Traditional ice cream is off-limits for vegans due to dairy, and even some dairy-free ice creams contain hidden animal products like honey or egg whites.
Thankfully, more ice cream brands and restaurants are offering fully vegan options—deliciously creamy and completely free from animal-derived ingredients.
Here’s everything you need to know about vegan ice cream and where to find the best scoops!
What’s the Difference Between Vegan and Dairy-Free Ice Cream?
While all vegan ice cream is dairy-free, not all dairy-free ice cream is vegan.
- Dairy-free ice cream contains no milk or lactose, but it may still include animal-derived ingredients like honey or egg whites.
- Vegan ice cream is 100% plant-based, meaning it contains no animal products at all.
If you’re strictly vegan, always check the label—or stick to the trusted brands and restaurants on this list!
6 Best Places to Get Vegan Ice Cream
Looking for a scoop of plant-based goodness? Here are six of the best places to enjoy fully vegan ice cream.
1. Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s was one of the first major ice cream brands to launch a certified vegan product line in 2016. Today, they offer over ten fully vegan flavors, made with almond milk or sunflower butter.
Top vegan flavors to try:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough – A classic, now made with 100% plant-based ingredients.
- Cherry Garcia – A fruity mix of cherries and chocolate chunks.
- P.B. & Cookies – Creamy peanut butter with crunchy chocolate sandwich cookies.
You can find Ben & Jerry’s vegan pints in most grocery stores or visit a Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop for fresh scoops.
2. Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins added vegan flavors to its menu in 2019, expanding plant-based choices at one of the largest ice cream chains in the U.S.
Vegan flavors currently available:
- Mint ChocoChunk – A rich coconut milk base blended with mint, chocolate chunks, and fudge swirls.
- Lemon Sorbet – Light, refreshing, and fruity—perfect for a hot day.
These flavors are officially labeled as vegan by Baskin-Robbins, making them safe choices!
3. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen may be known for its dairy-heavy menu, but they now offer a fully vegan frozen treat:
- Non-Dairy Dilly Bar – Made with a coconut milk base and dipped in vegan chocolate, this treat is dairy-free, gluten-free, and completely plant-based.
While this is currently the only vegan ice cream option at Dairy Queen, it’s a step in the right direction!
4. Creamistry
If you’re in California, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, or Louisiana, you may find a Creamistry near you! This nitrogen ice cream shop lets you customize your order with vegan bases and mix-ins.
Vegan options include:
- Coconut milk base
- Cashew milk base
- Fruit sorbets (mango, pineapple, strawberry, piña colada)
Since all Creamistry ice cream is made fresh, you can choose your own vegan flavors and toppings for a completely custom treat.
5. Bruster’s
Bruster’s launched a dedicated vegan ice cream line in 2020, offering a mix of plant-based ice cream and sorbet flavors.
Popular vegan flavors include:
- Chocolate – A rich, creamy classic.
- Peanut Butter Banana – A sweet and nutty flavor combination.
- Peach Sorbet – A refreshing fruit-based option.
If you’re near a Bruster’s, check out their menu for the latest vegan-friendly flavors!
6. Local Vegan Ice Cream Shops
Many cities have independent ice cream shops that specialize in vegan and dairy-free options. These smaller brands often create unique flavors using high-quality plant-based ingredients.
Some well-known vegan ice cream shops include:
- Van Leeuwen – A fully vegan-friendly ice cream brand with locations across the U.S.
- Pressed Juicery – Known for their plant-based, soft-serve “Freeze.”
- Sweet Ritual (Austin, TX) – A 100% vegan ice cream parlor with a huge variety of flavors.
Wherever you are, check out local ice cream spots—you might discover your new favorite vegan treat!
Final Thoughts
Finding vegan ice cream is easier than ever, with major brands and ice cream shops offering delicious plant-based options.
Whether you’re looking for a classic chocolate scoop or a refreshing fruit sorbet, these six places have you covered.
Check your local grocery store or visit one of these fast-food chains to enjoy a scoop of 100% vegan ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vegan Ice Cream Healthier Than Dairy Ice Cream?
Not always. While vegan ice cream eliminates cholesterol and lactose, some brands add extra sugar and fats to maintain a creamy texture.
To find a healthier option, check the ingredient list and compare:
– Calories
– Saturated fat
– Added sugars
Some fruit-based sorbets tend to be lower in fat and calories compared to traditional ice cream.
Why Does Vegan Ice Cream Still Upset My Stomach?
Even without dairy, some ingredients can cause digestive discomfort, including:
– Guar gum – A thickener that can be hard to digest for some people.
– Pea protein – Found in some plant-based ice creams (like Ben & Jerry’s), which may cause bloating.
If vegan ice cream still bothers your stomach, try different brands to see which works best for you.
