Indulge in Giant Food's Delicious Ice Cream Selection
New Flavors Hit Stores This Summer
Giant Food offers an impressive selection of ice cream and frozen treats for dessert lovers. From classic flavors to unique creations, their range caters to diverse tastes and preferences. Giant Food's ice cream selection includes popular brands like Ben & Jerry's, Breyers, Häagen-Dazs, and their own store brand.
Customers can find pints, quarts, and larger sizes of ice cream in various flavors. Giant Food also stocks ice cream bars, sandwiches, and other novelty items. Their frozen treats section features popsicles, freeze pops, and gelato options.
Giant Food's ice cream offerings extend beyond traditional dairy products. They also carry plant-based and non-dairy alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs. With such a wide array of choices, Giant Food has become a go-to destination for frozen dessert enthusiasts.
History of Giant Food Ice Cream
Giant Food, a supermarket chain founded in 1936, has a long history of offering ice cream to its customers. The company began selling ice cream in its stores shortly after opening, recognizing the dessert's popularity.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Giant Food expanded its ice cream offerings as frozen food sections became more common in supermarkets. They introduced their own private label ice cream during this period.
Giant Food's ice cream selection grew significantly in the 1970s and 1980s. The company partnered with well-known brands like Breyers, Häagen-Dazs, and Ben & Jerry's to provide customers with a wide variety of options.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Giant Food continued to innovate its ice cream offerings. They introduced new flavors and formats, including low-fat and sugar-free options to cater to changing consumer preferences.
Today, Giant Food offers a diverse range of ice cream products. Their selection includes:
Private label ice cream
Premium national brands
Frozen yogurt
Non-dairy alternatives
Ice cream bars and sandwiches
Giant Food has adapted to evolving tastes and dietary needs, ensuring their ice cream selection remains relevant and appealing to modern consumers.
Types of Ice Cream at Giant Food
Giant Food offers a diverse selection of ice cream brands and flavors. Their lineup includes popular national brands as well as their own store brand options.
Ben & Jerry's flavors like Peanut Butter Cup and Phish Food can be found in Giant's freezer section. These pints are known for their creative mix-ins and indulgent textures.
Häagen-Dazs is another premium option available at Giant. Flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate, and Coffee Chocolate Brownie come in both pint and single-serve sizes.
For classic flavors, Giant stocks Breyers ice cream in larger 1.5 quart containers. Chocolate and Vanilla are staple options in this brand's lineup.
Giant's own brand of ice cream provides value-priced alternatives. Their Vanilla and Chocolate single-serve cups offer convenient portion control.
Ice cream sandwiches are also part of Giant's frozen dessert selection. The store brand version features vanilla ice cream between chocolate wafers in a 24-count box.
For those seeking non-dairy options, Giant carries plant-based ice creams like Wicked Kitchen's Sweet Cookie Dough flavor.
Frozen novelties round out the selection, including Dove ice cream bars and Popsicle brand ice pops in various flavors.
Popular Brands of Ice Cream at Giant Food
Giant Food offers a wide selection of ice cream brands to satisfy every taste preference. Turkey Hill is a prominent brand featured in their freezer section. Their Premium Ice Cream line includes flavors like Choco Mint Chip, Vanilla & Chocolate, and Neapolitan.
Friendly's is another well-known brand available at Giant Food. Customers can find their Premium Ice Cream in flavors such as Fudge Swirl and Forbidden Chocolate. Friendly's also offers ice cream sandwiches, including the popular Big Chipper Original.
Ben & Jerry's, known for its unique flavor combinations, is stocked at Giant Food. Their Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream is a customer favorite.
For those seeking lighter options, Giant Food carries Halo Top. This brand gained popularity for its lower-calorie ice cream alternatives.
Giant Food's own store brand, Giant Churn Style Ice Cream, is also available. Their Vanilla Light flavor offers a reduced-fat option with only 3g of fat and 100 calories per serving.
Other brands found at Giant Food include:
Häagen-Dazs
FatBoy
Chipwich
Oreo (frozen dairy dessert sandwiches)
These diverse offerings ensure that Giant Food caters to a variety of ice cream preferences and dietary needs.
Seasonal Flavors and Offerings
Giant Food offers a rotating selection of seasonal ice cream flavors throughout the year. These limited-time offerings cater to changing tastes and holiday themes.
In summer, refreshing fruit-based options like peach and strawberry take center stage. Lighter flavors such as lemon sorbet and coconut also become popular choices during warmer months.
Fall brings the return of beloved pumpkin spice ice cream. Apple pie and cinnamon varieties make appearances as autumn flavors as well.
Winter sees the introduction of peppermint stick, eggnog, and gingerbread ice creams. These festive options align with holiday celebrations and cooler weather cravings.
Spring heralds lighter, floral-inspired flavors. Lavender, rose, and honey emerge as seasonal specialties during this time of year.
Giant Food may also create unique flavors for specific holidays or events. These could include red, white and blue varieties for Independence Day or themed options for Valentine's Day.
Seasonal offerings are typically available for a limited time. Customers are encouraged to check with their local Giant Food store or website for current flavor availability.
Dietary Options
Giant Food offers a range of ice cream options to cater to various dietary needs and preferences. Their selection includes both traditional and specialized varieties.
For those watching their calorie intake, Giant provides single-serve ice cream cups in vanilla and chocolate flavors. These portioned options allow for better control over consumption.
Gluten-free consumers can find suitable choices within the Giant ice cream lineup. Some products, like certain Häagen-Dazs varieties, are clearly labeled as gluten-free.
Giant also offers lower-fat alternatives for health-conscious customers. Their product range includes options with reduced milkfat content.
For those concerned about artificial hormones, some Giant ice cream products use milk from cows not treated with rBST growth hormone.
Vegans and those with lactose intolerance may find limited options in Giant's traditional ice cream range. However, the store likely stocks non-dairy alternatives to accommodate these dietary restrictions.
It's important to note that many Giant ice cream products contain bioengineered food ingredients. This information is typically disclosed on the packaging for consumers who prefer to avoid such ingredients.
Purchasing Ice Cream at Giant Food
Giant Food offers a variety of options for ice cream lovers. Customers can choose between traditional in-store shopping and convenient online ordering with delivery services.
In-Store Shopping Experience
Giant Food stores feature well-stocked freezer sections with a wide selection of ice cream brands and flavors. Popular choices include Giant's own brand, Ben & Jerry's, Breyers, and Häagen-Dazs. Shoppers can find pints, quarts, and larger sizes to suit their needs.
The stores also offer ice cream cakes for special occasions. Carvel cakes are available in various sizes, featuring chocolate and vanilla ice cream with crunchy layers.
For those with dietary restrictions, Giant Food carries gluten-free options like Abilyn's Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Cake.
Online Shopping and Delivery Services
Giant Food provides online ordering and delivery services for ice cream products. Customers can browse the full range of flavors and brands on the Giant Food website or through the Instacart platform.
Same-day delivery is available in many areas, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite ice cream without leaving home. Giant's Real Ice Cream Vanilla and other popular flavors can be ordered for quick delivery.
Online shoppers can save money by using their Giant Food Rewards account. First-time delivery orders often come with special discounts.
The website provides detailed product information, including ingredients and nutritional facts, to help customers make informed choices.
Ice Cream Storage and Handling
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining ice cream quality. The ideal freezer temperature for storing ice cream ranges from -5°F to 0°F (-21°C to -18°C).
Store ice cream containers in the main freezer compartment, not in the door. This prevents exposure to temperature fluctuations from frequent door openings.
For optimal texture and flavor, serve ice cream between 6°F and 10°F (-14°C to -12°C). This temperature range allows for easy scooping while preserving the creamy consistency.
When storing homemade ice cream, consider using metal or glass loaf pans. Their shape provides an excellent surface for scooping and fits well in most freezers.
To prevent ice crystals from forming, press plastic wrap directly onto the ice cream's surface before sealing the container. This minimizes air exposure.
Avoid repeated thawing and refreezing, as it can degrade texture and flavor. Scoop only what's needed and promptly return the container to the freezer.
Keep ice cream away from strong-smelling foods in the freezer. Ice cream can absorb odors, affecting its taste.
Use clean utensils when scooping to prevent introducing contaminants. This helps maintain the ice cream's quality and extends its shelf life.
Promotions and Savings on Ice Cream
Giant Food offers various ways for customers to save money on ice cream purchases. These include special deals through their loyalty program and weekly promotional offers.
Loyalty Program Benefits
Giant Food's loyalty program provides exclusive discounts on ice cream products. Members earn points on purchases, which can be redeemed for free or discounted ice cream. The program often features digital coupons for popular brands like Ben & Jerry's, Breyers, and Häagen-Dazs.
Special promotions may include buy-one-get-one deals on select ice cream flavors. Loyalty members sometimes receive early access to new product releases or limited-edition flavors.
Weekly Ads and Discounts
Giant Food regularly features ice cream deals in their weekly advertisements. These promotions typically include price reductions on various ice cream brands and frozen treats.
Customers can find discounts on multi-packs of ice cream sandwiches, popsicles, and novelty items. Seasonal sales often coincide with holidays or warm weather months, offering significant savings on bulk purchases.
Giant's own brand of ice cream products frequently appears in promotions, providing budget-friendly alternatives to national brands. The store occasionally runs bundle deals, allowing customers to save when purchasing multiple ice cream items together.
Sustainability and Sourcing Practices
Giant Food's ice cream division is making strides in sustainable practices. The company recognizes the importance of environmental responsibility in the ice cream industry.
Efforts are focused on reducing energy consumption in manufacturing facilities. This includes implementing more efficient freezing and storage technologies.
Packaging innovations play a key role in Giant Food's sustainability initiatives. The company is exploring recyclable and biodegradable packaging options to minimize environmental impact.
Responsible sourcing is another priority. Giant Food aims to partner with dairy farms that implement sustainable farming practices. This includes water conservation methods and proper waste management.
The company is also investigating plant-based alternatives to traditional dairy ice cream. These options cater to environmentally conscious consumers and reduce the overall carbon footprint.
Reducing food waste is an important aspect of Giant Food's sustainability efforts. The company implements careful inventory management and explores ways to repurpose excess ingredients.
Transportation efficiency is being improved to decrease emissions. This involves optimizing delivery routes and exploring alternative fuel options for delivery vehicles.
Giant Food is committed to transparency in its sustainability practices. The company regularly reports on its progress and sets ambitious goals for future improvements in its ice cream production and distribution processes.
Community Engagement and Events
Giant Food demonstrates a strong commitment to community involvement through various initiatives and events. The company's Community Bag Program has made a significant impact on local nonprofits, with donation totals updated daily.
Giant Food's dedication to fighting hunger is evident in their impressive food donation efforts. In a recent year, they donated over 4 million meals, totaling more than 5 million pounds of food to Feeding America food bank partners.
The company also supports military families through partnerships with organizations like the USO. A combined effort between Giant and its customers raised $900,000 for the USO National Capital District to assist local service members and their families.
Giant Food's commitment to health causes is noteworthy. They raised over $1.8 million through their Annual Pediatric Cancer campaign, showcasing their dedication to supporting important medical research and treatment efforts.
To enhance community events, Giant Food could consider incorporating ice cream trucks as a social hub. This approach can create a festive atmosphere and encourage interaction among attendees. Some creative ideas include:
Hosting flavor voting contests
Offering customized ice cream flavors for special events
Strategically positioning trucks to maximize social engagement
By combining their existing community programs with fun, ice cream-themed events, Giant Food can further strengthen their bond with local communities and create memorable experiences for customers.
Corporate Responsibility
Giant Food demonstrates a commitment to corporate responsibility through various initiatives. The company focuses on addressing social and environmental issues in its communities.
One key area is hunger relief. Giant Food contributes to local food banks and runs food drives to support those facing food insecurity.
The company also prioritizes children's health and education. It provides funding for youth programs and school partnerships to promote child wellbeing.
Environmental sustainability is another focus. Giant Food works to reduce waste, increase recycling, and improve energy efficiency in its operations.
The company supports diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts both internally and in the communities it serves. This includes partnerships with diverse suppliers and organizations.
Health and wellness initiatives are part of Giant Food's corporate responsibility approach. The company offers nutrition education programs and promotes healthy food choices.
Giant Food publishes a community impact report to share updates on its social responsibility work. This transparency allows customers and stakeholders to track the company's progress in these areas.
Through these efforts, Giant Food aims to create positive change beyond its core business of selling groceries and ice cream. The company recognizes its role as a community member and strives to contribute meaningfully.
