Finnish ice cream brands

Did you know that Finland is one of the top consumers of ice cream per capita in Europe? Local ice cream brands emphasise high-quality ingredients, often incorporating natural and locally sourced elements. Some companies have even caught the attention of neighbouring countries, such as Suomen Jäätelö, which announced a merger with Estonia's La Muu in 2020. 

Enjoyed year-round, ice cream is especially popular during the summer months, when numerous ice cream kiosks and parlours pop up across the country.

Below are five additional examples of the nation’s passion for frozen flavours.

BLENDING TRADITION AND INNOVATION: HELSINGIN JÄÄTELÖTEHDAS

Founded in 1922 by immigrant brothers from Italy’s Tuscany, Helsingin Jäätelötehdas (or Helsinki Ice Cream Factory) is Finland’s oldest operating ice cream manufacturer. The family-owned business has become synonymous with artisanal ice cream, offering a variety of flavours, from classic vanilla and chocolate to innovative seasonal combinations.

Deeply rooted in the local community, Helsingin Jäätelötehdas participates in various events and social initiatives. Its ice cream kiosks, a familiar sight in Helsinki and Espoo, serve as social hubs, especially during the summer, bringing people together to enjoy their beloved treats. The most iconic of the kiosks is located in the capital’s Kaivopuisto park.

“I think it’s much deeper than just ice cream,” said CEO Linda Magi. “Our kiosks have been in Kaivopuisto for decades. It's quite an experience when a granddad brings his grandkids to the kiosk and tells them that he ate our ice creams back in the 40s.”

INSPIRING ICE CREAM LOVERS: 3 FRIENDS

Just as the name suggests, this ice cream company was established by three friends – Heikki Huotari,Ilkka Wikholm and Sauli Saarnisto. The matey trio wanted to create ice creams that they themselves want to eat and can be proud of without compromises on taste and the quality of ingredients.

Their first three flavours – blueberry-cardamom, strawberry-vanilla and raspberry-white chocolate – hit the shelves in Finland in 2012. Such was the success that the company was inundated with flavour suggestions. Now the company’s ice cream portfolio consists of over a dozen inventive flavours, including vegan and less-sugar options.

“Our ice creams are made of natural, real ingredients from scratch, without cutting corners,” Huotari told us a few years ago. “We roast our nuts and prepare our sauces ourselves to make the flavours taste so real that they can be instantly recognised even if you’ve not seen the package.”

It comes as no surprise then that 3 Friends regularly makes it to the list of Finland’s most recommended ice cream brands, with recognition growing also in Sweden. Currently sold in over a thousand retail shops in the neighbouring country, 3 Friends believes it has a strong international market potential.

SOFT ALCOHOL ICE CREAM: BAD SANTA

With an alcohol content varying between 3.8 and 4.2 per cent and flavours ranging from honey rum and whiskey coffee to sweet pear and liquorice, Bad Santa mixes ice cream and cocktails in one scoop. Needless to say, this product is not for children, but rather for adults who fancy an offbeat treat perfect for warmer months.

“Bad Santa is meant to be enjoyed right after purchasing, and it tastes best in the sunshine,” stated Jens Lönnqvist, CEO of Santas Ice Cream, the Turku-based company behind the brand.

The company prides itself on commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Each batch of its alcohol-infused ice cream is made using the finest ingredients, including fresh dairy from local farms and top-shelf spirits. Additionally, the company offers alcohol-free frozen treats under the brand of Sweet Santa.

Today, Bad Santa is eyeing promising export opportunities in European and Asian countries and has previously tested the German market.

COMMITMENT TO ORGANIC QUALITY: SUOMISEN MAITO

Next time you are visiting Finland, you can try the Jymy-branded ice cream produced by Aura-based Suomisen Maito. This boutique ice cream maker is known for using clean, ethical ingredients without a chemical load. With artisan tradition and organic production at its core, the company offers some truly delicious flavours like white chocolate-salty liquorice, cookie dough and salty caramel-milk chocolate. The refreshing treats also include options suitable for a vegan diet.

Sustainability is at the core of Suomisen Maito's operations. The company continually explores new ways to reduce its environmental footprint and was the first local dairy producer to introduce carbon-negative ice cream.

Since its founding in 2014, Suomisen Maito has gained a notable foothold in Finland, and its ice creams, which can satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth, have been exported to Japan and Germany.

“Jymy wants to bring joy and deliciousness to people’s lives,” summarised founder Jyrki Sukula.

A TASTE OF EXCELLENCE: VALIO

It was in the spring of 2018 when this dairy giant, recognised as Finland’s most sustainable brand, returned to the ice cream shelves after a 14-year break by introducing an entirely lactose-free ice cream line of six intriguing flavour combinations.

Sold under the name of Valio Jäätelöfabriikki, Valio’s premium ice creams come as a result of continuous innovation to meet evolving consumer preferences, such as for higher protein content and less sugar. The company's strict quality control measures and use of natural local ingredients guarantee that every scoop meets the highest standards of excellence.

“Valio has long history as an ice cream producer, and we know what Finns like when it comes to ice cream,” said senior vice president Jussi Mattsson. “We want to offer ice cream lovers something new and delicious and that many people can enjoy.”