Baskin-Robbins vs. Cold Stone: Who Scoops Better?

ice cream, two names often pop up: Baskin-Robbins and Cold Stone Creamery. But which one truly offers a sweeter deal? To get to the bottom of this milky mystery, both chains were put to the test with the same order: vanilla ice cream with M&M's, chocolate ice cream in a cone, and a strawberry milkshake.

Starting at Baskin-Robbins, the chocolate ice cream was a standout at $3.59 for a single scoop. It boasted a rich, creamy texture and was served in a sugar cone. The vanilla, however, didn't quite hit the mark, lacking the solid flavor that usually wins over vanilla lovers. Their strawberry milkshake, priced at $6.19, delivered a punchy, fruity flavor with real strawberry flecks, making it a winner for me.

Over at Cold Stone Creamery, things took a pricier turn. A single scoop of chocolate in a waffle cone set me back over $8. The creamy texture couldn't compensate for the lackluster chocolate punch. The vanilla with M&M's was equally disappointing, with minimal candy bits mixed in. Their strawberry milkshake, priced at $7, missed the mark completely, tasting more like plain milk than a fruity delight.

Here's the thing: Baskin-Robbins triumphed in this taste-off. The chain offered more affordable options with flavors that mostly delivered, especially the chocolate ice cream and the milkshake. Meanwhile, Cold Stone's higher prices didn't exactly translate to better taste, at least in this test. For those who crave simplicity and depth in their ice cream, Baskin-Robbins seems like the better bet.