Skip to:
For over a century, Breyers has been America’s go-to for creamy, delicious ice cream that brings joy to every scoop. From hand-cranked beginnings in Philadelphia to becoming a household favorite, we’ve stayed true to our promise of high-quality ingredients and wholesome values. Take a sweet journey through our history and get the inside scoop on what makes Breyers an American staple.
The Rich History of Breyers Ice Cream
Breyers’ story begins in 1866 when founder William Breyer combined rich cream, sugar, nuts, and a lot of elbow grease and hand-cranked his first batch of ice cream.
He started selling the delicious product to his neighbours and quickly the demand grew throughout Philadelphia, so much that Breyer started delivering his ice cream via a horse-drawn wagon.
Exactly 30 years later, in 1896 the Breyer family opened their first production plant, under the direction of William’s son, Henry. By 1918, Breyers was churning up over a million gallons of ice cream a year. In 1926, the company was acquired by National Dairy Products Co., soon to become Kraft Inc.
Key innovations, such as the introduction of new flavors and the development of rich, creamy textures, have kept Breyers at the forefront of the ice cream industry. In 1993, Breyers became part of Unilever’s Good Humor-Breyers Ice Cream Company.
In 2016, we celebrated 150 years of our history and we’re proud to keep bringing sweetness to tables across the nation like William did with his first hand-cranked pint of ice cream.
This is reflected in two other classic flavors: Chocolate, rich and velvety, offers a satisfying indulgence with every bite. While Cookies & Cream brings a delightful crunch to its creamy base, creating an irresistible contrast that is totally addictive.
And we don’t stop at the classics. Our Natural Strawberry is made with naturally sourced, sun-ripened berries, and our Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream gets its indulgent freshness from real mint extract.
What sets Breyers apart is our unwavering commitment to high-quality ingredients. By using real cream, milk, and sustainably sourced flavors, we ensure a rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. This dedication to authenticity creates ice cream that doesn’t just delight the tastebuds but also brings a sense of nostalgia, making each scoop feel like a special moment.
Sweet Evolution: How Breyers Adapts and Innovates Over Time
As the world keeps evolving, so do we to ensure you can enjoy your favorite frozen treat no matter your preferences.
Our Carb Smart range offers delicious options for those watching their carbohydrate intake, while our No Sugar Added line provides a sweet treat without the extra sugar. For those who are lactose intolerant or prefer plant-based options, we also offer Non-Dairy and Lactose Free varieties so good that you won’t be able to tell the difference. And if you’re gluten intolerant, we’ve adapted our most popular flavors to be gluten-free, so you can indulge in your favorite scoop and experiment with delicious recipes without scanning the ingredients’ list.
Planning a picnic? Our Snack Cups are the perfect treat to bring along. They’re conveniently sized for easy packing, and if you keep them in a cooler or insulated bag, they'll stay cool and ready to enjoy when you’re ready for a sweet moment.
Sustainability and ethical sourcing
We’re not just committed to making delicious ice cream, we want to make it with the best ingredients, that are kind to our planet. We partner with American farmers for 100% Grade A milk and cream that comes from cows not treated with hormones and we work with Rainforest Alliance to make sure that every speck of vanilla and fruit that goes into our ice cream is sustainably sourced.
To Another Century of Creamy Deliciousness
Breyers’ 150-year-long journey from humble beginnings in Philadelphia to a beloved household name proves our dedication to quality, sustainability, and innovation. Always serving the creamiest scoops, we continue to live on our promise: Better Starts With Breyers. Here’s to many more years of delicious ice cream and sweet moments shared with those we love.
FAQS
Q: When was Breyers ice cream founded?
Breyers Ice Cream was founded in 1866 when William Breyer started selling his hand-cranked ice cream in Philadelphia.
Q: What makes Breyers ice cream so creamy?
The secret to Breyers’ creaminess is the quality of the ingredients. We only use 100% Grade A milk and cream, ethically sourced vanilla, as well as natural colorings and extracts,
What are some of Breyers’ most popular flavors?
Some of Breyers’ Classics include Natural Vanilla, Chocolate, Mint Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
Q: How has Breyers evolved over the years?
Breyers has evolved by maintaining its commitment to high-quality ingredients while innovating with new flavors and sustainability practices. From its humble beginnings in 1866, the brand has expanded its offerings, embraced natural ingredients and adapted to consumer preferences, all while staying true to its legacy of creamy, indulgent ice cream.
Q: Why is Breyers considered one of the best ice cream brands?
Breyers is one of America’s favorite thanks to our unwavering commitment to quality, using only the finest ingredients like real cream, vanilla beans, and sustainably sourced fruits. Its rich, creamy texture, combined with timeless flavors have earned us a reputation for excellence.
Quality Taste from Quality Ingredients
Don’t take our word for it—try it yourself. From classic flavors to specialty treats, we have something sweet for everyone.