used to be better b4 they got bought out and the new company changed the forumula w/cheaper stuff like gum extract
it used to be just:
milk
cream
sugar
eggs
cocoa
Yes, true, but the formula has been steadily and repeatedly weakened over the years, starting some time ago when Kraft bought what was originally a local Philadelphia product.
Breyers is still the best non-premium brand across a multitude of flavors like real Vanilla, Peach, Strawberry, etc.
But back when they were still local, they used to put out other flavors unannounced, like a Double Dutch Chocolate that was premium level heaven at a regular price. This all ended sometime in the middle/late 80's when Kraft bought them and took then semi-national.
That's when the aerating first started, in successive waves, no less. For a brief while, they actually went too far with the aeration and had to somewhat back off.
Lately, I believe, some other conglomerate bought them from Kraft and have further weakened the brand. The Vanilla isn't quite as good as it used to be, not to mention they have 4-5 different vanillas. :'(