Disclaimer: DO NOT READ IF LACTOSE INTOLERANT.
Our definition of a frozen dairy treat includes ice cream, frozen yogurt, and gelato. For fairness, we asked the employees to give us their original flavors. We formatted a rubric to score the ice-creameries from 1 to 5 falcons on 3 parameters: flavor, texture, and presentation. The scores were averaged between the three reviewers.
BerryLine: 4.73
When it comes to ice cream in Harvard Square, one “ice cream” reigns over them all. With a score of 4.73 falcons, the reviewers unanimously agreed on BerryLine to be first place. The flavor was strong, but not overwhelming, the yogurt was smooth and refreshing, and the sample was presented neatly in small cups. Whether it’s after an a capella concert or an awkward first date, you can always rely on BerryLine to be there. All three reviewers agreed to come back soon.
Taiyaki NYC: 4.72
Located on Church street near the abandoned movie theater, a new star is rising in Crimson ice cream history. Taiyaki NYC, newly established in 2022, surprised the reviewers with a spectacular mix of traditional Japanese dessert and ice cream. The employee we spoke to, Amy, graciously gave us a free cup of vanilla ice cream topped with their signature taiyaki (Japanese fish-shaped cake) cone. The ice cream was smooth, creamy, and tasted amazing, losing to BerryLine by only 0.01 Falcons. Highly recommend!
Amorino: 4.03
Amorino, known for their flower-shaped scoops and multitude of flavors, set our expectations very high. However, even without our prior judgments, we found ourselves disappointed. On the first bite, Amorino’s vanilla flavor was smooth and had a well balanced amount of vanilla, but on the second bite, a crucial detail was revealed: the spoon. Amorino’s spoon-shaped wooden slabs add a strong and incredibly unwelcoming taste of wood to the consumer’s mouth. The store’s score was significantly lowered because of it.
Lizzie’s: 4.02
Tucked in among larger establishments, Lizzie’s is a welcomed splash of color on Harvard Square’s brick backdrop. We enjoyed the fresh, natural taste and the subtle sweetness peeking through a creamy texture. The aftertaste was especially milky and left something to be desired.
Ben & Jerry’s: 4.00
International classic Ben & Jerry’s is found in grocery stores around the globe, and its brick and mortar shops—including the Harvard square location we visited—have lines out their doors all summer long. We enjoyed the classic vanilla flavoring, the refreshing coolness, and that the sweetness wasn’t overpowering. However, Ben & Jerry’s lost points on how fast the ice cream melted and the interesting aftertaste that we swear tasted like mangoes.
J.P. Licks: 3.50
Normally a neighborhood staple, J.P. Licks surprised us by coming last in the ranking. Even in the tiny amount they offered as a sample, the vanilla flavor was overwhelmingly present. The texture was ruined by the strong taste of freezer burn. Overall the ice cream tasted old, bland, and poorly balanced. It was nothing special and quickly secured its spot at the bottom of the list.
