Introduction

Dairy-free frozen desserts have evolved significantly in recent years. Gone are the days when there were only a few options tucked away in pricey grocery store freezers. Today, you’ll find entire sections dedicated to non-dairy delights in both natural food stores and conventional supermarkets. With so many choices available, the question now becomes, “Which dairy-free ice cream should you try first?” To help you decide, we’ve conducted an extensive taste test, considering over 40 product lines of dairy-free ice cream. Now, we present the top fifteen dairy-free ice cream pints available in North America, combining our own sampling with valuable feedback from our readers.

The Best Dairy-Free Ice Cream Pints Sold at Grocers

These are the unbiased favorites of our tasting groups and many of our readers. If you’re looking for more details, feel free to read our full product reviews. If you don’t see your favorite on the list, it may have just missed the cut, as there are many other good options out there. But fear not, you can have a say in next year’s rankings. Visit our Dairy-Free Ice Cream Reviews page, where you can leave your unbiased ratings and reviews for the brands you’ve tried. We value your opinion on the best dairy-free ice cream!

Update: Unfortunately, Consumer Reports was misinformed in their recent Best Dairy-Free Ice Cream taste test. First, Nick’s Vegan is not dairy-free, as it contains genetically engineered milk protein. Second, we do agree with their selection of Häagen-Dazs Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert as the winner. However, it’s important to note that they unknowingly sampled the last remaining pints on the shelves. We mourn the loss of the decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Salted Fudge Truffle, and Coconut Caramel flavors. But, let’s move forward and explore the best dairy-free ice cream pints and quarts available right now.

So Delicious Dairy Free Cashewmilk Frozen Dessert

When So Delicious released their Cashewmilk pints, it revolutionized the dairy-free ice cream market. Unlike traditional coconut-based ice creams, this dreamy line offers a more neutral base flavor and unparalleled decadence. Even die-hard dairy ice cream fans find it hard to resist a scoop of the Cashewmilk varieties.

• Base: Cashew Milk
• Champion Flavors: Snickerdoodle, Salted Caramel Cluster, and Chocolate Cookies ‘N Cream
• Key Dietary Notes: All flavors are vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free. However, depending on the flavor, some may contain other tree nuts.
• Availability: United States and Canada

Earth Grown Frozen Desserts

The Earth Grown brand, available exclusively at ALDI stores in the U.S., offers a range of dairy-free frozen dessert pints. With options like Oat Milk, Almond Milk, and Coconut Milk flavors, these products come highly recommended by both reviewers and customers.

• Base: Oat Milk, Almond Milk, or Coconut Milk
• Champion Flavors: Mint Chip Coconut Milk, Strawberry Oat Milk, and Chocolate Almond Milk
• Key Dietary Notes: All flavors are vegan-friendly. However, please check individual pints for potential allergens. Some may contain gluten, soy, and/or nuts.
• Availability: United States (exclusive to ALDI stores)

So Delicious Wondermilk Frozen Dessert

So Delicious takes dairy-free ice cream up a notch with their Wondermilk Frozen Dessert. This line aims to replicate the creamy texture and pure taste of traditional dairy ice cream. Wondermilk offers a rich and smooth experience without any coconut flavor. It’s the perfect alternative for anyone missing the now-discontinued Ripple Ice Cream.

• Base: Pea Protein and Coconut Oil
• Champion Flavors: Vanilla, Buttery Pecan, and Cookies & Crème
• Key Dietary Notes: All flavors are vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free. However, some may contain tree nuts depending on the flavor.
• Availability: United States

Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert

Ben & Jerry’s has taken their indulgent ice cream flavors and transformed them into delectable non-dairy options. Alongside their classic favorites like Cherry Garcia and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, they’ve introduced exclusive non-dairy flavors such as Bananas Foster, Coconut Seven Layer Bar, and P.B. & Cookies. Be prepared for an explosion of flavor as their pints often contain multiple delicious components.

• Base: Almond Milk or Sunflower Seed Butter
• Champion Flavors: P.B. & Cookies, Americone Dream, and Caramel Almond Brittle
• Key Dietary Notes: Depending on the flavor, some pints may contain wheat, soy, peanuts, or tree nuts. However, all flavors are egg-free and vegan-friendly.
• Availability: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia

Cado Avocado Frozen Dessert

Cado whips up a creamy frozen dessert using avocado puree and avocado oil combined with other natural ingredients. Customers rave about the simplicity and pure flavors of this brand, making it a top contender on the market.

• Base: Avocado
• Champion Flavors: Simply Lemon and Mint Chocolate Chip
• Key Dietary Notes: All flavors are vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, tree nut-free, and even coconut-free. However, a peanut butter flavor has been added.
• Availability: United States

Planet Oat Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert

Planet Oat, known for its oat milk products, has expanded into the dairy-free ice cream realm. Their whipped blend of oat milk and coconut oil has won over many fans with its creamy texture and delightful flavors.

• Base: Oat Milk and Coconut Oil
• Champion Flavors: Blueberry Oat Crumble and Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl
• Key Dietary Notes: The base is vegan and nut-free, but some flavors may contain gluten and/or peanuts.
• Availability: United States

Forager Project Organic Dairy-Free Ice Cream

Forager Project blends oat flour into their cashew butter base to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Loved for their creamy richness and virtuous ingredients, Forager Project offers an exceptional dairy-free ice cream experience.

• Base: Cashew Milk
• Champion Flavors: Cookies & Cream and Bittersweet Chocolate
• Key Dietary Notes: The base is vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free. However, the cookies in the Cookies and Cream flavor contain wheat.
• Availability: United States

Talenti Dairy Free

Talenti is not only famous for its artisanal gelato but also for its dairy-free options. With a range of creamy vegan flavors, Talenti appeals to both traditional ice cream lovers and sorbet enthusiasts alike.

• Base: Coconut Oil
• Champion Flavors: Cold Brew and Dark Chocolate
• Key Dietary Notes: The fruity varieties are vegan and made without top allergens. However, some of the creamier flavors contain eggs, and certain layers may contain gluten or nuts.
• Availability: United States and Australia

Daiya Frozen Dessert

If you’re a fan of Daiya’s dreamy frozen dessert bars, you’ll love their scoopable ice cream pints. These products provide the same great taste and quality as the bars. You can now enjoy them conveniently at home or have them shipped directly to you.

• Base: Coconut Cream
• Champion Flavors: Classic Vanilla Crème and Salted Caramel Chip
• Key Dietary Notes: All flavors are vegan and made without top allergens.
• Availability: United States and Canada

Breyers Non-Dairy Ice Cream

For value-conscious consumers, Breyers offers a range of affordable and delicious non-dairy ice cream options. These creamy pints, available in 1.5-quart tubs, are priced lower than many other dairy-free brands. With flavors like Chocolate Chocolate Chip and Oreo Cookies & Cream, Breyers Non-Dairy Ice Cream satisfies any sweet tooth.

• Base: Almond Milk
• Champion Flavors: Chocolate Chocolate Chip and Oreo Cookies & Cream
• Key Dietary Notes: All flavors are vegan, and the ice cream base is gluten-free. However, select flavors may contain gluten and/or soy in the add-ins.
• Availability: United States

Nadamoo Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert

Nadamoo originally started as a pint brand before expanding into ice cream shops. Now, their delicious flavors can be found in grocery stores nationwide. With creamy coconut-based ice creams and a variety of fun flavors, Nadamoo is sure to please.

• Base: Coconut Milk
• Champion Flavors: That Snickerdoodle Dough, Birthday Cake Cookie Dough, and Vanilla
• Key Dietary Notes: Depending on the flavor, tree nuts may be present. All flavors are certified vegan and certified gluten-free. They are also soy-free.
• Availability: United States

Simple Truth Frozen Desserts

Kroger’s house brand, Simple Truth, offers a variety of dairy-free ice cream pints. Their Almondmilk, Coconutmilk, and Oatmilk bases come in various flavors, making it a challenge to choose just one favorite. Simple Truth is known for its quality and affordability.

• Base: Almond Milk, Oat Milk and Coconut Oil, or Coconut Cream
• Champion Flavors: Vanilla Bean Almondmilk, Chocolate Brownie Swirl Coconutmilk, and Black Raspberry Chip Oatmilk
• Key Dietary Notes: All flavors are vegan, but please check individual pints for other potential allergens. Some flavors may contain gluten, soy, and/or nuts.
• Availability: United States (exclusive to Kroger family of stores)

O’My Gelato

O’My Gelato offers a simplistic dairy-free ice cream made with clean ingredients and a rich coconut cream base. With a range of flavors, some creamier than others, O’My Gelato provides a refreshing and tasty alternative.

• Base: Coconut Cream
• Champion Flavors: Mint Chip and Orange Cream
• Key Dietary Notes: All flavors are vegan and made without top allergens.
• Availability: United States

Frönen Non-Dairy Frozen Desserts

Frönen, a paleo-friendly brand, has transformed its product to offer a coconut cream-based ice cream. With limited ingredients and sweetened only with honey or coconut sugar, Frönen provides a health-conscious yet indulgent treat.

• Base: Coconut Cream
• Champion Flavors: Salted Caramel Swirl and Strawberry
• Key Dietary Notes: All flavors are made without top allergens. Please note that this brand uses honey, making it plant-based but not strictly vegan.
• Availability: United States

Open Nature Frozen Dessert

Open Nature, the store brand of Albertsons and Safeway, offers a range of dairy-free ice cream pints. While some flavors receive high praise, there is room for improvement in the almond and cashew milk varieties. We hope to see more oat and coconut milk-based options in the future.

• Base: Oatmilk and Coconut Oil or Coconut Cream (for the top recommended lines)
• Champion Flavors: Blueberry Oatmeal Crumble and Toasted Coconut
• Key Dietary Notes: Depending on the flavor, some pints may contain gluten, peanuts, or tree nuts. However, the mentioned varieties appear to be vegan and soy-free.
• Availability: United States (exclusive to Albertsons family of stores)

Honorable Mentions

If we extended our list, these five brands would also make the cut:

1. Hudsonville Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert – Known for its fluffy and creamy consistency, Hudsonville is gaining popularity. However, availability remains limited, primarily in the Midwest.
2. So Delicious Dairy Free Oatmilk Frozen Dessert – So Delicious offers creative flavors in their oat milk line, although it falls into the “pretty good” category.
3. Yellofruit – Yellofruit offers a fruity frozen dessert that’s sure to please banana nice cream fans.
4. Tofutti Dairy Free Frozen Dessert – Tofutti remains a classic brand, loved for its non-GMO soy and cocoa butter. Unfortunately, it has become increasingly hard to find.
5. Mauna Loa Macadamia Milk – Mauna Loa introduces the first macadamia nut milk ice cream. While flavors are impressive, the consistency is more reminiscent of ice milk.

Know Your Needs! While all the brands mentioned are dairy-free by ingredients, it’s important to check the label, as ingredients and manufacturing processes can change. Cross-contamination with dairy or other allergens is always a concern. If you have severe or sensitive food allergies, please contact the manufacturer to ensure their processes align with your needs. Although the FDA considers coconut a tree nut, it is not a top allergen in North America. However, individual allergies to coconut or any other food are always possible.

Make Your Own Dairy-Free Ice Cream with Go Dairy Free!

Can’t find your favorite dairy-free ice cream in stores? No problem! Take matters into your own hands and create your own dairy-free ice cream using the recipes and guidance provided in the Go Dairy Free 2nd Edition guidebook and cookbook. With over 250 recipes, you’ll never run out of delicious options to satisfy your dairy-free ice cream cravings.

Note: This article is focused on the “Ice Cream” brand. For more information and to explore other brands, visit Ice Cream.