Vegan Ice Cream: The Best Dairy-Free Frozen Desserts to Buy and Make

Nothing says “it’s officially summer” like an ice cream cone loaded with your favorite dairy-free frozen dessert melting down your arm. Scoops of decadent vegan ice cream are the perfect way to stay cool during the warmer months.

What Is Vegan Ice Cream Made Of?

Unlike dairy-based ice cream, which is made from animal milk, vegan ice cream is made with plant-based dairy products like oat, almond, or coconut milk. To learn more about what vegan ice cream is made of, see our article here.

What Are The Best Vegan Ice Cream Ingredients?

From soy milk to oat and even avocado, vegan ice cream brands use a number of ingredients to give dairy-free desserts their rich and creamy consistency. Almond milk is a popular dairy-free beverage and many companies use it to create their non-dairy ice creams. Coconut and cashew milk are also popular ice cream base ingredients.

Is Vegan Ice Cream Healthy?

Non-dairy versions of dairy-based ice cream desserts generally have less fat and fewer calories than their related dairy versions. Of the plant-based milk options, coconut milk tends to contain higher calories and more saturated fats than other plant-based milk. Non-dairy frozen desserts made with soy, almond, cashew, or another nut-based milk tend to have fewer calories and saturated fat than those that are coconut-based.

Those craving a healthier vegan scoop—or two!—may want to opt for plant-based frozen desserts that are low in calories and saturated fats. A number of brands offer healthier nut milk-based options, such as Halo Top’s non-dairy range’s selection low calorie, non-dairy treats.

9 Vegan Ice Cream Brands to Buy

1. So Delicious

Vegan brand So Delicious offers a variety of decadent frozen desserts. The company carries cashew-, oat-, almond-, coconut-, and soy-based non-dairy ice creams. Try the brand’s vanilla ice cream sandwiches or its mocha almond fudge bars.

2. Tofutti

What’s a summer without Tofutti’s dairy-free frozen desserts? Keep cool with the brand’s fat-free chocolate fudge treats or its sundae cones, which feature crunchy sugar cones lined with chocolate and topped with creamy vanilla ice cream with fudge swirls.

3. Oatly

Known for its oat milk-based beverages, Sweden-based brand Oatly also carried a variety of dairy-free ice cream pints. Try all of the brand’s seven flavors: oat, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, coffee, mint chip, and chocolate chip.

4. Ben & Jerry’s

Although not a vegan brand, Ben & Jerry’s debuted its first non-dairy flavors in 2016 with the release of the plant-based Chunky Monkey, P.B. and Cookies, Coffee Caramel Fudge, and Chocolate Fudge Brownie. The brand has since added to its vegan frozen dessert selection. Its almond milk-based pints are now available in 12 different flavors. It also offers sunflower butter-based pints in flavors like “Milk” & Cookies and Mint Chocolate Chip.

5. Coconut Bliss

Made from 100 percent organic coconut milk, Coconut Bliss offers a variety of vegan ice cream pints, bars, and cookie sandwiches. Pint flavors include chocolate peanut butter, chocolate hazelnut, and chocolate walnut brownie. For something to keep you cool on-the-go, try the brand’s decadent ice cream bars. Flavors include cold brew latte, raspberry acai in chocolate, and sea salt caramel in chocolate. Yum! 

6. Halo Top

Another non-vegan brand to launch a selection of dairy-free ice creams—Halo Top is your one-stop-shop for all your summer frozen treats. The brand’s dairy-free flavor lineup includes pints in seven different flavors: birthday cake, candy bar, chocolate, chocolate almond crunch, chocolate chip cookie dough, peanut butter cup, and sea salt caramel. In addition to being certified vegan, the coconut milk-based pints contain only 280 to 380 calories per pint.

7. Haagen Dazs

With an expansive non-dairy ice cream range, Haagen Dazs has every flavor you need to accompany your vegan ice cream cone. Try the brand’s delicious dairy-free flavors, including the chocolate salted fudge truffle and peanut butter chocolate fudge.

8. Nada Moo

Since 2004, Texas-based brand Nada Moo has been churning out quality ice creams sans the use of cows. The company carries a wide variety of coconut milk-based, organic, non-dairy frozen desserts. Try a scoop—or three—of Nada Moo’s Rockiest Road, Pistachio Nut, Peach Cobbler, Cookie Dough Fudge flavors.

9. Cado

Cado changed the vegan ice cream game with the launch of its avocado-based frozen desserts. According to the company, its non-dairy desserts contain less sugar than other brands and are rich in “good” fats. Flavors include cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip, and classic vanilla bean. 

7 Vegan Ice Cream Dessert Recipes to Make

1. Coconut Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

This non-dairy, paleo ice cream recipe is no-churn and easy-to-make. Plus, the recipe only calls for six ingredients: coconut flakes, coconut cream, banana, pure maple syrup, pure vanilla extract, and paleo vegan chocolate.

Get the recipe here.

2. Creamy Chocolate Ice Cream

Whip up this vegan frozen dessert recipe for a classic, rich and creamy chocolate ice cream. Recipe ingredients include coconut milk, cocoa powder, salt, and mini, vegan chocolate chips. Scoop it into a cone and enjoy!

Get the recipe here.

3. Chocolate-Blackberry Ice Cream Sandwiches

Up your vegan frozen treat game with these chocolate blackberry ice cream sandwiches. In addition to being dairy-free, the recipe is free of sugar and gluten. The frozen dessert trifecta includes a base of almond meal, cacao powder, and maple syrup. The cashew-based filling features a rich dark chocolate cream topping.

Get the recipe here.

4. Coconut Raspberry Ice Cream

This coconut milk-based raspberry ice cream can be made using only four ingredients: coconut milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and—of course—raspberries. Enjoy it plain or atop bananas in an ice cream sundae.

Get the recipe here.

5. Vanilla Berry Ice Cream Cake

Keep cool with this vegan ice cream cake. It features blueberries, strawberries, bananas, and a delicious, cashew-based vanilla ice cream layer. Enjoy a slice—or two. It’s the perfect vegan frozen dessert!

Get the recipe here.

6. Classic Strawberry Ice Cream

This classic vegan strawberry ice cream recipe features only three simple ingredients: coconut milk, maple syrup, strawberries. It’s thick, creamy, and super easy to make. The recipe is also gluten-free and keto- and paleo-friendly.

Get the recipe here.

7. Salted Caramel Ice Cream

You can whip up this cashew-based, non-dairy salted caramel ice cream recipe in under an hour. Enjoy it on a crunchy cone or in a waffle bowl.

Get the recipe here.