Long time update from OP---
2 1/2 years later, and I'm currently eating some Haagen-Dazs chocolate ice cream. It was on sale for $2.50 per 14 oz container, so I felt compelled to splurge. It is the most equivalent to my beloved Aldi super premium that I've tasted so far, though even with this super sale, still comes out 40% more expensive. My criteria for 'good' ice cream generally means 1) flavor/texture, 2) no gums or stabilizers, 3) minimal whipped in air, and 4) full fat. I'm almost tempted to buy some more and do a blind side by side taste test with friends. As my memory is, I don't think anyone will distinguish the difference.
There have been numerous votes for Costco vanilla, but the closest one is 2 hours away. I'm curious to one day try it out.
edited to add-- Its funny to look back on this thread. The particular ice cream I keep talking about used to cost $4 per 1.5 quarts, but now is usually $6. That's an average annual inflation rate of 18%!