Last Updated on July 31, 2024 by Prissila Murillo

Let’s be honest: the dairy industry is one that’s in decline. People are quickly becoming savvy to the idea that dairy can do more harm than good. Some health experts regard it as unnecessary altogether for a balanced diet. And while some people may not be ready to go vegan or dairy-free altogether, vegan ice cream can seem like a pretty enticing idea!

There are so many mainstream brands that have brought vegan ice cream to the market, so it’s accessible and affordable as ever. Most vegan ice cream has an almond, cashew, soy, coconut, oat, or even hazelnut base. If eating ice cream is important to you, but you don’t want to sacrifice taste, then take a look at this tasty list!

Top Vegan Ice Cream Brands

Ben and Jerry’s

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Ben and Jerry’s is one of the most famous ice cream brands in the world. For decades, they have remained committed to incredible tasting ice cream and refused to sell vegan ice cream unless it tasted amazing. Currently, Ben and Jerry’s has seven vegan ice creams made with an almond base. These amazing flavors are:

  • Chocolate Caramel Cluster
  • Netflix and Chill’d
  • Cherry Garcia
  • Chocolate Fudge Brownie
  • Coffee Caramel
  • PB & Cookies
  • Peanut Butter Half Baked

Personally, one of our favorites is Netflix and Chill’d with its peanut butter, sweet and salty pretzel swirls, and fudge brownie. Eating this ice cream is truly a melt-in-your-mouth experience that doesn’t also leave you with the negative potential side effects of eating dairy.

So Delicious

 

 
 
 
 
 
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So Delicious is another brand that has been vegan for over 30 years! They strive to offer the best ingredients that do not harm you or the planet. They offer various ice cream bases, which is especially important if you have a soy or nut allergy. From snickerdoodle to cookies and cream, So Delicious offers a variety of flavors to help you indulge that sweet tooth!

Häagen-Dazs

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Häagen-Dazs is known for having extremely decadent ice cream that has been around for decades! In a long-awaited announcement, this company has finally released four delectable vegan ice creams for the masses! Häagen-Dazs Non-Dairy collection begins with a core ingredient, like real pieces of Belgian chocolate, actual peanut butter, or real coconut cream. Their flavors include:

  • Chocolate Salted Fudge Truffle
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge
  • Mocha Chocolate Cookie
  • Coconut Caramel

Each of these flavors, especially the chocolate ones, has this intensely rich base that is sure to leave you wanting more. Personally, we feel Chocolate Salted Fudge Truffle is practically sinful in how decadent it is. It’s truly astounding how wonderful vegan ice cream tastes!

Halo Top

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Halo Top is rather new to vegan ice cream, as their focus is sticking to under 350 calories per pint of ice cream. Luckily, they have managed to create a few flavors! Halo Top is fantastic for those concerned about calories or simply looking for a healthier version of their favorite treat! These yummy flavors are:

  • Caramel Macchiato
  • Chocolate
  • Chocolate Covered Banana
  • Cinnamon Roll

The cinnamon is our favorite, and it doesn’t hurt to add a little bit of cinnamon sugar to really bring out those flavors! Also, these lower-calorie treats mean you can eat a whole pint with minimal effects on your nutrition plans. Halo Top is a great brand to support for a growing selection of vegan ice cream, as it encourages them to create more flavors!

Trader Joe’s

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Trader Joe’s has been a space to cater to vegans and non-vegans alike by having a little bit of everything for everyone. Currently, Trader Joe’s only has two vegan ice creams (both of which have a coconut base) from their store line:

  • Frozen Coconut Dessert with Chocolate
  • Frozen Coconut Dessert with Strawberry

Create Your Own Vegan Ice Cream

On the other hand, there may be some of you that want to take your love for vegan ice cream up a notch. So why not indulge in creating your very own ice cream? It may surprise you to find out that it’s a very simple process. Follow along for some fun ways to make your own easy vegan ice cream!

Easy Vegan Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 14-ounce cans coconut cream OR full-fat coconut milk (chilled overnight in the fridge – we like Trader Joe’s coconut cream or Thai Kitchen coconut milk)
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder
  • 14-16 ounces pitted dates (if not sticky and moist, soak in warm water for 10 minutes and then drain)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • Cinnamon Sugar

*** Toppings of your choice

Instructions

  1. Place a large mixing bowl in the freezer to chill for 10 minutes. The bowl should be a metal of some sort to retain the coldness of the freezer.
  2. In the meantime, add moist, pitted dates to a food processor and process until small bits remain. Then add hot water a little at a time until it forms a thick paste. Set aside. If you don’t have a food processor, trying cutting up the dates into small pieces and use a blender.
  3. Without tipping the cans, scoop out the coconut cream from the cans of coconut cream OR coconut milk, reserving the clear liquid for other uses. Place in chilled mixing bowl.
  4. Using a mixer, whip until creamy and smooth. Then add cocoa powder, vanilla, almond milk, and half of the date paste. Whip until fully incorporated. More than likely, you will use all the date paste.
  5. Taste and adjust flavors as needed.
  6. Transfer to a parchment-lined, freezer-safe container. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and then foil to help freeze.
  7. You can take this out in a couple of hours for a chilled mousse-like ice cream. Freeze overnight for a firmer ice cream.
  8. Set out for at least 20 minutes prior to scooping and use a scoop warmed under hot water for a proper scoop.

***Once you have your ice cream base, feel free to add whatever toppings that you want and have yourself another tasty treat!!

If you think this is too involved, then here’s another quick way to make some vegan “nice cream”!

Quick Vegan “Nice Cream” Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3-4 bananas completely unpeeled and ripe
  • 1 can coconut full-fat cream/milk or vegan heavy whipping cream

***Whatever else you want

Instructions

  1. Cut up peeled and ripe bananas and place them in the freezer.
  2. Once frozen, blend the bananas and slowly start adding the full-fat coconut milk or whipping cream. You can substitute soy milk or any other non-dairy alternative.
  3. Add whatever toppings you want and enjoy!

If the consistency is still too soft for you, place in the fridge for about 30 minutes, and it will have that ice cream texture!

Ultimately, regardless of whether you’re vegan or not, it is incredible that mainstream companies are now providing vegan ice cream. Another great aspect if you choose to purchase vegan ice cream is that you are using your dollars to demand more cruelty-free food, which in turn is better for your body and the environment.

If you’re thinking about veganism and don’t know where to start, start with yummy sweet treats! All these ice creams can easily be customizable by adding candy, chocolate chips, nuts, and even vegan syrups! Remember to have fun and don’t be afraid to explore the plethora of vegan ice creams – your taste buds will thank you!

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Meet Kourtney, a writer specializing in sex and relationships. Known for her honest and insightful approach, she explores themes of intimacy and personal growth. Her work combines personal anecdotes, expert opinions, and practical advice, helping readers navigate the complexities of modern relationships and embrace their desires. Kourtney's writing serves as a guide for those seeking authentic and fulfilling connections.