Scoop Wars: Ice Cream Rivalry Sparks in Millburn

In the heart of downtown Millburn, ice cream has become the latest obsession for the Millburn community. What used to be a simple decision between cup or cone and sorbet or ice cream has turned into an even bigger debacle: Classic Haagan Dazs or exploring new community favorites like Van Leuween and small businesses like Urban Scoop. For years, downtown Millburn has been flourishing woith new businesses but in 2025, the latest craze has been ice cream shops, Van Leueen and Urban Scoop opening in the recent months. Many see the new openings of creamery businesses as a competition to see who can win over the ice cream loving hearts of millburn while others see it as a chance to make ice cream inclusive to everyone in the community by having a wide variety of flavors, specialities and vegan options. With that being said, here’s the scoop on what each business has to offer and why Millburn should be the next place for your brain freeze.

Beginning with a downtown classic, Haagen Dazs has been in Millburn since early 1990's, many present and past community members sharing they created great memories whether it was during middle or high school or with family and friends. In addition to the new businesses, Haagen Dazs had their own revamping in early 2025, creating a sleek and modern feel for customers to enjoy. One of the many ways Haagen Dazs stands out in our community is through their sorbets and specialities such as their Dazzlers, a layered ice cream sundae which depending on the flavor, comes with different topping, ice cream and sauces. Some well-loved combinations include fan-favorite flavors like their Dulce de Leche and Cookies and Cream. Haagen Dazs also has an assortment of dairy-free options, keeping their business inclusive to all, even to those lactose-intolerant, with wide variety of flavors such as raspberry, mango and lemon and even seasonal options like strawberry kiwi or blueberry lemon. Haagen Dazs is versatile also due to its different ice cream arrangements like their ice cream cakes made instore. Personally, everytime there's a celebration or birday in my family, we always opt for a Haagan Dazs ice cream cake (for any chocolate lovers out there the Midnigh Cookies n cream is a great option!). Overall, I know for me Haagen Dazs is a household staple whether its their storebough pints or ice cream cake but especially because of their cutsomuizablke and high quality treats whether is a create-your-own milkshake/smoothee, a Dazzler or a regular scoop. If you're craving ice cream and plan on making a quick visit, want a cheaper option, or craving classic flavor that taste high-quality, you can never go with Haagen Dazs. The only question is does the Haggen Dazs experience satifiy the Millburn community or is their a need for chic vibe and premium flavors. 

Now, for the bombshells joining the downtown Millburn villa, Van Lueween joins us on Main St. In May 2025, Van Luween made quite the entrance, offering $1 cones from 3-5 and the first 100 customers able to win free goodies. Before making its way to Millburn, Van Luewaan has become a trending ice cream brandy, starting in Brooklyn NY, maing it’s way through New York City to having pre-made pints sold at grocery stores. The Millburn location is one of the three stores Van Lueween has in New Jersey, Hoboken and American Dream (Medowlands) being the other. One of the ways Van Lueween has attracted its customers is through is bright and colorful vibe as well as wide variety of seating options. Seating is available inside as well as outside in the courtyard. This is perfect for teens who want to grab a quick treat during the summer nights or getting a quick treat with your family after getting dinner at one of Millburn’s many delicious restaurants. I believe Van Lueween does not get enough recognition for their delicious vegan options. Van Lueween’s vegan option makes the entire experience truly inclusive by not having the same boring vanilla and chocolate flavors for those wanting to try Van Lueween but actual unique flavors like Peanut Butter Brownie Honeycomb and Strawberry Shortcake. These are only 2 flqavors out of there 7 flavor line up, not even including their ice cream sandwiches and bars. Between only Van Lueween and Haagan Dazs, Van Lueween definitely has more unique variety to choose from and not one flavor is too bland or simple. This is great option for those who are always looking to try something new but value consistency of location. 

Finally getting ready for its grand opening is Urban Scoop. Urban Scoop is a woman-owned small business with Millburn being its third location, the others being in Livingston and Exton, Pennsylvania.  Many have taken the time to write reviews, noting the “plethora of innovative flavors” and their signature ice cream and waffle dessert, one reviewer saying “Thank you for bringing the ice cream in bubble waffle style to Livingston!” Every bubble waffle cone has a scoop of ice cream and suases and toppings depending on what you choose. Their signitures also include a choice of milkshakes served with topings and a scoop of ice cream on top as well as thier Urban Refreshers which is made out of lemonade or iced tea, some are carbonated and a mix of yummy tropica flavors. Moving on to the star of the show, out of all the shops, Urban Scoop really went above and beyond for flavor choices, with some random yet tasty choices like Black Sesame and Masala Chai, “A Chai Tea Infused With Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Nutmeg, Fennel, And Ginger” as explained on the website. Urban Scoop is also allergen-friendly, with more than half the flavors being egg and gluten free. With 4.6 stars in reviews, Urban Scoop seems to be the star of the ice cream showdown wherever it goes. I wish the Urban Team the best of luck during the competition of the different business and their attempt to scooping our hearts over to Urban. 

Although the taste and quality of ice cream is important, many also value customer service so here’s Millburn’s hot takes. On Happy millburn, many have taken the time to post about Van Lueween’s pricing, commenting “It is ridiculous to pay $8 for one scoop” and critizing their credit card only policy one saying they “left & went to Haagen-Dazs” instead. Many are applauding Urban Scoop for also having a wide range of flavors but less complications as well as Haagen Dazs for having significantly bigger scoops than Van Lueween’s. 

At the end of the day, whether you're going for something classic, trendy, or totally unique, Millburn’s ice cream game is seriously strong right now. Haagen Dazs has been the go-to for years, and honestly, it's still a solid pick if you want a big scoop, a great Dazzler, or just that familiar taste. Van Leeuwen is fun for when you’re feeling adventurous or want something a little more “Instagram-worthy,” and don’t mind splurging for a sweet treat. And Urban Scoop? Although they may be the underdog, their wild flavors, friendly vibes and variety of specialities is giving the others a run for their money. Everyone’s got their opinions, but the real question is—who are you rooting for? All that’s left to do now is grab a spoon (or cone) and decide who really scoops your heart.