My opinion: low end ice cream usually has more sugar. It makes it taste good superficially but it wears on me after awhile. I like it creamy/fatty and I think that is harder to make? (never made ice cream myself)

I look for the fewest ingredients. If I see preservatives or coloring I generally don't buy it. Haagen Daaz is one of the few national brands that is really good about that. Jeni's is really good IMO