Her work has been featured in publications, such as Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living.Īmanda McDonald is an editor at The Spruce Eats and has over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing about all things food - from what new products are at the grocery store to chef-approved hacks that keep tricky leftovers fresh for days. She firmly believes that ice cream is a year-round treat, and she will absolutely get milkshakes or ice cream cones in sub-zero winter weather. She’s developed over 1,000 original recipes and is constantly on a mission to find the healthiest, best-tasting options and ingredients across all food and drink categories.Īllison Wignall, who updated this article, is a writer who focuses on food and travel. Lindsay Boyers is a certified holistic nutritionist with extensive nutrition knowledge and food and beverage testing experience. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best one being the worst) to certain products on the list. To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best dairy-free ice creams on the market, evaluating their key features-like ingredients, flavor, and price-in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. This can mean they may be both dairy-free and vegan, but contain common allergens like tree nuts. Many are made with nut milks and nut butters to make them thick and creamy like traditional ice cream. Check the label-if it contains eggs, it is not vegan.

Read the labels for instructions on storage, and also check for an expiration date when purchasing. If the carton has been opened and stored properly in the freezer, some manufacturers recommend eating the ice cream within seven to 10 days. How long does dairy-free ice cream last once it has been opened? They also do not contain whey, casein, or lactose. FAQs What does dairy-free mean?ĭairy-free products are free of anything that is dairy, including milk products or milk ingredients. Ice cream should be smooth and creamy with that ultimate mouthfeel we've all come to expect when eating this delicious treat.

When you dip a spoon into ice cream, you expect a thick, pillowy type texture, not one that is thin, icy, and crunchy to the ear. If you like the flavor of coconut, for example, you might prefer this ingredient base over another one. Watch for certifications such as vegan, gluten-free, egg-free, peanut-free, and usage of soy or wheat, among others. Check out the labels, as some use oat milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, sunflower butter, and even avocado puree and oil. Ingredientsĭairy-free ice creams are made with different base ingredients. Whether it's a craving for chocolate, swirls of caramel, or chunks of fruit or brownies, your preference is the key to choosing and selecting the ice cream that fits your taste. Ice cream is an indulgence, and you want that creamy, sweet flavor that reminds you of your childhood days. If you don't like the way ice cream tastes, there's no enjoyment in it. What to Look for in Dairy-Free Ice Cream Taste If you’re looking for something chocolatey, we recommend a pint of Cado Avocado Deep Dark Chocolate-which doesn't taste like avocado at all but is made from avocado puree and oil. You can never go wrong with Ben & Jerry’s 'Milk' & Cookies with its flavorful, creamy, and sweet taste thanks to sunflower butter. & Cookies and the millennial-inspired Netflix & Chilll’d, boasting peanut butter, sweet and salty pretzel swirls, and fudge brownies.īase Ingredient: Sunflower butter | Certifications: Certified Vegan, DE Kosher Certified Also, there are 12 almond milk flavors, including P.B. Some say it is somewhat less sweet than you would think, but we love that this dairy-free ice cream is readily available online.īen & Jerry’s offers two other sunflower butter-based flavors- Crème Brûlée Cookie and Mint Chocolate Cookie. It also features chocolate chip cookies, chocolate sandwich cookies, and chocolate cookie swirls. While most non-dairy ice creams utilize coconut or almond as a base, the vanilla-flavored 'milk' in this ice cream is actually made from sunflower butter.

It’s probably not a huge shock to see Ben & Jerry’s at the top of any 'best ice cream' list, and the frozen dessert kings nailed it again with this version of 'Milk' & Cookies.

Dairy ice cream