Nothing beats the simple joy of digging into a creamy scoop of ice cream—except maybe knowing it’s totally plant-based. As someone who loves a sweet treat but wants to keep things dairy-free I’m always on the lookout for vegan ice cream that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture.
With so many brands popping up in the freezer aisle it can feel overwhelming to pick the best ones. I’ve tried plenty and I’m excited to share the top vegan ice cream brands that satisfy my cravings and might just become your new favorites too.
What Makes a Great Vegan Ice Cream Brand
Ingredient quality stands at the core of any great vegan ice cream brand. I look for real, whole foods like cashews, coconut, or oats instead of artificial fillers or unfamiliar stabilizers. Brands like NadaMoo and Coconut Bliss use organic ingredients, showing a dedication to health and taste.
Flavor creativity separates brands worth buying again. I find that innovative vegan ice cream flavors like salted caramel, matcha, or peanut butter chocolate chip offer variety beyond the usual vanilla or chocolate. These options let me explore plant-based recipes and recommend them to students who crave excitement in vegan treats.
Texture contributes heavily to enjoyment. Smooth and creamy scoops, not icy or gritty ones, indicate high-quality churning methods or rich base ingredients. Brands that nail this consistency, like So Delicious and Van Leeuwen, turn plant-based desserts into a satisfying experience for vegans and non-vegans.
Nutrition matters for those who care about healthy eating. I gravitate toward vegan ice creams with lower added sugar and higher natural fat sources from nuts or coconut. Clear nutrition labeling and mindful ingredient sourcing help me choose snacks that fit active, plant-based lifestyles.
Ethical practices reflect a brand’s commitment to vegan values. Packaging made from recycled materials, fair trade certification, or carbon-neutral manufacturing shows the brand’s ethics go beyond omitting animal products. These qualities align with my drive to foster responsible eating in every vegan recipe I make and share.
Key Ingredients and Flavor Options
Key ingredients anchor any vegan ice cream brand’s uniqueness. Creamy bases often use cashews, coconut milk, and oats—examples include So Delicious Coconut Milk and Oatly Oatmilk pints. These bases create thickness and deliver a full-bodied texture, replicating dairy’s mouthfeel. Many brands add almond or soy milk for extra smoothness, like in the Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy line.
Natural sweeteners set top vegan ice creams apart. Agave syrup, maple syrup, and organic cane sugar commonly replace refined sugars. Brands such as Coconut Bliss and Nadamoo highlight these options, letting real fruit or nut flavors shine through without overwhelming sweetness.
Flavor options transform the experience from basic to memorable. Popular flavors reach beyond chocolate and vanilla—think Salted Caramel Cluster (by So Delicious), Matcha Green Tea (by Van Leeuwen), and Birthday Cake (by NadaMoo). Fruit-based swirls, chunks of fudge, toasted coconut flakes, and nutty praline bits bring excitement to every scoop. Brands tend to rotate specialty flavors seasonally or offer limited-edition pints to keep things fresh.
Below, I’ve listed key ingredients and common flavor variations from my favorite vegan ice cream brands:
| Base Ingredient | Example Brands | Popular Flavors |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut milk | So Delicious, Coconut Bliss | Mint Chip, Salted Caramel, Dark Chocolate |
| Oat milk | Oatly, So Delicious | Coffee, Strawberry, Peanut Butter Swirl |
| Cashew cream | Van Leeuwen, NadaMoo | Pistachio, Matcha, Caramel Cookie Dough |
| Almond milk | Ben & Jerry’s, Dream | Cherry Garcia, Chocolate Brownie, Vanilla |
| Soy milk | Tofutti, Trader Joe’s | Peanut Butter Chocolate, Mocha |
Brands prioritize clean-label ingredients, minimal additives, and distinctive flavor profiles. I recommend checking labels for recognizable ingredients and using the variety of options to discover new favorites that align with your taste and health preferences.
Top Best Vegan Ice Cream Brands to Try
Finding delicious vegan ice cream gets easier every year, with brands pushing creative flavors and creamy textures. I focus on picks that use nourishing ingredients and deliver taste that rivals traditional dairy.
So Delicious Dairy Free
So Delicious Dairy Free stands out with a wide range of plant-based bases, including organic coconut, soy, almond, and cashew. I reach for their Coconutmilk Vanilla Bean and Cashewmilk Dark Chocolate Truffle when I want real richness. Many options use gluten-free and non-GMO certified ingredients, making So Delicious a regular in my kitchen for dessert recipes and milkshake hacks.
Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy
Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy line keeps surprises coming with flavors like Netflix & Chilll’d, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, and Peanut Butter Half Baked. All varieties skip artificial additives and use almond milk or sunflower butter for creamy texture. I like the brand’s commitment to Fairtrade-certified ingredients and bold, nostalgic flavor mix-ins, which elevate home sundaes and vegan dessert platters.
Oatly Frozen Dessert
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Oatly Frozen Dessert captures the neutral, creamy charm of oat milk. Their dessert shines in flavors like Strawberry, Mint Chip, and Chocolate Fudge. These options are free from nuts and soy, giving a safe choice for those with allergies. Oatly’s focus on climate-friendly production lines up with my drive to promote sustainable vegan eating.
Nadamoo!
Nadamoo! pops up in my freezer whenever I want lighter, organic vegan ice cream. Their coconut milk base supports bright flavors like Birthday Cake Cookie Dough and Strawberry Cheesecake. No gluten or refined sugars appear in most ingredient lists, which helps me recommend Nadamoo! for anyone searching for clean, whole food vegan treats at home.
Van Leeuwen Vegan
Van Leeuwen Vegan features luxurious vegan ice creams using cashew, coconut, and oat milks. Flavor profiles range from classic Vanilla Bean to inventive Earl Grey Tea and Sicilian Pistachio. I notice that Van Leeuwen’s simple recipes, real vanilla, and natural cocoa pair well with fruit compotes, giving me confidence to serve their pints as elegant dessert options for guests who miss traditional dairy.
How to Choose the Right Vegan Ice Cream for You
Flavor preferences shape my first step when choosing vegan ice cream. Chocolate lovers might reach for fudge-laced pints like Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy Chocolate Fudge Brownie, while fans of fruit-forward tastes may lean toward mango or raspberry offerings from So Delicious. Exploring new flavors like matcha or roasted banana often leads to taste discoveries that fit personal cravings and recipe inspirations.
Texture matters just as much. I look for creamy and smooth options because these mimic the mouthfeel of classic ice cream—brands like Van Leeuwen Vegan and NadaMoo excel here due to their rich, churned bases from coconut or cashew. When I teach vegan dessert classes, students often find these textures more satisfying than icy or gritty alternatives.
Ingredients guide every purchase decision for me. Reading labels, I seek out real food bases—such as coconut milk, almond milk, or oats—over blends with gums and unpronounceable additives. For guests with allergies, I recommend oat milk or sunflower butter options to avoid common allergens like soy and nuts; Oatly and So Delicious both provide allergy-friendly choices.
Nutrition plays a big role for me, especially as a healthy vegan chef. Lower added sugars and minimal saturated fat help keep my recipes nourishing and support my fitness goals. Many brands post nutrition facts online or right on the label, so I compare sugar, fat, and calorie content before buying. If clean eating’s your focus, look for pints sweetened with agave or maple syrup, not just cane sugar.
Sustainability and ethics influence my choices as a longtime vegan restaurant owner. I check if brands use organic ingredients, support Fairtrade practices, or use eco-friendly packaging. This helps align simple ice cream enjoyment with broader values—a priority in my kitchen and teaching philosophy.
Budget considerations also matter. Artisan vegan ice creams from small-batch makers offer standout flavor and texture but often cost more, while larger brands like So Delicious and Oatly give affordable access to quality. If you make vegan ice cream at home, picking up non-dairy bases and natural sweeteners will stretch your dollar even further and add a fun DIY twist.
Conclusion
Discovering the best vegan ice cream brands has been such a fun and delicious journey for me. There’s something so satisfying about finding that perfect scoop—creamy rich and full of flavor—that fits both my cravings and my values.
Whether you’re new to plant-based treats or a longtime fan like me there’s a world of options out there just waiting to be explored. I hope my favorites inspire you to try something new and maybe even find your next go-to dessert. Happy tasting!
