In recent years, vegan ice cream has emerged as a star in the world of plant-based foods, offering indulgent alternatives to traditional dairy-based ice creams. As more consumers embrace veganism and seek dairy-free options for health, environmental, and ethical reasons, the market has responded with a plethora of delectable choices. This guide delves into the best vegan ice cream available, providing detailed descriptions of each product to help you make informed choices.
Top Picks
- A MOMENT OF BLISS IN EVERY BITE: Nondairy frozen desserts are the perfect dessert for quick, easy snacking in a busy, modern life
- GREAT FOR DAIRY-FREE LIFESTYLES: Plant-based frozen dessert is dairy-, lactose-, and soy-free
- 100 CALORIES PER SANDWICH. State of Readiness: Ready to Eat
- ORGANIC COCONUTMILK IS THE FIRST INGREDIENT as part of our commitment to high-quality ingredients
- CERTIFIED VEGAN AND NON-GMO PROJECT VERIFIED: No artificial flavors or colors, hydrogenated oils, soy, added MSG, or trans fat
- A DELICIOUS FROZEN TREAT: Nondairy frozen dessert tastes great in a bowl with your favorite toppings, on a cone, or blended into a shake
- GREAT FOR DAIRY-FREE LIFESTYLES: Plant-based frozen dessert made with cashewmilk; dairy-, lactose-, soy-, and gluten-free
- ENJOY A UNIQUE FLAVOR PROFILE as we harness the subtle creaminess of cashewmilk to put our own tasty spin on a beloved classic
- 0mg CHOLESTEROL per serving thanks to our plant-based ingredients
- CERTIFIED VEGAN AND NON-GMO PROJECT VERIFIED: No artificial flavors or colors, hydrogenated oils, soy, added MSG, or trans fat
- ALL THE JOYS OF ICE CREAM WITH NONE OF THE DAIRY: Nondairy frozen dessert bars are the perfect dessert for a dairy-free lifestyle
- A SWEET TREAT: Made with almondmilk and perfectly sized
- VIBRANT FLAVORS are packed into our almondmilk mocha frozen dessert; each bar is dipped in fudge and sprinkled with almonds
- CERTIFIED VEGAN and no artificial flavors or colors, hydrogenated oils, soy, added MSG, or trans fat
- NON-GMO PROJECT VERIFIED
What is the Best Vegan Ice Cream Brand?
When it comes to the best vegan ice cream brand, there are several top contenders known for their delicious flavors and creamy textures. Some of the most popular and highly rated brands include:
- Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy: Famous for its indulgent flavors like Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Peanut Butter & Cookies, Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy line uses almond milk to create rich, creamy ice creams packed with mix-ins.
- So Delicious Dairy Free: This brand offers a wide range of vegan ice creams made from various bases, including coconut milk, almond milk, cashew milk, and oat milk. Favorites include Chocolate Drizzled Bananas Foster and Salted Caramel Cluster.
- Oatly! Frozen Dessert: Known for its creamy oat milk base, Oatly! offers flavors like Chocolate Fudge and Strawberry, providing a smooth and refreshing alternative to traditional dairy ice cream.
- Nadamoo!: Utilizing coconut milk, Nadamoo! delivers ultra-creamy vegan ice creams in flavors such as Birthday Cake Cookie Dough and Rockiest Road.
These brands consistently receive high marks for flavor, texture, and quality ingredients, making them top choices for vegan ice cream lovers.
Where Can I Buy Vegan Ice Cream Near Me?
Finding vegan ice cream near you is easier than ever, thanks to the growing popularity of plant-based products. Here are some tips to locate the best vegan ice cream:
- Grocery Stores: Major grocery chains like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Safeway typically carry a variety of vegan ice cream brands, including Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy, So Delicious Dairy Free, and Oatly!.
- Health Food Stores: Specialty health food stores often stock a wide range of vegan ice creams. Stores like Sprouts Farmers Market and Natural Grocers are good places to check.
- Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon and Thrive Market offer a selection of vegan ice creams that can be delivered straight to your door. This is a convenient option if you have limited access to physical stores.
- Local Ice Cream Shops: Many artisanal ice cream shops now offer vegan options. Use online maps or review platforms like Yelp and Google Reviews to find local shops that serve vegan ice cream.
By exploring these options, you can enjoy the best vegan ice cream available in your area.
How Does Vegan Ice Cream Compare to Regular Ice Cream?
Vegan ice cream has come a long way in terms of taste and texture, often matching or even surpassing regular ice cream in quality. Here are some key points of comparison:
- Ingredients: Vegan ice cream is made without dairy and typically uses plant-based milk alternatives such as almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, and cashew milk. This makes it suitable for those with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or a vegan lifestyle.
- Flavor and Texture: Many vegan ice creams are designed to mimic the creamy texture and rich flavor of traditional ice cream. Brands like Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy and So Delicious Dairy Free use high-quality ingredients and innovative methods to achieve this. Coconut milk-based ice creams are particularly known for their creaminess.
- Nutritional Profile: Vegan ice cream can be a healthier option as it often contains less saturated fat and cholesterol compared to dairy ice cream. However, it is still a treat and can contain similar amounts of sugar and calories.
- Environmental Impact: Choosing vegan ice cream can reduce your environmental footprint, as plant-based milk production generally requires less water and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions than dairy farming.
Overall, vegan ice cream offers a delicious and ethical alternative to regular ice cream, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences and needs.
10 Best Vegan Ice Cream
1. Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy Ice Cream
Product Line Overview
Ben & Jerry’s, a household name in the ice cream industry, has successfully ventured into the vegan market with its Non-Dairy Ice Cream line. Using almond milk as a base, this line replicates the creamy, rich texture that Ben & Jerry’s is known for. The flavors are bold and indulgent, offering something for every palate.
Top Flavors
Chocolate Fudge Brownie
A beloved classic reimagined for vegans, Chocolate Fudge Brownie combines a rich chocolate base with generous chunks of chewy, fudgy brownies. The brownies are sourced from Greyston Bakery, a social enterprise dedicated to providing employment opportunities for those facing barriers.
Peanut Butter & Cookies
This flavor features a vanilla almond milk base swirled with chocolate sandwich cookie pieces and ribbons of peanut butter. The combination of crunchy cookies and smooth, salty-sweet peanut butter creates a balanced and satisfying treat.
Caramel Almond Brittle
For those with a penchant for caramel, Caramel Almond Brittle offers a luscious caramel base mixed with crunchy almond brittle pieces. The contrast between the creamy ice cream and the crunchy brittle is a sensory delight.
Texture and Taste
Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy Ice Cream is celebrated for its creamy texture, which closely mimics that of traditional ice cream. The use of almond milk provides a subtle nutty undertone that complements the bold flavors. The addition of generous mix-ins, such as brownies and cookies, ensures a satisfying experience with every spoonful.
2. So Delicious Dairy Free
Product Line Overview
So Delicious is a pioneer in the dairy-free market, offering a wide range of plant-based products. Their vegan ice cream line features various bases, including coconut milk, almond milk, cashew milk, and oat milk, catering to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
Top Flavors
Chocolate Drizzled Bananas Foster (Cashew Milk)
Inspired by the classic dessert, this flavor combines a creamy cashew milk base with chunks of caramelized banana and a chocolate drizzle. The cashew milk provides a rich, creamy texture, while the banana and chocolate create a delightful flavor combination.
Salted Caramel Cluster (Coconut Milk)
A fan favorite, Salted Caramel Cluster features a coconut milk base infused with salted caramel and mixed with chocolate-covered praline pecans. The coconut milk adds a tropical hint, while the caramel and pecans offer a sweet and salty crunch.
Oatmeal Cookie (Oat Milk)
For those who prefer oat milk, Oatmeal Cookie delivers a nostalgic flavor with a creamy oat milk base swirled with chunks of oatmeal cookie dough and a hint of cinnamon. This flavor is comforting and reminiscent of homemade cookies.
Texture and Taste
So Delicious Dairy Free ice creams are known for their smooth and creamy textures, regardless of the base used. The coconut milk options offer a slightly tropical note, while the cashew milk varieties are exceptionally rich. The oat milk options provide a hearty, comforting creaminess, making each flavor distinct and enjoyable.
3. Halo Top Dairy-Free
Product Line Overview
Halo Top has carved out a niche in the ice cream market by offering lower-calorie, higher-protein options. Their dairy-free line uses a coconut milk base and retains the brand’s signature low-calorie appeal, making it a favorite among health-conscious consumers.
Top Flavors
Peanut Butter Cup
This flavor features a coconut milk base with swirls of rich peanut butter and chocolate. It strikes a balance between indulgence and health, with a lower calorie count compared to traditional ice creams.
Sea Salt Caramel
Sea Salt Caramel combines a creamy coconut milk base with ribbons of salted caramel. The salty-sweet contrast is both sophisticated and satisfying, perfect for those who enjoy nuanced flavors.
Chocolate Covered Banana
For a fruity twist, Chocolate Covered Banana offers a coconut milk base infused with banana flavor and chunks of chocolate. The combination of banana and chocolate is classic, with the coconut milk providing a creamy backdrop.
Texture and Taste
Halo Top’s dairy-free ice creams are lighter and less dense than traditional options, owing to their lower calorie content. The coconut milk base lends a subtle tropical flavor, but the primary flavors shine through prominently. The texture is creamy but not overly rich, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a guilt-free treat.
4. Nadamoo!
Product Line Overview
Nadamoo! is a family-owned brand that uses coconut milk as the base for its dairy-free ice creams. The brand prides itself on using organic and fair-trade ingredients, offering a wide range of innovative and classic flavors.
Top Flavors
Birthday Cake Cookie Dough
A celebration in a pint, Birthday Cake Cookie Dough features a vanilla coconut milk base with chunks of cookie dough and colorful sprinkles. The flavor is reminiscent of birthday cake, offering a fun and nostalgic treat.
Rockiest Road
Rockiest Road takes the classic rocky road flavor and elevates it with a coconut milk base, chocolate chunks, marshmallows, and roasted almonds. The combination of textures and flavors makes this a standout choice for rocky road fans.
Maple Pecan
For a taste of autumn, Maple Pecan offers a maple-flavored coconut milk base with chunks of candied pecans. The sweet, nutty flavor is comforting and rich, perfect for cozying up on a chilly evening.
Texture and Taste
Nadamoo! ice creams are known for their ultra-creamy texture, thanks to the high-fat content of coconut milk. The flavors are bold and well-balanced, with the coconut milk adding a subtle tropical note that enhances the overall taste experience. The use of high-quality, organic ingredients ensures a clean and satisfying flavor profile.
5. Oatly! Frozen Dessert
Product Line Overview
Oatly!, the Swedish oat milk brand, has gained a massive following for its creamy and versatile oat milk products. Their foray into frozen desserts has been met with enthusiasm, offering a unique and delicious alternative to traditional ice cream.
Top Flavors
Chocolate Fudge
Oatly!’s Chocolate Fudge flavor features a creamy oat milk base with rich chocolate and swirls of chocolate fudge. The oat milk provides a smooth texture, while the fudge adds an extra layer of decadence.
Vanilla
A classic done right, Oatly!’s Vanilla flavor showcases the creamy, slightly sweet taste of oat milk with natural vanilla. The simplicity of this flavor allows the quality of the ingredients to shine through.
Strawberry
For a fruity option, Oatly!’s Strawberry flavor offers a creamy oat milk base infused with real strawberries. The result is a fresh, slightly tart, and refreshing treat that highlights the natural sweetness of the berries.
Texture and Taste
Oatly! frozen desserts are celebrated for their smooth, creamy texture, which is achieved without the use of dairy. The oat milk base lends a subtle, natural sweetness and a hint of oat flavor that complements the primary flavors. The result is a light, refreshing treat that is both satisfying and indulgent.
6. Coconut Bliss
Product Line Overview
Coconut Bliss, a brand dedicated to creating dairy-free, organic ice creams, uses a coconut milk base for its products. The brand focuses on sustainability and ethical sourcing, ensuring that its products are both delicious and environmentally friendly.
Top Flavors
Chocolate Walnut Brownie
This flavor combines a rich chocolate coconut milk base with chunks of walnut brownies. The result is a decadent, nutty treat that is perfect for chocolate lovers.
Infinite Coconut
For coconut enthusiasts, Infinite Coconut offers a double dose of coconut flavor with a creamy coconut milk base and shredded coconut throughout. The tropical taste is both refreshing and indulgent.
Mocha Maca Crunch
Mocha Maca Crunch features a coffee-flavored coconut milk base with swirls of maca and crunchy cacao nibs. The combination of coffee, maca, and chocolate creates a complex and energizing flavor profile.
Texture and Taste
Coconut Bliss ice creams are renowned for their rich, creamy texture, thanks to the high-fat content of coconut milk. The flavors are bold and vibrant, with the coconut milk providing a tropical undertone that enhances the overall taste. The use of organic, ethically sourced ingredients ensures a clean, pure flavor that is both satisfying and guilt-free.
7. Cado
Product Line Overview
Cado is unique in the vegan ice cream market, as it uses avocado as the base for its products. This innovative approach results in a creamy, rich texture that is both nutritious and delicious. Cado’s ice creams are also lower in sugar than many traditional options, making them a healthier choice.
Top Flavors
Deep Dark Chocolate
Cado’s Deep Dark Chocolate flavor features a rich, dark chocolate base made from avocado. The result is a creamy, indulgent treat with the added benefit of avocado’s healthy fats.
Mint Chocolate Chip
For a refreshing option, Mint Chocolate Chip combines a creamy avocado base with natural mint flavor and chunks of chocolate. The mint is bright and invigorating, while the chocolate adds a satisfying crunch.
Simply Lemon
Simply Lemon offers a light, refreshing option with a creamy avocado base infused with natural lemon. The tartness of the lemon balances the richness of the avocado, creating a perfectly balanced treat.
Texture and Taste
Cado ice creams have a unique, creamy texture that is achieved without the use of dairy. The avocado base provides a rich, smooth mouthfeel that is comparable to traditional ice cream. The flavors are well-balanced, with the avocado providing a subtle, neutral backdrop that allows the primary flavors to shine through.
8. Van Leeuwen Vegan Ice Cream
Product Line Overview
Van Leeuwen, known for its artisanal ice creams, offers a line of vegan options that are just as indulgent as their dairy counterparts. Using cashew milk and coconut cream as bases, Van Leeuwen’s vegan ice creams are rich, creamy, and packed with unique flavors.
Top Flavors
Honeycomb
Van Leeuwen’s Honeycomb flavor features a cashew milk base with chunks of honeycomb candy. The candy pieces add a delightful crunch and a sweet, caramel-like flavor.
Sicilian Pistachio
For a sophisticated option, Sicilian Pistachio offers a creamy cashew milk base infused with real pistachios. The nutty, slightly sweet flavor is both rich and satisfying.
Chocolate Fudge Brownie
This flavor combines a rich chocolate cashew milk base with chunks of fudge brownie. The result is a decadent, chocolatey treat that is perfect for indulgent moments.
Texture and Taste
Van Leeuwen’s vegan ice creams are known for their ultra-creamy texture, thanks to the combination of cashew milk and coconut cream. The flavors are bold and well-developed, with the high-quality ingredients shining through in every bite. The use of artisanal techniques ensures a premium product that is both indulgent and satisfying.
9. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Dairy-Free
Product Line Overview
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, a brand synonymous with quality and creativity, offers a range of dairy-free options that are crafted with the same care and attention as their traditional ice creams. Using coconut cream and sunflower milk, Jeni’s dairy-free line delivers rich, complex flavors and a creamy texture.
Top Flavors
Dark Chocolate Truffle
Dark Chocolate Truffle features a coconut cream base with intense dark chocolate flavor. The result is a rich, velvety treat that is perfect for chocolate aficionados.
Texas Sheet Cake
Inspired by the classic dessert, Texas Sheet Cake combines a chocolate coconut cream base with chunks of cake and a swirl of fudge. The combination of textures and flavors makes this a standout choice.
Cold Brew with Coconut Cream
For coffee lovers, Cold Brew with Coconut Cream offers a creamy coconut milk base infused with cold brew coffee. The result is a smooth, rich flavor with the perfect balance of coffee and cream.
Texture and Taste
Jeni’s dairy-free ice creams are celebrated for their rich, creamy texture, achieved through the use of coconut cream and sunflower milk. The flavors are complex and well-balanced, with the high-quality ingredients ensuring a premium taste experience. The creative flavor combinations set Jeni’s apart, offering a unique and indulgent treat for dairy-free consumers.
10. Talenti Dairy-Free Sorbetto
Product Line Overview
Talenti, known for its gelato and sorbetto, offers a range of dairy-free sorbettos that are refreshing and indulgent. Made with simple, high-quality ingredients, Talenti’s sorbettos are a perfect option for those seeking a lighter, fruit-based treat.
Top Flavors
Alphonso Mango
Alphonso Mango features ripe Alphonso mangoes blended into a smooth, creamy sorbetto. The result is a bright, tropical flavor that is both refreshing and indulgent.
Roman Raspberry
For a tart option, Roman Raspberry combines ripe raspberries into a vibrant, tangy sorbetto. The intense raspberry flavor is balanced with the perfect amount of sweetness.
Peanut Butter Fudge
Peanut Butter Fudge offers a more indulgent option, with creamy peanut butter and rich fudge swirled into a smooth sorbetto. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a classic, satisfying flavor.
Texture and Taste
Talenti’s dairy-free sorbettos are known for their smooth, refreshing texture. The fruit-based flavors are bright and vibrant, with the natural sweetness of the fruit shining through. The more indulgent options, like Peanut Butter Fudge, offer a creamy, satisfying treat that rivals traditional ice cream.
The Bottom Line on the Best Vegan Ice Cream
The world of vegan ice cream is rich and diverse, offering a wide range of flavors and textures to suit every palate. From the bold, indulgent flavors of Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy line to the innovative avocado-based creations of Cado, there is a vegan ice cream for every preference and occasion. Brands like So Delicious and Coconut Bliss focus on using high-quality, organic ingredients, while Oatly! and Talenti offer unique, refreshing options with their oat milk and sorbetto lines. Whether you’re seeking a healthier alternative, an indulgent treat, or a nostalgic flavor, the vegan ice cream market has something to offer. As consumer demand continues to grow, we can expect even more exciting developments and delicious new flavors in the world of vegan ice cream.
