Whether you’re a kid or an adult, ice cream is a dessert that is hard to resist. After all, there are a lot of delicious flavors that are so tempting. Fortunately, lactose-intolerant and vegan consumers have the same liberty to choose the vegan ice cream flavor they crave.
Indeed, veganism has come a long way. A decade ago, there were only a few vegan desserts hidden in expensive markets. Now, there are sections in the grocery store dedicated explicitly to vegan consumers. Thus, the question now has shifted to what’s the best vegan ice cream? Read on to find out.
What are the Best Vegan Ice Cream Products for 2022?
The market is bombarded with plant-based ice cream nowadays. But not everyone can pull off the creaminess of the standard ice cream, but the products on our list can. They are carefully chosen to satisfy someone on a vegan diet or who simply wishes to have something light on their tummy.
Get yourself a bowl and spoon as we give you the best vegan ice cream you can buy in the market.
Table of Contents
- Ben & Jerry’s Milk & Cookies (Best Overall)
- Nick’s Ice Cream (Best Light Treat)
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream (Best Variety Ice Cream)
- Double Rainbow Super Premium Ice Cream (Best Fruity Flavor)
- Freeze-Dried Vegan Ice Cream Sandwich (Best Ice Cream Sandwich)
- Rebel Ice Cream (Best New Favorite)
- Nubocha Non-dairy Gelato (Best Organic)
- Halo Top Pistachio Ice Cream (Best Low-Calorie Treat)
- Arctic Zero Classic Vanilla Ice Cream (Best Vanilla Ice Cream for Weight Loss)
- Humphry Slocombe Dairy-Free Ice Cream (Best Flavored)
1. Ben & Jerry’s Milk & Cookies (Best Overall)
It’s no doubt that Ben & Jerry’s Milk is number 1 on the list. With this brand, finding the best flavor is not a challenge anymore among vegans. The company has expanded so much and made 19 various flavors to choose from. But among all its vegan ice cream products, the Milk & Cookies when the hearts of vegan consumers.
The Milk & Cookies variety used sunflower butter instead of the traditional coconut or almond vegan cream. This product is vanilla-flavored, featuring chocolate sandwich cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and chocolate cookie swirls.
Highlight
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Dairy-free
- Vegan certified, DE Kosher certified
- Variety of flavors
- Available anywhere
Pricing
- Ben & Jerry’s Milk & Cookies: $49.51 (4 Pints)
Bottom Line
Ben & Jerry’s Milk & Cookies use high-quality ingredients. It has a shorter ingredient list, which is excellent for one’s diet, considering some vegan ice creams are filled with corn syrup or emulsifiers.
This flavor mimics the creamy and decadently smooth premium dairy ice cream. If you like other sunflower butter-based flavors, you will also love the Mint Chocolate Cookie and Crème Brûlée Cookie.
2. Nick’s Ice Cream (Best Light Treat)
Nick’s ice cream is owned by Nick Luthman, a Swedish entrepreneur diagnosed as pre-diabetic. Inspired by his health condition, he came up with Nick’s ice cream, a vegan, non-dairy, and light treat.
All of Nick’s Ice Crem fruit flavors are lusciously delicious. You can choose between lemon, strawberry, and choco-cherry. Their ice cream is a love affair between science and nature. They deliver delightfully fruity treats with a hint of the sweetness of dairy-based ice cream.
Highlights:
- Swedish-style vegan ice cream
- Perfect for those on a vegan or keto diet
- No added sugar
- Packed with low-calorie sweeteners
- Variety of flavors
Pricing:
- Nick’s Ice Cream: $74.95 (6 Pints)
Bottom Line
Nick’s is quite different from other vegan ice creams on this list. Their products use low-calorie sweeteners and milk protein but are animal-cruelty-free!
They only use a few ingredients, but the quality of each is paramount. All flavors are simple and without mix-ins, allowing ingredients like Mint, Strawberry, Lemon, Peanut, and Caramel to shine.
3. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream (Best Variety Ice Cream)
Why settle with only one vegan flavor when you can have 6? Jeni’s dairy-free ice cream is available in pints and grab-and-go cups. They come in various flavors such as lemon, banana, Texas sheet cake, caramel, dark chocolate truffle, and cold brew with coconut cream.
Jeni’s ice cream products are available anywhere – Target, Whole Foods, Wegman’s, and even on Amazon. The company has indeed skyrocketed in the vegan ice cream category. Splendid indeed!
Highlights:
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Certified Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Best coconut cream ingredient
- Variety of flavors
Pricing:
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream: $83.92 (8 Pints)
Bottom Line
Jeni's dairy-free ice cream collection is sweet, rich in gelato, and low in saturated calories and fats. Each flavor uses a coconut cream base for a smooth texture.
According to the company, their ice creams are perfect for those who have strict dietary restrictions. But assured consumers that their products will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
4. Double Rainbow Super Premium Ice Cream (Best Fruity Flavor)
A double rainbow is the kind of ice cream with which you always want to stock your fridge. Packed with plant-based and organic ingredients, it is undoubtedly the treat that the whole family will love.
From the classic vanilla to Mango Tangerine to the creamy berry cherry chip, every flavor is always tastier than the last. While their fruity flavors are enough to entice vegan consumers like you, their package is also nostalgic, vibrant, and unique. Truly a crave-worthy gelato experience!
Highlights:
- Non-dairy and truly vegan
- Handcrafted ice cream
- Milky, dense, delicious
- Available anywhere
- Variety of fruit flavors
Pricing:
- Double Rainbow Super Premium Ice Cream: 89.99 (8 Pints)
Bottom Line
Double Rainbow has a massive role in San Francisco’s culinary history. Established in 1976, the company continues to be on top and provide innovations in the vegan ice cream world.
Double Rainbow has 15 flavors, all plant-based and dairy-free ice cream treats for the vegan set.
5. Freeze-Dried Vegan Ice Cream Sandwich (Best Ice Cream Sandwich)
Have you tried chasing down an ice cream truck for a Chipwich on a hot summer day as a kid? If you do, you will feel nostalgic for the Freeze-dried ice cream sandwich.
This Italian gelato is vegan and lactose-free. It is ready to eat; no rehydration or refrigeration is needed. It is a perfect vegan snack at work, school, or the gym.
Highlights:
- Real Italian Ice Cream
- No GMO
- Non-dairy with vitamin D2 and calcium
- Ready to eat
- Survival food
Pricing:
- Freeze-Dried Vegan Ice Cream Sandwich: $54.99 / (Pack of 8)
Bottom Line
Anyone who wants ice cream on the go should look no further. Freeze-dried ice cream, as its name implies, does not need a freezer to be more delectable. It is heavenly, delicious, and ready to eat, whenever or wherever you are. Indeed a survival food!
6. Rebel Ice Cream (Best New Favorite)
Rebel Ice cream is the newest kid in the vegan ice cream industry. Besides its “low carb” advertisement, pastel packaging and fanciful font entice vegan and non-vegan consumers.
Rebel ice cream offers a variety of flavors, but the mint chip is the most appetizing. It is also the best-seller of the bunch. No wonder, though, as it’s very creamy even without the traditional dairy in regular ice cream.
Highlights:
- Zero sugar ice cream
- Keto and diabetic-friendly
- Purely vegan
- Perfect for those on a low-carb diet
- Variety of flavors
Pricing:
- Rebel Ice Cream: $63.99 (8 Pints)
Bottom Line
While Rebel Ice Cream is a new kid in the healthy ice cream arena, they gain massive attention from health-conscious ice cream lovers. It’s not surprising as their bunch of ice creams is not only healthy but also creamy and fluffy.
Besides the best-seller mint flavor, other top favorites are strawberry, butter pecan, peanut fudge, cookie dough, and chocolate. Their collection of vegan flavors is top-notch!
7. Nubocha Non-dairy Gelato (Best Low-Calorie Treat)
Nubocha is an Italian-based chocolate brand catering to people following a strict diet. Their vegan gelato is an award-winning dairy-free ice cream brand, hence the popularity.
Nubocha is made of 3 simple ingredients – cacao, spring water, and allulose, a no-calorie sugar found in maple syrup, figs, and raisins. These ingredients are perfect for those who have diabetes.
Highlights:
- Award-winning brand
- Non-GMO
- Keto Friendly
- Lowers blood sugar level
- Kosher and Project certified
Pricing:
- Nubocha Non-dairy Gelato: $79 (4 Pack)
Bottom Line
Life with diabetes should not mean deprivation of one’s favorite sweet dessert. Thanks to Nubacha for coming up with the best healthy gelato good for people with diabetes. This keto dessert can satisfy your craving whenever and wherever you want. It is creamy and smooth, even though it doesn’t contain any dairy.
The simplicity of Nubacha makes the creamy nut flavor shine. It also allows other ingredients to stand out, offering healthier, delicious ice cream. This gelato is low-sugar, low-calorie, and non-GMO. It is truly perfect for health-conscious individuals!
8. Halo Top Pistachio Ice Cream (Best Low-Calorie Treat)
Treat yourself with Halo Top’s Pistachio Ice cream. Seven of Halo Top’s ice are vegan-friendly, but the vegan consumers’ best choice is the Pistachio flavor. It tastes like a rich vanilla bean, very creamy and soft.
This flavor is one of Halo’s first lines of vegan ice creams. While they are relatively new in the vegan world, they satisfy the cravings of plant-based consumers. The Pistachio flavor is the low-calorie yet high-protein gelato in the vegan category.
Highlights:
- Low-calorie gelato
- Soft and creamy
- Good source of protein
- No artificial sweeteners
- Sugar-free
Pricing:
- Halo Top Pistachio Ice Cream: $103.90 (8 Pints)
Bottom Line
Halo Top Pistachio ice cream is a year-round favorite among vegans. Thank vanilla bean, the main ingredient, for the sumptuous texture of this treat. It is a light ice cream that is as delicious as regular ice cream.
Halo Top Pistachio is a good source of protein. Thus, anyone who is protein-deficient will benefit a lot from this creamy treat.
9. Arctic Zero Classic Vanilla Ice Cream (Best Vanilla Ice Cream for Weight Loss)
To nobody’s surprise, Arctic is the most lusciously delicious low-calorie non-dairy treat. There’s no guilt in eating the entire pint because it’s vegan-friendly and suitable for anyone’s diet.
The Arctic has various flavors, but the classic vanilla is like no other. Besides being very delectable, it’s good for one’s health. As advertised in the packaging, it does not use sneaky sugar. It owes its creaminess to Faba Bean Protein.
Highlights:
- No sugar alcohols
- Soul-satisfying vegan flavor
- Ultra-low-calorie
- Richer flavor and creamy texture
- Best classic vanilla flavor
Pricing:
- Arctic Zero Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: $60.34 (6 Pack)
Bottom Line
Made of a few simple ingredients, Arctic zero vanilla ice cream is rich, decadent, and creamy. If you’re looking for something indulgent, this flavor will do the trick. It is gluten, peanut, and egg-free, yet it lives up to the classic and traditional gelato.
Arctic ice creams are also suitable for weight loss. Their vegan ice creams use monk fruit and organic cane sugar. If you finish the whole pint, only 160 to 320 calories will be added to your body.
10. Humphry Slocombe Dairy-Free Ice Cream (Best Flavored)
Humphry Slocombe is the one for you if you’re looking for an ice cream that is a little outside the box. It uses a coconut milk base
to produce vegan ice cream. This simple flavor of gelato makes them appealing to adults and vegans.
However, the entire Humphry Slocombe line is not vegan. As advertised by the brand, their dairy-free ice cream is vegan by accident but highly delicious. Hence, check out the packaging and ensure you’re buying dairy-free ice cream.
Highlights:
- Top 5 ice cream in America ranked by Food Network
- Best for value ice cream
- Adult and vegan consumers’favorite
- A bit sweet yet creamy and delicious
- Perfect for a strict diet
Pricing:
- Humphry Slocombe Dairy-Free Ice Cream: $47.48 (4 Pints)
Bottom Line
Humphry Slocombe solely focuses on dairy-free and lactose-free frozen desserts. Not to mention that the coconut and salty caramel works perfectly together. It’s a trendsetter in vegan ice cream innovation, thanks to its ultra-premium ingredients and unconventional vegan flavors.
This gelato has a unique flavor and personality that appeals to the vegan community. With its simple yet delicious taste, non-adult vegans love their dairy-free ice creams. After all, the company proclaims its products are “chef-curated ice cream for adults.”
What to Look for When Buying the Best Vegan Ice Cream?
While vegan ice cream has become popular, it’s essential to know a few things before reaching a pint of this healthy vegan treat. After all, like other products sold in the market, some are better than others.
Here are five factors to consider when buying vegan ice cream.
1. Ingredients
The best vegan ice cream uses high-quality ingredients. Some vegan products will claim that they are vegan, so checking the ingredients is essential.
Look for shorter ingredients because they are usually made from natural foods. Ice creams with many ingredients are mostly filled with sweetened corn syrup, glucose syrup, or emulsifiers.
Vegan ice creams come with various vegan-based ingredients. This is the main ingredient of the ice cream; thus, it will affect the overall taste of the product. If you like coconut-based ice cream, you may like this flavor over anything.
To ensure that the product is vegan certified, watch out for the label. The product will indicate whether it is vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, peanut-free, or egg-free.
2. Taste
The best vegan ice creams can replicate the satisfying sweetness and decadently creamy taste of dairy ice cream. After all, gelato is an indulgence; you want it sweet and creamy.
Whether it’s a craving for vanilla or strawberry, your preference is the top priority. Choose the ice cream that your taste buds would love.
3. Texture
As you dip a spoon onto the ice cream, you expect it to be thick or have a pillow-type texture. It should not be icy, thin, or crunchy. The best vegan ice cream is creamy and smooth, and you will experience the incredible mouthfeel you expect.
4. Packaging
Manufacturers often focus on the appearance of their vegan ice cream to catch consumers' attention. Think designs, punny names, bold colors. You’ve seen all these before.
However, people nowadays, even non-vegans, are becoming health conscious. Checking the packaging becomes more important than the visual aesthetics.
Whether you’re a vegan, a fitness freak, or simply want to enjoy a healthy ice cream, check the product's nutritional value is essential.
5. Reputation
No one wants to waste money. With many vegan ice cream companies, it’s a no-brainer that not all of them will match your taste. Every vegan has experienced paying for a vegan product that is not worth the price.
So, if you are planning to buy vegan ice cream in a physical store or would like to buy a treat online (i.e., Amazon), check out some reviews before purchasing one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a vegan ice cream?
Like other vegan products, vegan ice cream is a dessert free from animal cruelty and made solely with plant-based ingredients. It is also known as plant-based ice cream and dairy-free ice cream.
Vegan ice cream does not use the usual ingredients of dairy ice cream like milk, eggs, and heavy cream. However, this does not mean they lack the creaminess you expect in ice cream. Vegan ice cream can be creamy as standard ice cream.
Coconut cream, along with coconut, cashew, or almond, is typically the main ingredient of vegan ice cream. Faba bean and pea protein can also be used.
2. What does dairy-free ice cream mean?
Dairy-free ice creams are without dairy, including milk ingredients or other animal-milk products. They don’t also contain lactose, casein, or whey. Dairy-free ice cream is made of plants, grains, and nuts.
Commercially produced dairy-free ice cream is made from coconut, almond, cashew, rice, or soy milk. These products help mimic the creaminess of regular ice cream. They also deliver delicious flavor even without cow’s milk.
3. Is lactose-free ice cream vegan?
No. Lactose-free ice cream is not at all vegan. Again, as a general rule, vegan ice cream does not use any dairy products. However, lactose-free products contain milk without lactose. Hence, it may still have cow-derived milk or real dairy.
Lactose is not specifically meant for vegans but lactose-intolerant individuals. Lactose-free ice cream can only be considered vegan if it uses plant-based milk and not cow’s milk.
4. Is all dairy-free ice cream vegan?
While vegan ice cream is usually called dairy-free ice cream, not all dairy-free ice cream is vegan. Some dairy-free ice cream contains eggs. Hence, you need to check the ingredient when buying ice cream.
Technically, all vegan ice creams are dairy-free. Hence, they are referred to as such. However, not all dairy-free ice creams can be considered vegan.
5. How long does vegan ice cream last once it has been opened?
If an opened vegan ice cream is stored in the freezer properly, it will most likely last 1 to 2 weeks. Read the label to know how to keep the ice cream. Also, check the expiration date before buying one.
Final Verdict: What is the Best Vegan Ice Cream Brand?
In a world where binge-eating on treats seems to be the norm, finding a healthy snack alternative is vital. Fortunately, vegan ice cream has been invented to bridge the gap on this matter.
The best vegan ice cream brand depends on the preference of the consumer. Do you like something creamy that you would forget is vegan? Try Ben & Jerry’s. If you crave a fruity flavor or want a variety of ice creams, you may like Double Premium and Jeni’s ice cream, respectively.
If you can’t decide, the five factors to consider when choosing the best vegan ice cream previously mentioned are a helpful guide. It will help you choose the best natural, tasty, and healthier vegan ice cream.
But regardless of which ice cream will suit your vegan standard, remember to consume them in moderation. As the old saying goes, “excess of everything is bad.”
Have you tried any of the best vegan ice creams on our list? If not, it’s time to grab a scoop and beat the heat with the best vegan ice cream you would ever have!