Frozen treats without dairy have advanced significantly. Only a few quarts were available in costly grocers’ frozen food sections just ten years ago. Now, many health food stores and some mainstream grocers have entire chilled departments devoted to non-dairy treats. Which dairy-free ice cream should you try first has replaced the earlier query about which flavours are available. So which dairy-free ice cream is the best? If you’re looking to get your hands on delicious vegan ice cream, never fear. You have so many options. In the early 2000s, there weren’t nearly this many options for vegan ice cream. If you went to the grocery store there would be maybe one brand of vegan ice cream with only a few options. The days of struggling to find good dairy-free ice cream are, thankfully, long behind us now.
1. Buy it From a Grocery Store
If you’re looking to pick something up on the way home from work and you already have to stop for groceries, consider picking up one of the many brands that grocery stores carry. While these options are vegan, they may be packed with more sugars and added ingredients, making them a less healthy option.
However, they’re still delicious. Ben and Jerry’s offers a line of yummy dairy-free ice creams that are available at pretty much every grocery store. These days, most grocery stores have an entire section dedicated to vegan and dairy-free ice creams.
2. Buy it Online
It may seem weird, but you can buy ice cream online. There are many different places to buy ice cream online, so you’re bound to find something that fits your tastes. If you’re looking for something on the healthier side of things, consider checking out Daily Harvest. They offer a few different ice cream flavors that feature healthier ingredients such as:
- Ashwagandha
- Vanilla
- Maple
- Probiotics
- Cacao
Make sure to read reviews before deciding to buy ice cream online, as poor packaging and shipping could cause you to get melted ice cream at your doorstep. However, there are many companies that have perfected the art of delivering frozen desserts. Read more about The several benefits of digital printing services.
3. Buy it From an Independent Vendor
There are also many options available from small independent shops or smaller grocery stores. Look to these places for vegan and dairy-free ice cream options. There may even be a vegan market or store in your town, and they would definitely have the options that you’re looking for.
If you don’t have a vegan market or small store in your town, never fear, there are still many other options for you.
4. Go to an Ice Cream Shop
You can also check out local ice cream parlors to see if they have any dairy-free or vegan options. Many of them do. A lot of local ice cream shops will also offer options for purchasing larger quantities of ice cream, like pints or gallons.
If you really like their ice cream, you should consider this option. Not only will you get delicious vegan ice cream to take home with you, but you’ll also get to support a local small business.
5. Make it Yourself
And finally, when all else fails, go right ahead and make that ice cream yourself. Making ice cream can be as easy or difficult as you want it to be, as there are many different styles and techniques that you can use to create your own ice cream.
You can use an ice cream maker or not, it’s up to you. For the most part, these recipes require:
- Full-fat coconut milk
- Sweetener of your choice
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- And whatever other ingredients you’d like to add
Making your own ice cream is fun, as you can choose whatever flavor you want—or create something new!
Enjoy Your Vegan Ice Cream
Once you’ve decided on where you’re going to get your vegan ice cream, the last step is obvious: enjoy it. Remember, not all vegan ice creams are made equally, and some of them may be worse than others. Don’t give up in your search to find the best vegan ice cream of all time. It’s out there. These have consistently been the top picks of both our tasting groups and many of our readers. For further information, feel free to read the entire product reviews in the links I’ve provided. Your favourite may not have made the cut (many others are excellent!) if it isn’t on the list. However, you can influence the list for the following year. See our Dairy-Free Ice Cream Reviews to leave your own, frank evaluations of the manufacturers you’ve tried (no login required). In your opinion, what is the best dairy-free ice cream?
Common Dairy-Free Ice Cream Bases
| Base | Taste and texture | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut milk | Rich and creamy | Most common base, may taste of coconut |
| Almond milk | Light and nutty | Lower in fat, less creamy |
| Oat milk | Neutral and creamy | Popular new base, good for allergies |
| Soy milk | Neutral, high protein | Not suitable for soy allergies |
| Cashew milk | Rich and smooth | Good texture, higher cost |
Check the label before you buy. Dairy-free does not always mean vegan. Some dairy-free products may still use honey or other animal products. Vegan ice cream has no animal products at all. If you have a nut allergy, avoid almond and cashew bases and choose oat or coconut instead.
A Simple Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipe
You can make dairy-free ice cream at home with a few steps. Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk in the fridge overnight. Scoop the thick cream into a bowl and whip it until fluffy. Stir in your sweetener, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Add your favourite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or berries. Freeze the mix for 4 to 6 hours, stirring once or twice so it stays smooth. Serve it straight from the freezer, or let it soften for 10 minutes first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dairy-free ice cream made from?
Dairy-free ice cream is made from plant milks such as coconut, almond, oat, soy, or cashew milk, instead of cow’s milk or cream.
Is dairy-free ice cream vegan?
Not always. Dairy-free means it has no milk, but some dairy-free products may still use honey or other animal products. Vegan ice cream has no animal products at all.
Where can I buy dairy-free ice cream?
You can buy it at grocery stores, online, from independent vendors, and at local ice cream shops. Many mainstream grocers now have a section for vegan and dairy-free ice creams.
Can I make dairy-free ice cream at home?
Yes. Whip chilled full-fat coconut milk cream with sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt, add your favourite mix-ins, and freeze for 4 to 6 hours.
Which dairy-free base is best for nut allergies?
Oat milk and coconut milk are good choices for nut allergies. Avoid almond and cashew bases.
Disclaimer: This guide gives general information only. Always read product labels for allergens. Prices and stock change over time.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026