As a vegan, I know how important it is to find alternatives to traditional dairy-based treats like ice cream. Luckily, over the years, there’s been a surge in the market for delicious and creamy vegan ice creams that everyone can enjoy.
Vegan ice cream offers all the pleasure of traditional ice cream without animal products, making them an excellent choice for those pursuing a plant-based lifestyle, lactose-intolerant individuals, or anyone wanting to try something new.
These dairy-free frozen treats are just as delicious, creamy, and indulgent as traditional ice cream. These plant-based alternatives are made from various bases like almond, coconut, oat, soy, and cashew milk, each offering a unique flavor and texture to suit different taste preferences.
When looking for the best vegan ice cream, it’s essential to consider the base used, as this can significantly affect taste and texture. Additionally, view the ingredients list to ensure the product meets your dietary preferences or restrictions. Some may include vegan cream cheese or other flavors that you may not like.
To help guide you on your frozen journey, I’ve spent many hours researching, testing, and tasting various vegan ice creams to identify the ones offering the ultimate combination of taste, texture, and quality. Join me now as we dive into the world of the best vegan ice creams and find the right treat for you to enjoy on any occasion.
Best Vegan Ice Creams
I’ve gathered a list of the best vegan ice creams to enjoy guilt-free. Dive in and discover your new favorite treat from our top picks!
Super Garden Freeze Dried Vegan Ice Cream Bites
A fun choice for space-inspired snacking and outdoor enthusiasts, but with a hefty price for the quantity.
Pros
- Delicious and unique oat with hazelnut flavor
- Convenient for on-the-go eating and requires no refrigeration
- High-quality ingredients sourced from a trusted gelateria
Cons
- Small container for the price
- Can be challenging to eat due to small pieces
- Not environmentally friendly packaging
As a committed vegan, I always crave exciting dairy-free treats, and I’m glad I found the Super Garden Freeze Dried Vegan Ice Cream Bites. With their oat and hazelnut flavor, I found these ice cream bites to be truly heavenly, and the freeze-drying process only heightened the experience, giving them a light and crispy texture.
Not needing refrigeration made this vegan ice cream bites a fantastic and convenient companion during my hikes and camping trips. I also appreciated that Super Garden used high-quality ingredients to create their freeze-dried ice cream, which proved the perfect balance between creaminess and crunch.
However, I did find some drawbacks to these treats. The main issue was their price point; A small container didn’t last long and felt a bit expensive for the amount of product.
The tiny ice cream pieces were sometimes challenging to eat and enjoy fully. From an environmental perspective, the food-safe plastic packaging was less than ideal and could have been more sustainable.
Super Garden’s Freeze Dried Vegan Ice Cream Bites are an indulgence for those seeking a unique, tasty, and convenient dairy-free snack. If you’re willing to pay a premium for an out-of-this-world experience, these ice cream bites are for you; however, keep in mind the small quantity and packaging drawbacks.
AussieBlends Vegan Ice Cream Mix
This AussieBlends Vegan Ice Cream Mix is a must-try for a delectable, guilt-free frozen treat.
Pros
- Delicious and creamy plant-based ice cream
- Versatile mix for various frozen dessert types
- High-quality, organic, and GMO-free ingredients
Cons
- Requires an ice cream maker for best results
- Can get a bit expensive if used frequently
- Limited flavor, may require additional ingredients for variation
I recently tried AussieBlends Vegan Ice Cream Mix and was blown away by how creamy and yummy the final product turned out. As a vegan, finding plant-based frozen desserts that live up to traditional ice cream has always been a challenge, but this mix made it a breeze to enjoy guilt-free ice cream at home.
What I love most about this product is its versatility. The mix can be used for frozen treats, like gelato, soft serve, and even rolled ice cream.
I’ve been experimenting with different flavor combinations and mix-ins, and the results have been consistently impressive. It is made from premium quality, organic, and GMO-free ingredients, making it an even better choice.
Though the mix provides a fantastic base, it can be limiting in terms of flavor options. I constantly added extra ingredients like fruits, nuts, or extracts to achieve a wider variety of tastes. Additionally, I noticed that an ice cream maker is essential for the best results, which could be a drawback for some.
Despite these minor issues, I wholeheartedly recommend AussieBlends Vegan Ice Cream Mix for fellow vegans or anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, plant-based frozen treat. The combination of taste, texture, and quality ingredients makes it a winner in my book.
Mr. Dewie’s Cashew Base Ice Cream Mix (Golden Spice)
As a vegan ice cream enthusiast, I believe you’ll enjoy Mr. Dewie’s Cashew Base Ice Cream Mix for its unique taste and easy preparation.
Pros
- Dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free
- No artificial ingredients or additives
- Easy to prepare with just water
Cons
- Limited flavor (Golden Spice)
- Some reported issues with product quality
- Not widely available outside the Bay Area
Having experienced Mr. Dewie’s Cashew Base Ice Cream Mix, I can attest to its incredible taste and creaminess. Thanks to the unique cashew base, it stands out from other vegan ice creams I’ve tried. The Golden Spice flavor gives it an interesting twist, although I wish more flavors were available.
Preparing Mr. Dewie’s Ice Cream Mix was such a breeze! Just by adding water, I found myself churning my own dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free ice cream right at home without any fuss. I love that this mix doesn’t include artificial flavorings, colorings, or additives such as emulsifiers, gums, or stabilizers, making for a more authentic and healthier treat.
Something to note, however, is that the mix is primarily available in the San Francisco Bay Area, so that accessibility might be a concern for some. There were some reports of the quality not being consistent among buyers, which I hope the brand can address.
Overall, if you’re a vegan ice cream fan searching for a unique and healthier alternative, Mr. Dewie’s Cashew Base Ice Cream Mix is worth trying. Just remember it may not be as readily available in all areas.
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Buying Guide
When choosing the best vegan ice cream, I always consider key factors to ensure I make the right choice. In this buying guide, I’ll share tips to help you pick the perfect dairy-free treat.
Flavor Variety
First, it’s essential to look at the flavor options offered by different brands. Some vegan ice creams focus on classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, while others might have a wide range of unconventional or seasonal flavors.
A wide variety can cater to different tastes, but it’s also essential to remember that more flavors aren’t always better. Find what appeals to you and check customer reviews to understand how the flavors taste.
Creaminess
Vegan ice creams use various plant-based milk alternatives to achieve the desired creaminess. Some popular options are:
- Almond milk: Provides a subtle nutty flavor and is lighter than other alternatives.
- Coconut milk: Offers a rich, creamy texture and imparts a slight coconut taste.
- Oat milk: Creates a smooth and creamy ice cream, very similar to dairy-based ice creams in texture.
- Soy milk: Provides a neutral taste while being a good source of protein.
Your choice will depend on your preference for taste, creaminess, and nutritional considerations.
Sweeteners
Some vegan ice creams use refined sugar that might not be ideal for everyone. If you have specific dietary needs or prefer a more natural sweetener, there are options available using alternatives like:
- Agave syrup: A natural sweetener derived from the agave plant.
- Organic cane sugar: Less processed than refined sugars and is vegan-friendly.
- Coconut sugar: Made from the sap of the coconut palm
- Stevia: A plant-based, no-calorie sweetener.
Always check the ingredients list to ensure the sweetener aligns with your preferences.
Add-ons
Lastly, vegan ice cream brands often include add-ons to enhance texture and flavor, such as nuts, fruits, chocolate chunks, or swirls. Be sure to verify the quality and sourcing of these ingredients, especially if you have allergies or prefer sustainably produced products.
A quick check of the label will help ensure you’re picking a vegan ice cream that meets your ethical and sustainability standards.
By considering these factors, you can find a vegan ice cream that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth while remaining true to your plant-based lifestyle. Happy shopping!
