The 10 Best Dairy-Free Ice Creams, According to Nutrition Experts

These plant-based desserts prove simple ingredients can deliver rich, guilt-free flavor.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 24, 2025

These plant-based desserts prove simple ingredients can deliver rich, guilt-free flavor.

If you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply searching for a refreshing dessert that fits your dietary needs, the world of dairy-free ice cream is a delicious frontier to explore. Modern freezers are stocked with more non-dairy options than ever—but with so many choices, knowing which pints are truly worth your scoop can be overwhelming. This guide, shaped by nutritionist insights and rigorous ingredient comparisons, covers everything you need to find the creamiest, healthiest, and tastiest dairy-free ice cream options.

Why Choose Dairy-Free Ice Cream?

Dairy-free ice creams cater to various dietary restrictions and preferences, including:

Lactose intolerance or dairy allergy: Eliminating dairy avoids digestive discomfort and allergic reactions.
Vegan and plant-based diets: These ice creams contain no animal products and adhere to ethical or environmental values.
Lower cholesterol options: Plant-based alternatives can be lower in saturated fat than traditional dairy ice cream, though not always.
Flavor and ingredient diversity: Bases like coconut, almond, oat, and avocado offer unique taste experiences and nutritional benefits.

What Nutritionists Look for in Healthy Dairy-Free Ice Cream

It’s tempting to assume non-dairy automatically means healthier, but not every alternative is created equal. According to dietitians, these are crucial factors to check before scooping your next pint:

Minimal sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners: Opt for products with as few additives, gums, and stabilizers as possible. Whole-food, high-quality ingredients take priority.
Saturated fat content: The base—like almond, cashew, or especially coconut—can drastically affect fat content. Coconut-based ice creams are notably high in saturated fat and should be eaten in moderation.
Reasonable calories per serving: A good target is no more than 250 calories per serving, but always check the label.
Limited added sugar: Aim for 20 grams of sugar or less per serving to avoid unwanted spikes in blood sugar.
Short and familiar ingredient lists: The fewer the mysterious ingredients, the better for your body—and for the integrity of the flavor.

Tips for Shopping and Serving Dairy-Free Ice Cream

Check serving sizes: Dairy-free ice cream’s nutritional info is often based on smaller servings than you might scoop at home. Use a ramekin or small bowl for proper portions—not a wide cereal bowl.
Sorbets and fruit-based options: These can be a flavorful, lower-fat vegan treat, but check the sugar content, as some have over 24 grams in a serving.
Watch out for chocolate-coated bars: Many have higher fat and calorie counts than traditional scoops.

The Best Dairy-Free Ice Creams (Top Picks for 2025)

Here are 10 top-rated dairy-free ice cream brands, including nutrition and flavor notes, so you can find your perfect match.

1. Oatly Strawberry Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert

Best for: Creamy strawberry flavor, oat milk base fans

Main ingredients: Oats, real strawberries, coconut oil
Nutritional info (2/3 cup): 200 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated), 20g sugar, 1g protein
Why experts love it: Exceptionally creamy texture without being heavy, thanks to oat milk as the first ingredient. The natural strawberry flavor is a favorite for adults and children alike.

2. Cado Vanilla Bean Avocado Frozen Dessert

Best for: Heart-healthy fats, ultra-clean ingredients

Main ingredients: Avocado, avocado oil, organic cane sugar, vanilla bean paste
Nutritional info (1/2 cup): 170 calories, 11g fat (1.5g saturated), 12g sugar
Why experts love it: Creamy and decadent with a minimal ingredient list, featuring healthy unsaturated fats from avocado. Also available in flavors like cherry amaretto chip and mint chocolate chip.

3. So Delicious Dairy Free Coconutmilk Vanilla Bean

Best for: Classic vanilla lovers, coconut flavor

Main ingredients: Coconut milk, organic cane sugar, vanilla extract
Nutritional info (1/2 cup): ~120 calories, 6g fat (5g saturated), 10g sugar
Why experts love it: Rich coconut taste, smooth vanilla. Lower calorie count than many non-dairy competitors.

4. Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy P.B. & Cookies

Best for: Indulgent, chunky mix-ins

Main ingredients: Almond milk, chocolate sandwich cookies, peanut butter swirl
Nutritional info (2/3 cup): 260 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated), 20g sugar
Why experts love it: Loaded with fun crumbles and swirls, this pint is a crowd-pleaser for anyone missing Ben & Jerry’s creative mix-ins.

5. NadaMoo! Organic Chocolate Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert

Best for: Organic chocolate lovers, coconut allergy-friendly

Main ingredients: Organic coconut milk, organic agave syrup, organic cocoa
Nutritional info (1/2 cup): 140 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated), 11g sugar
Why experts love it: Intense chocolate flavor without being overly sweet. Made with organic ingredients.

6. Halo Top Dairy-Free Birthday Cake

Best for: Lower calorie treat, fun flavor

Main ingredients: Coconut milk, organic cake batter flavor, sprinkles
Nutritional info (2/3 cup): 90 calories, 3g fat, 6g sugar
Why experts love it: Lower calorie count and sugar content than most alternatives, yet maintains sweetness and a celebratory feel.

7. Arctic Zero Non-Dairy Salted Caramel

Best for: Least calories per serving, caramel fans

Main ingredients: Fava bean protein concentrate, cane sugar, sea salt
Nutritional info (1/2 cup): 40 calories, 1.5g fat, 5g sugar
Why experts love it: Super light on calories and fat, suitable for calorie-conscious snackers. Creamy enough to satisfy cravings.

8. Eclipse Foods Vanilla Plant-Based Ice Cream

Best for: Allergen-friendly, neutral flavor

Main ingredients: Potato protein, corn, canola oil
Nutritional info (2/3 cup): ~190 calories, 10g fat, 17g sugar
Why experts love it: Avoids major allergens like nuts and soy. The taste and texture are creamy and reminiscent of dairy-based ice cream.

9. Coconut Bliss Dark Chocolate

Best for: Rich chocolate, coconut milk base

Main ingredients: Organic coconut milk, agave syrup, cocoa powder
Nutritional info (1/2 cup): 210 calories, 16g fat (14g saturated), 14g sugar
Why experts love it: Deep, dark chocolate flavor with smooth coconut background. Organic and plant-based ingredients.

10. Tofutti Vanilla Cuties

Best for: Dairy-free ice cream sandwiches

Main ingredients: Soy protein, vanilla extract, tapioca syrup
Nutritional info (sandwich): 130 calories, 4.5g fat (2g saturated), 10g sugar
Why experts love it: Convenient sandwich form makes it perfect for on-the-go, picnic, or lunchbox treats. Soy-based creaminess satisfies vanilla cravings.

Plant-Based Ice Cream Nutrition at a Glance

Brand	Base	Calories (Serving)	Sugar (g)	Fat (g)
Oatly Strawberry	Oat	200 (2/3 cup)	20	10
Cado Vanilla Bean	Avocado	170 (1/2 cup)	12	11
So Delicious Vanilla Bean	Coconut	120 (1/2 cup)	10	6
Ben & Jerry’s PB&Cookies	Almond	260 (2/3 cup)	20	14
NadaMoo! Chocolate	Coconut	140 (1/2 cup)	11	7
Halo Top Birthday Cake	Coconut	90 (2/3 cup)	6	3
Arctic Zero Salted Caramel	Fava Bean	40 (1/2 cup)	5	1.5
Eclipse Vanilla	Potato/Corn	190 (2/3 cup)	17	10
Coconut Bliss Dark Chocolate	Coconut	210 (1/2 cup)	14	16
Tofutti Vanilla Cuties	Soy	130 (1 sandwich)	10	4.5

Nutritional Considerations and Expert Tips

Choose pints with less than 250 calories and 20g sugar per serving.
Picks with saturated fat under 8g per serving are ideal, especially for daily indulgence.
Favor products with minimal stabilizers or gums, especially for clean-label seekers.
Mind the serving size—portion control is key for weight management and blood sugar stability.

How to Find Your Ideal Dairy-Free Ice Cream

The ideal choice depends on your goals and flavor preference:

For lower calories: Halo Top and Arctic Zero offer the fewest per serving, but may sacrifice some creaminess.
For clean, whole-food ingredients: Try Cado or NadaMoo! for minimal processing and organic components.
For classic, indulgent flavors: Ben & Jerry’s and Coconut Bliss have rich, satisfying taste experiences.

DIY Dairy-Free Ice Cream: Simple Home Recipe

You can also make easy, delicious dairy-free ice cream at home. Here is a quick avocado almond recipe inspired by top plant-based cookbooks:

Ingredients: 2 ripe avocados (diced), 2⅓ cups unsweetened almond or coconut milk, 3 tablespoons almond butter, 6–8 pitted dates, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a blender until creamy. Pour mixture into an ice cream maker and follow manufacturer’s suggestions, or freeze in a container for 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Let thaw slightly before scooping.
Flavor tip: Add cocoa powder for chocolate, fresh berries for fruit flavor, or swirl in nut butters just before the final freeze for more variety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is dairy-free ice cream healthier than regular ice cream?

Not always. While some dairy-free options contain fewer saturated fats and less cholesterol, many rival the sugar or calorie content of regular ice creams. Choosing products with simple, recognizable ingredients and mindful nutritional targets is the healthiest approach.

Which base (oat, almond, coconut, etc.) is healthiest?

No single non-dairy base is always best; almond milk and oat milk tend to be lower in saturated fat compared to coconut, but flavor and texture preferences also matter. Always check nutrition labels for details relevant to your dietary needs.

Are all dairy-free ice creams vegan?

Most are vegan, but not all—some might include honey or other animal-derived ingredients. Always check the packaging for vegan certification or a clear ingredients list.

Can I eat dairy-free ice cream if I’m on a low-sugar diet?

Yes, several brands offer low-sugar or no-sugar-added dairy-free options. Look for “light” or “no added sugar” labeling, and always confirm the sugar content per serving.

Can kids and people with nut allergies eat dairy-free ice cream?

Many non-dairy ice creams contain nuts (like almond or cashew) or coconut. However, options like Eclipse (nut-free), Oatly (nut-free oat base), or soy-based Tofutti exist for those with allergies. Always review labels for allergen information.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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