Here’s a fun secret: the $2 store-brand cone often beats the famous names. Surprised? We were too.
If you have ever stood in the grocery store aisle wondering which ice cream cones to grab, this guide is for you. We compared the best ice cream cone brands in the USA based on crunchy texture, sweetness, price, and how well each cone holds a melting scoop without leaking.
Whether you love a classic sugar cone, a big waffle cone, or a light cake cone, our top 10 picks will help you bring the ice cream parlor experience home.
The best ice cream cone brands in the USA are Joy Cone, Keebler, Great Value, Let’s Do Organic, Nabisco Comet, Dinky Dippers, Kroger, Favorite Day, Trader Joe’s, and Gefen. Joy Cone is America’s largest cone maker, while budget store brands often win blind taste tests for crunch and sweetness.
Why Trust This Guide? (Our Testing Process)
We did not just guess. We reviewed real taste test results, checked hundreds of shopper reviews, and compared each brand on five simple points:
- Crunch Does it snap or bend?
- Flavor Sweet and toasty, or bland?
- Strength Does the tip leak melted ice cream?
- Freshness Do the cones arrive whole and crisp?
- Value Price per cone in a bulk pack
This hands-on approach keeps our rankings honest and helpful.
Top 10 Ice Cream Cone Brands
| Rank | Brand | Best For | Cone Type | Gluten-Free? | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joy Cone | Overall favorite | Sugar, cake, waffle | Some options | Walmart, Kroger, Amazon |
| 2 | Keebler | Waffle cones | Waffle, sugar, cake | No | Target, Walmart |
| 3 | Great Value (Walmart) | Budget crunch | Sugar, waffle | No | Walmart |
| 4 | Let’s Do Organic | Gluten-free & vegan | Sugar, cake | Yes | Whole Foods, Amazon |
| 5 | Nabisco Comet | Classic sugar cones | Sugar | No | Most supermarkets |
| 6 | Dinky Dippers | Kids’ parties | Mini cake cones | No | Amazon |
| 7 | Kroger Brand | Everyday value | Sugar, waffle | No | Kroger stores |
| 8 | Favorite Day (Target) | Family packs | Sugar, waffle | No | Target |
| 9 | Trader Joe’s | Organic sugar cones | Sugar | No | Trader Joe’s |
| 10 | Gefen | Kosher & sugar-free | Cake cups | Some options | Amazon, kosher markets |
The Top 10 Best Ice Cream Cone Brands
1. Joy Cone America’s Favorite Cone Maker
Joy Cone is the largest cone company in the USA, and it earns the top spot. This family-owned brand from Pennsylvania makes sugar cones, cake cones, waffle cones, and flat-bottom cups that millions of families trust.
Why we love it: Light, crispy, and easy to find at almost every supermarket. The mini cups are perfect for cake pops and kids’ treats.
Best for: Families who want a reliable, fresh cone every time.
2. Keebler The Waffle Cone Champion
Keebler cones taste just like the ones from your local ice cream shop. Their waffle cones have an excellent toasty crunch, and the variety pack solves the “sugar vs. cake” family debate in one box.
Why we love it: Great flavor, fair price, and a vegan-friendly waffle option.
Best for: Waffle cone lovers on a budget.
3. Great Value (Walmart) The Budget Winner
Here’s the fun upset: in blind taste tests, Great Value cones often beat the big names. The sugar cones are truly sweet, and the waffle cones are crisp with a golden, toasted flavor.
Why we love it: Shop-quality crunch at the lowest price per cone.
Best for: Smart shoppers and big parties.
4. Let’s Do Organic Best Gluten-Free and Vegan Cones
Finding gluten-free ice cream cones used to be hard. Let’s Do Organic fixed that. Their gluten-free sugar cones are crispy, and their cake cones are made with clean, simple ingredients.
Why we love it: Organic, non-GMO, and allergy-friendly without losing the crunch.
Best for: Gluten-free and vegan dessert fans.
5. Nabisco Comet The Classic Sugar Cone
Comet sugar cones have been around for generations. They are small, sturdy, and lightly sweet perfect for gelato, sorbet, and softer frozen desserts.
Why we love it: A strong, drip-proof tip that rarely leaks.
Best for: Purists who want the classic cone from childhood.
Also Read: Cone Sleeves Packaging Dimensions: A Simple Guide for the Perfect Fit
6. Dinky Dippers Best Mini Cones for Kids
Dinky Dippers makes adorable mini ice cream cones about three inches tall. They look like tiny sugar cones but taste like light wafer cones.
Why we love it: Perfect kid-size portions, birthday parties, and dessert boards.
Best for: Parents, teachers, and party planners.
7. Kroger Brand Reliable Everyday Value
Kroger’s store-brand sugar cones and waffle cones are solid picks with good crunch and honest pricing. They rank close to the name brands in most taste tests.
Best for: Kroger shoppers who want quality without the markup.
8. Favorite Day (Target) Great Family Packs
Target’s Favorite Day line offers tasty waffle cones and sugar cones in generous family packs. The flavor is toasty, and the cones hold up well against melting scoops.
Best for: Target runs and weekend family desserts.
9. Trader Joe’s Best Organic Sugar Cones
Trader Joe’s Organic Sugar Cones bring simple ingredients and a clean, caramel-like sweetness. Stock can be seasonal, so grab a few boxes when you see them.
Best for: Organic shoppers who love that TJ’s touch.
10. Gefen Best Kosher and Sugar-Free Option
Gefen cone cups are kosher, and the brand offers sugar-free options too. The 48-count boxes are great for parties, school events, and community gatherings.
Best for: Kosher households and sugar-free diets.
Also Read: How to Find the Best Cone Sleeves Supplier for Your Food Business
Sugar Cone vs. Waffle Cone vs. Cake Cone: What’s the Difference?
- Cake cone (wafer cone): Light, airy, and mildly sweet. The most budget-friendly choice and the easiest for small kids to hold.
- Sugar cone: Sturdier, sweeter, with a caramelized flavor and a pointed tip. Great for denser ice creams.
- Waffle cone: The biggest and crunchiest of all. Fresh-rolled waffle cones are the gold standard at any ice cream parlor.
Pro tip: Drop a mini marshmallow or a chocolate chip into the tip of your cone. It plugs the hole and stops those melty leaks!
How to Keep Ice Cream Cones Fresh and Crunchy
Stale cones are the #1 shopper complaint. Here’s how to avoid soggy sadness:
- Store cones in an airtight container after opening.
- Keep them away from heat and moisture.
- Fill cones right before serving, never ahead of time.
- For parties, brush the inside with melted chocolate. It adds flavor and blocks sogginess.
Business tip: If you run an ice cream shop or dessert brand, custom packaging keeps cones fresh and makes your brand pop. Companies like ONO Custom Boxes, Custom Printed Cone Sleeves Wholesale help shops protect cones while adding a professional, branded look that customers remember.
Trending Ways to Enjoy Ice Cream Cones in 2026
Want to level up your cone game? These treats are everywhere right now:
- Strawberry crunch topping rolled on the rim
- Cookie butter (Biscoff) drizzle inside the cone
- Pistachio cream swirls, inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate trend
- Chocolate-dipped cone edges with sprinkles
- Mini cones as cake pop holders and cupcake toppers
Also Read: 5 Amazing Cone Sleeves Packaging Design Ideas (Guide)
FAQs
What is the best store-bought ice cream cone brand?
Joy Cone is the most popular and widely available brand in the USA. For pure crunch and sweetness, budget brands like Great Value often win blind taste tests.
Are Joy and Keebler cones the same?
No. They are separate companies. Joy Cone is a family-owned American cone maker, while Keebler is best known for cookies and also makes well-loved waffle cones.
Which ice cream cones are gluten-free?
Let’s Do Organic makes the most popular gluten-free ice cream cones, including sugar-style and cake-style options.
What cones do ice cream shops use?
Most shops use commercial-grade cake cones for value and fresh-rolled waffle cones for premium orders. Many order bulk packs from makers like Joy Cone.
Do ice cream cones expire?
Yes. Cones stay best for about 6–9 months unopened. After opening, seal them tight and use them within a few weeks for the best crunch.
How do you stop an ice cream cone from leaking?
Plug the tip with a mini marshmallow, a chocolate chip, or a bit of melted chocolate before adding your scoop.
Are cake cones healthier than sugar cones?
Cake cones usually have fewer calories and less sugar than sugar cones or waffle cones, making them the lighter pick.
Where can I buy waffle cones in bulk?
Amazon, Walmart, Costco, and restaurant supply stores all sell waffle cones in bulk. Great for parties, fundraisers, and small dessert shops.
Final Scoop: Which Cone Brand Should You Buy?
Every cone on this list earns its spot, but here’s the simple cheat sheet:
- Best overall: Joy Cone
- Best waffle cone: Keebler
- Best budget pick: Great Value
- Best gluten-free: Let’s Do Organic
- Best for kids: Dinky Dippers
The right cone turns a simple scoop into a happy moment. Grab a box, invite the family, and make tonight an ice cream night.
