The Frozen Treats That Will Melt Your Heart (and Your Brain)
In the world of ice cream, there are no shortage of delicious options for plant-based eaters, lactose-intolerant friends, and everyone in between. Gone are the days of sad, watery scoops that disappoint more than they delight. Today’s vegan ice creams have upped their game, with innovative flavors, improved textures, and ethical chops to rival their dairy-filled counterparts.
The Rise of Vegan Ice Cream
The demand for plant-based alternatives to traditional dairy products is at an all-time high, with global sales of plant-based foods growing 11% in the last year. Ice cream brands have taken note, creating delicious options for those who want to indulge without the ethical or dietary downsides.
Technology and innovation have played a big role in the evolution of vegan ice cream. Early plant-based ice creams often relied on soy milk as a base, but newcomers like coconut milk, oat milk, and even avocado have entered the scene, each with their own unique benefits. And while some vegan ice creams still rely on processed ingredients, many brands are using whole foods to create scoops that are just as indulgent, if not more so, than their dairy-filled counterparts.
Top Vegan Ice Cream Brands to Try
There are plenty of vegan ice cream brands to choose from, each with their own unique take on the classic summertime treat. Here are some of our favorites:
Ben & Jerry’s
Longtime champions of all things ethical and delicious, Ben & Jerry’s has been making vegan ice cream since 2006, when they introduced the now-classic Cherry Garcia. Today, they have over a dozen vegan flavors, including Chocolate Fudge Brownie, which has fudge brownies swirled throughout, and Netflix & Chill’d, made with peanut butter and sweet and salty pretzel swirls.
If you’re feeling nostalgic for the days of summer road trips and live music festivals, you’ll want to try Phish Food, which was inspired by the band Phish and is filled with chocolate-covered marshmallows and a caramel swirl.
Halo Top
If you’re watching your calorie intake, but still want to enjoy a scoop (or two, or three) of ice cream, Halo Top is here for you. With only 70 calories per 1/2 cup serving, this low-calorie ice cream still manages to pack in 6 grams of protein. Flavors include Peanut Butter Cup, which has real peanut butter swirls and peanut butter cups mixed in, and Caramel Macchiato, made with espresso beans and caramel.
Coconut Bliss
All of Coconut Bliss’s ice creams are made with organic, fair trade ingredients, and are certified vegan, non-GMO, and kosher. The base is made with coconut milk, which gives the ice cream a rich and creamy texture. You can try flavors like Dark Chocolate, or go for one of their seasonal options, like Peppermint Bark. And at just under 250 calories per pint, you won’t feel guilty about going back for seconds.
Oatly
Swedish brand Oatly has been making oat milk a household name, and now they’ve brought their plant-based magic to ice cream. The base is made from oats, which gives the ice cream a rich and creamy texture, without the use of added oils. Flavors include Chocolate Chip, which is made with vegan chocolate chips, and Strawberry Swirl, which has a fruity swirl running throughout.
Unique and Unexpected Vegan Ice Cream Flavors
While classics like chocolate and vanilla will always have a special place in our hearts, there are plenty of other options out there for the adventurous ice cream eater. Here are some unique and unexpected flavors we’ve come across:
- Avocado: Yes, you read that right. Avocado ice cream is a thing, and it’s surprisingly delicious, with a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness.
- Matcha green tea: For a caffeine-infused treat, try ice cream made with matcha, the powdered form of green tea. It has a subtle sweetness and a vibrant green color.
- Lavender and Earl Grey tea-infused: These floral ice creams are perfect for summertime, with a delicate sweetness that’s not too overpowering.
- Beet and blackberry swirl: For a colorful scoop, try ice cream made with beets and blackberries. The beet ice cream has a subtle sweetness, while the blackberry swirl adds a fruity tang.
The Health Benefits of Vegan Ice Cream
While there’s nothing “healthy” about a bowl of ice cream topped with cookies and hot fudge, there are some benefits to opting for a plant-based version. Most vegan ice creams have reduced saturated fat and cholesterol compared to dairy-based ice creams, making them a better option for those who are watching their cholesterol levels. And because they’re made with whole foods like nuts, seeds, and fruits, vegan ice creams often have more fiber and nutrients than their dairy counterparts.
For those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, vegan ice cream is a no-brainer. But even if you can enjoy dairy, there are still good reasons to opt for a plant-based ice cream. Most vegan ice creams are made with nut or soy milk, which is easier for the body to digest than cow’s milk. And if you’re watching your calorie intake, many vegan ice creams have fewer calories than their dairy-filled counterparts, making them a better choice if you’re trying to stick to a healthy diet.
Tips for Enjoying Vegan Ice Cream
While vegan ice cream is a delight in any form, there are a few things you can do to make sure your scoops are as delicious as possible:
- Proper storage and handling: Like all ice cream, vegan ice cream should be kept frozen until you’re ready to eat it. Once you open the container, try to eat as much of it as you can in one sitting, as ice cream can start to melt and get icy if it’s left out for too long.
- Pairing vegan ice cream with toppings and mix-ins: Just like regular ice cream, vegan ice cream is made all the better with some tasty add-ons. Try a scoop of avocado ice cream topped with dark chocolate chips and a drizzle of agave syrup, or go for a bowl of matcha ice cream with sliced almonds and a sprinkle of matcha powder.
- Incorporating vegan ice cream into desserts and recipes: Ice cream is a great base for all sorts of desserts. Try making ice cream sandwiches with vegan cookies, or make a banana split with vegan ice cream, sliced bananas, and your favorite plant-based toppings.
So there you have it, folks. Whether you’re a longtime vegan, someone with dietary restrictions, or just someone who likes to mix things up, there’s a world of delicious, creamy, and ethically-sound ice cream out there waiting for you to try it. Go forth and indulge.