Provo takes ice cream seriously. Between the BYU Creamery (a campus institution for over a century), a growing number of artisan ice cream shops, and the inevitable frozen treat runs that define summer evenings in a college town, there's no shortage of quality options. Here are the spots worth your calories.
The Best Shops
Rockwell Ice Cream Company
Artisan · $$ · Center Street, Provo
The best ice cream in Provo, period. Rockwell makes small-batch, handcrafted ice cream with seasonal flavors that rotate regularly and consistently surprise. The base ice cream is rich and creamy — you can taste the quality of the ingredients — and the creative flavors go well beyond vanilla-chocolate-strawberry territory. The GOAT (a signature flavor) and the seasonal specialties are the draws. Located on Center Street, it's the perfect end to a downtown dinner.
Pro tip: The triple scoop lets you try three flavors for less than two singles. Split with a date and sample six flavors.
BYU Creamery on Ninth
Classic · $ · BYU Campus
A campus institution that's been producing ice cream since the early 1900s. BYU's dairy program makes the ice cream on-site, and the result is a product with genuine dairy character — rich, creamy, and distinctly different from commercial brands. Cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip, and the seasonal flavors are all excellent. The Creamery also serves as a mini grocery store, deli, and bakery, making it a one-stop campus destination.
The experience: Part of the BYU experience is a Creamery run — especially late at night, when the shop is full of students studying, socializing, and eating ice cream that costs less than anywhere else in town.
Sub Zero Ice Cream
Liquid Nitrogen · $$ · Provo
Ice cream made to order using liquid nitrogen — you choose your base (cream, yogurt, or non-dairy), your flavor, and your mix-ins, and they freeze it in front of you with dramatic clouds of nitrogen vapor. The result is exceptionally smooth ice cream with no ice crystals. The customization is fun, the process is entertaining (especially for kids), and the quality is high.
Brooker's Founding Flavors
Historical-Themed · $$ · Provo
An ice cream shop built around the concept of "founding flavors" — recipes inspired by historical American ice cream traditions. The shop has a retro aesthetic, the ice cream is well-made, and the concept adds an educational-entertainment layer that makes it more than just a scoop shop. Family-friendly and unique to Utah.
Handel's Homemade Ice Cream
Traditional · $$ · Orem
A regional chain that's earned a strong following in Utah. Handel's makes ice cream fresh daily at each location, with a large menu of flavors and consistent quality. The portions are generous, and the flavors lean classic (butter pecan, chocolate peanut butter, cookie dough) rather than experimental. Good for people who want reliably excellent traditional ice cream.
Quick Frozen Treat Options
Crumbl Cookies — Not ice cream, but the famous Utah cookie chain deserves mention in any sweets guide. Rotating flavors weekly, massive cookies, and locations throughout Provo-Orem.
Swig/Sodalicious — Pair a dirty soda with a sugar cookie for the full Utah sweets experience. See our Soda Shops Guide.
Costco food court — The $1.50 soft-serve ice cream twist is possibly the best value in all of Provo frozen desserts.
The Best Ice Cream Strategy
For quality: Rockwell. Always Rockwell.
For tradition: BYU Creamery. It's part of the Provo experience.
For entertainment: Sub Zero. The liquid nitrogen theater makes every visit memorable.
For families: Brooker's or Handel's. Kid-friendly environments with flavors everyone can agree on.
For budget: BYU Creamery or Costco soft-serve. Maximum ice cream per dollar.
Related Guides
- Best Desserts & Bakeries in Provo & Orem
- Best Restaurants in Provo
- Best Date Ideas in Provo
- Center Street Dining Guide
- Soda Shops & Dirty Soda Guide
Last updated: April 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ice cream in Provo?
Is BYU Creamery ice cream good?
Where can I get frozen custard in Provo?