10 Best Dairy-Free Ice Creams to Try—Dietitian-Approved Picks for Every Sweet Tooth
Explore the latest and most delicious dairy-free ice creams, with insights from dietitians on what to look for when choosing the healthiest non-dairy treats.
If you love ice cream but need to avoid dairy due to allergies, lactose intolerance, or a plant-based diet, the world of dairy-free ice creams has exploded with delicious options. This comprehensive guide reveals the top-rated choices, expert advice from registered dietitians, and tips for selecting the healthiest frozen desserts—so you never miss out on creamy, dreamy scoops.
Why Go Dairy-Free? Benefits and Growing Popularity
Dairy-free ice cream isn’t just for vegans. With a rise in people avoiding dairy for digestive comfort, ethical reasons, or environmental concerns, more shoppers are seeking alternatives to traditional frozen treats. According to industry data, non-dairy frozen desserts are the fastest-growing segment of the ice cream market—seeing over 66% sales growth in just two years.
- Lactose intolerance: Millions lack the enzyme needed to digest lactose (the sugar in milk), causing digestive upsets.
- Allergies: Dairy is a top food allergen, especially among children.
- Vegan/plant-based diets: Avoidance of animal products for ethical or environmental reasons.
- Inflammation and acne: Emerging research links dairy intake with increased inflammation in sensitive individuals.
What Is Dairy-Free Ice Cream?
Dairy-free ice cream is a creamy frozen dessert made without cow’s milk or any animal-derived dairy. Instead, it uses plant-based ingredients to mimic the creamy texture and flavor of traditional ice cream. You’ll see it labeled as “non-dairy frozen dessert” if strictly regulated, as FDA standards require milk-derived ingredients for products labeled “ice cream”.
- Common bases include almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, soy milk, oat milk, and sometimes blends of plant ingredients like oats, corn, and potatoes.
- Some brands use unusual bases—such as avocado purée—for unique creamy textures and healthy fats.
Is Dairy-Free the Same as Lactose-Free?
No. Lactose-free products remove or break down the lactose sugar, but can still be made from cow’s milk. Dairy-free means completely free of all milk and milk derivatives, making it suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies.
How to Shop for the Best Dairy-Free Ice Cream
With grocery aisles now stacked with options, choosing healthy and tasty dairy-free ice cream can be tricky. Registered dietitians recommend focusing on both ingredient lists and nutrition labels for the healthiest choices.
Key Criteria to Consider
- Limit sugar alcohols & artificial sweeteners: Seek varieties with as few sugar alcohols, gums, and stabilizers as possible. Plant-based doesn’t always mean healthier—many options have lots of added sugar and processed ingredients.
- Beware of saturated fat: Bases like coconut milk produce an ultra-creamy texture but can be very high in saturated fat. Some coconut-based pints pack up to 12 grams of saturated fat per serving, about 60% of the daily value.
- Watch serving sizes & calories: Dietitians advise sticking to no more than 250 calories and 20 grams of sugar per serving. Sorbets and ice pops may seem lighter, but some versions contain as much as 24 grams of sugar in a small serving.
- Read ingredients: Scan for short, simple ingredient lists. Fewer additives and fewer sweeteners typically mean a cleaner product.
- Choose your base wisely:
- Almond, oat, and cashew milk are often lower in saturated fat.
- Coconut milk is richer and creamier but higher in calories and saturated fat.
- Fruit sorbets naturally contain no fat, but check sugar content.
What others are reading
Expert Portioning Tips
- Use a small bowl or ramekin to control portion size—filling a cereal bowl can lead to oversized servings.
- Be extra cautious with ice cream bars or chocolate-dipped treats, which often pack more calories and fat than a standard serving.
The Top 10 Dietitian-Recommended Dairy-Free Ice Cream Brands
Dairy-free ice creams come in countless flavors and textures. Here are the best picks that meet high standards for taste, nutrition, and pleasing ingredients.
1. Oatly Strawberry Dairy-Free Ice Cream
Base: Oat milk
Highlights: Creamy, made with real strawberries and oats, enriched with coconut oil.
Why Dietitians Love It: Oatly built its reputation on its oat milk, and its ice creams are rich, naturally sweet, and entirely plant-based. Even picky kids love the flavor.
Nutrition (Per 2/3 cup): 200 cal, 10g fat (7g sat), 25g carbs, 2g protein.
2. Coconut Bliss
Base: Coconut milk
Highlights: Clean ingredient list, rich and creamy texture, variety of classic and inventive flavors.
Why Dietitians Love It: Minimal additives and lower sugar compared to many competitors. Perfect for those needing a plant-based or nut-allergy-friendly option.
3. Nada Moo!
Base: Coconut milk
Highlights: Organic ingredients, less sugar, fun flavor options (like Lotta Mint Chip, Birthday Cake), and a smooth, scoopable texture.
Why Dietitians Love It: Great balance between flavor and nutrition—lower sugar, clean label, allergen-friendly.
4. So Delicious Cashew Milk Frozen Dessert
Base: Cashew milk
Highlights: Widely available, extra creamy, several indulgent flavors like Salted Caramel Cluster.
Why Dietitians Love It: Cashew milk provides a super creamy base. Some flavors may use canola oil—check the specific label for your chosen flavor.
5. Cado Avocado Ice Cream
Base: Avocado purée
Highlights: Unique creamy, rich texture from avocados. Provides heart-healthy unsaturated fats rather than coconut’s saturated fats.
Why Dietitians Love It: Naturally dairy- and nut-free, high in healthy fats, lower sugar than many coconut-based pints.
6. Almond Dream
Base: Almond milk
Highlights: Classic flavors, widely available at supermarkets nationwide, almond-based for those avoiding coconut.
Why Dietitians Love It: Reliable, simple option for almond milk fans. Not always the cleanest label, but decent when you need a dairy-free fix.
7. Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy
Base: Almond milk, sunflower butter, or oat milk depending on flavor
Highlights: Classic Ben & Jerry’s mix-ins like cookie dough, fudge, and nut butter swirls. Huge range of flavors.
Why Dietitians Love It: Delivers on creamy texture and decadent swirls—stick to standard serving sizes and watch the sugar and fat content.
8. So Delicious Oat Milk Frozen Dessert
Base: Oat milk
Highlights: Smooth texture, simple ingredients, allergen-friendly. Flavors range from classic vanilla to more modern delights.
Why Dietitians Love It: Oat milk is gentler on digestion and usually provides some fiber.
9. Talenti Dairy-Free Sorbetto
Base: Real fruit purée
Highlights: Fruit-forward flavors like Raspberry and Alphonso Mango, ultra-refreshing, 100% plant-based.
Why Dietitians Love It: Fat-free and lower in total calories, but some sorbetto flavors can be high in added sugars, so check the label.
10. Eclipse Plant-Based Ice Cream
Base: Blend of oat, corn, and potato
Highlights: Closest in taste and texture to real dairy, innovative use of starchy vegetables, broad flavor lineup.
Why Dietitians Love It: Very creamy, free of common allergens, with flavors formulated to please traditional ice cream lovers.
Comparison Table: Popular Dairy-Free Ice Cream Bases
| Base | Creaminess Level | Common Brands | Key Nutritional Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oat Milk | High | Oatly, So Delicious | High fiber, mild flavor, moderate fat |
| Coconut Milk | Very High | Coconut Bliss, Nada Moo | Ultra-creamy, higher in saturated fat |
| Cashew Milk | High | So Delicious | Nutty undertones, creamy texture |
| Almond Milk | Medium | Almond Dream, Ben & Jerry’s | Lower in fat, subtle flavor |
| Avocado | Medium-High | Cado | Healthy unsaturated fats, lower sugar |
| Fruit Purée | Low (sorbet) | Talenti | Fat-free, high sugar possible |
| Plant Blend (oat, potato, corn) | Very High | Eclipse | Allergen-friendly, dairy-like mouthfeel |
FAQ: Dairy-Free Ice Cream, Answered by Experts
Q: Is dairy-free ice cream healthier than regular ice cream?
A: Not always. Some dairy-free ice creams are lower in calories, saturated fat, or cholesterol, but others may contain high amounts of sugar, fat, or processed additives. Check nutrition labels and ingredients for the healthiest choices.
Q: Which dairy-free base is the healthiest?
A: Oat, almond, and cashew milks are often lighter in saturated fat and calories. Coconut milk is ultra-creamy but highest in saturated fat.
Q: Are there good dairy-free options for people with nut allergies?
A: Yes! Oat milk, coconut milk, avocado-based (like Cado), and plant-blend bases (like Eclipse) are excellent choices for nut-free needs. Always check for cross-contamination warnings.
Q: How can I avoid too much sugar in dairy-free ice cream?
A: Compare nutrition labels, prioritize brands with less than 20g sugar per serving, and opt for fruit-sweetened or lower-sugar varieties. Portion control is key—use a small bowl, not a heaping cone or large cup.
Q: Can dairy-free ice cream be made at home?
A: Absolutely! Homemade versions allow you to control sugar, fat, and ingredients. Blending frozen bananas, berries, or avocado with coconut or oat milk is a simple starting point. Use an ice cream maker for the smoothest results.
How to Enjoy Dairy-Free Ice Cream Healthfully
- Stick to recommended portions—usually 2/3 cup (about 110-170g).
- Pair with fresh berries, toasted nuts (if tolerated), or a blitz of fruit for more fiber and nutrients.
- Opt for ‘simple’ flavors like vanilla or chocolate for the shortest ingredient lists.
- Check for added protein or fiber for longer-lasting satisfaction.
Summary: The Sweetest Scoop
Today’s dairy-free ice creams rival the taste and texture of traditional pints. Top picks—like Oatly, Coconut Bliss, Nada Moo, So Delicious, Ben & Jerry’s, and more—offer something for every taste and dietary need. With expert shopping strategies, balanced portions, and a focus on smart ingredients, everyone can enjoy a creamy, cold treat without dairy.
References
- https://www.thewellnessway.com/dairy-free-ice-cream/
- https://eclipsefoods.com/blog/what-is-dairy-free-ice-cream/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/g29003067/best-dairy-free-ice-cream/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/g20466676/5-easy-dairy-free-ice-cream-recipes-that-taste-amazing/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/a29088480/no-dairy-diet/
- https://tastefullvegan.com/press/
- https://under-belly.org/vegan-ice-cream-it-can-actually-be-good/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11130937/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
