• Reimagined Fruit Flavours: Expect intense and natural fruit tastes. Melon, banana, or coconut are classics, but offered here with an incomparable creaminess.
• Traditional Asian Flavours: This is where the real journey begins. The red bean ice cream sandwich (pat) is a must-try, with its sweet and slightly earthy flavour. Ube (purple yam) ice cream, on the other hand, captivates with its vibrant colour and delicate taste, somewhere between vanilla and hazelnut.

Korean Ice Cream Recommendations

To help you see more clearly, our editorial team put on their taste-tester hats. Here are our favourite products.

Binggrae Mini Melts Samanco Ice Sandwich

• Why it stands out: More than just an ice cream, the Samanco is a true icon. Its fish-shaped wafer is not just a gimmick?: it provides a perfect textural contrast to the melting ice cream. The combination of vanilla and red bean syrup makes it an ideal and fun introduction to traditional Korean flavours.

• Highlights:

  • Crispy and light fish-shaped wafer.
  • Indulgent combination of vanilla ice cream and red bean syrup.
  • Original and nostalgic ice cream sandwich format.
  • Conveniently packaged in a 4-pack.

• Who is it for??: For the curious who want a fun introduction to Asian flavours. It's also the perfect choice for food lovers who enjoy a play on textures.

See the product on Joybuy.fr

Binggrae Melona Banana Ice Cream Bar

• Why it stands out: The Melona banana ice cream bar is a reliable choice. It perfectly captures the sweet and comforting taste of a ripe banana, all in a unique texture that is both dense and ultra-creamy. Unlike a sorbet, it is completely free of ice crystals, for an incomparably smooth mouthfeel.

• Highlights:

  • Authentic and distinct banana flavour.
  • Creamy and velvety texture, a signature of Binggrae Melona.
  • Practical multipack format (8 bars of 70?ml).
  • A crowd-pleasing flavour that the whole family will enjoy.

• Who is it for??: Perfect for families and anyone who loves timeless fruit flavours. A sure bet that will be a hit with both kids and adults at snack time.

See the product on Joybuy.fr

Binggrae Melona Coconut Ice Cream Bar

• Why it stands out: This version of the Melona is a trip for your taste buds. The coconut flavour, distinct without ever being overpowering, offers a milky and exotic sweetness. As for the texture, you'll find the brand's DNA?: a rich and creamy base, without a single ice crystal.

• Highlights:

  • Sweet and natural coconut flavour.
  • Consistently creamy and refreshing texture.
  • A touch of the exotic to switch things up from classic flavours.
  • Packaged in a pack of 8.

• Who is it for??: For lovers of tropical flavours and those who want to add a bit of exoticism to their freezer. The perfect companion for hot summer days.

See the product on Joybuy.fr

Binggrae Melona Purple Yam (Ube) Ice Cream Bar

• Why it stands out: Ube ice cream is an experience in its own right. Its 100% natural purple colour is as intriguing as its complex taste?: a sweetness with notes of vanilla, hazelnut, and even a floral touch. It's a star flavour in Southeast Asia, and this Melona bar is the best gateway to discovering it.

• Highlights:

  • Unique and original flavour of ube (purple yam).
  • Intense, 100% natural purple colour.
  • The signature creamy texture of the Melona range.
  • A true discovery for adventurous palates.

• Who is it for??: For foodies and the curious in search of new sensations. If you like to venture off the beaten path, this bar is for you.

See the product on Joybuy.fr

Want to Explore More??

Our selection is just a taste of the treasures hidden in the world of Korean ice cream. To discover other flavours, formats, or brands, the exploration has only just begun.

Explore our full range of frozen desserts to unearth other frozen gems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes Korean ice cream so different??

The difference mainly comes down to texture and flavours. Korean ice creams like Melona often have a denser, slightly chewy consistency, which is very different from Western ice creams. They also feature flavours that are rare in Europe and North America, such as red bean, ube, black sesame, or melon.

Where can I buy Korean ice cream??

You can find Korean ice cream in most Asian grocery stores. Even easier, online platforms like Joybuy.fr offer a great selection for home delivery, guaranteeing the cold chain is maintained right to your door.

What exactly does ube ice cream taste like??

Ube, or purple yam, has a sweet and delicately nutty flavour. It's often described as a cross between vanilla, pistachio, and sweet potato. It's a comforting taste that's less sweet than most classic flavours, all with an incredible, 100% natural purple colour.