A quick look at the best vegan ice creams
- Best scoopable vegan ice cream Oatly Frozen Dessert
- Best vegan ice cream sandwich: So Delicious Coconutmilk Sandwich
- Best vegan ice pop: Chloe’s Oatmilk Pops
- Best organic: Sweet Nothings Plant-Based Spoonable Smoothie Cup
- Best sugar-free: Nick’s Vegan Ice Cream
- Best for chocolate lovers: Nadamoo! Organic Chocolate
- Best for kids: GoodPop Organic Freezer Pops
Sweet, cold, and creamy, ice cream is enjoyed by people all over the world.
However, because it’s traditionally made from milk, regular ice cream isn’t suitable for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet.
Fortunately, plenty of vegan-friendly frozen treats are available, and they’re just as delicious as their dairy-containing counterparts.
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The products included in this article were selected based on the following criteria:
- Flavors. Most products are available in a variety of flavors.
- Ingredients. All products are vegan and free of artificial sweeteners and fillers.
- Nutritional value. Each product is relatively low in added sugar and free of trans fat.
- Cost. All products provide a good value for the price.
- Vetting. All the products included have been vetted to ensure that they meet Healthline’s medical and business standards.
Here are 7 of the best vegan ice creams.
A note on price
Buying frozen items online
Some online vendors offer ice cream for purchase online. This can be a convenient option as long as safe and timely delivery is guaranteed. Online ordering may not be available in all areas, so you may have to look for products locally.
Prices
General price ranges are indicated below with dollar signs ($ to $$$). One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, prices range from $0.29–$1.12 per ounce (30 mL), or $4.99–$46.99 per package, though this may vary depending on where you shop.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $0.30 per ounce (30 mL)
- $$ = $0.30–$1.00 per ounce (30 mL)
- $$$ = over $1.00 per ounce (30 mL)
Healthline’s picks of the best vegan ice creams
Best scoopable vegan ice cream
Oatly Frozen Dessert
Price: $$
Made from a blend of oat milk and coconut oil, Oatly Frozen Dessert is a rich and flavorful must-have in my freezer.
Unlike other vegan varieties of ice cream, there’s no strong coconut taste. Plus, every flavor has a creamy consistency that’s similar to that of regular ice cream.
Some of the most popular flavors include vanilla, salted caramel, mint chip, and strawberry.
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However, Oatly Frozen Dessert is available in seven additional flavors as well, including:
- oat
- coffee
- strawberry
- chocolate
- chocolate chip
- fudge brownie
- raspberry swirl
Like most other frozen desserts, this vegan ice cream does contain some sugar and is low in beneficial nutrients like fiber and protein.
However, unlike many popular brands of regular ice cream, it’s made from non-genetically modified organisms (non-GMO), nut-free, and made without any artificial sweeteners or flavors.
Oatly Frozen Dessert at a glance
Nutrition facts
One 2/3-cup (100-mL) serving of Vanilla Oatly Frozen Dessert contains:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 13 grams
- Carbs: 24 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 18 grams
- Added sugar: 18 grams
Benefits
- available in many flavors
- no strong coconut taste
- nut-free, non-GMO, and free of artificial ingredients
Potential downsides
- higher in calories and sugar than similar products
Best vegan ice cream sandwich
So Delicious Coconutmilk Sandwiches
Price: $
These ice cream sandwiches from So Delicious are a simple grab-and-go snack option for those following a low calorie, vegan, or dairy-free diet.
They’re made from coconut milk and available in flavors like vanilla, vanilla bean, and coconut.
While they have a noticeable coconut flavor, these mini sandwiches are every bit as delicious and decadent-tasting as those made from milk.
Each ice cream sandwich provides just 100 calories and is relatively low in carbs, fat, and sugar.
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Still, keep in mind that they contain several allergens, including wheat, gluten, pea protein, and coconut.
So Delicious Coconutmilk Sandwiches at a glance
Nutrition facts
One So Delicious Vanilla Bean Coconutmilk Sandwich (37-mL) contains:
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 4 grams
- Carbs: 14 grams
- Fiber: less than 1 gram
- Sugar: 7 grams
- Added sugar: 7 grams
Benefits
- available in three flavors
- low in calories, carbs, fat, and sugar
Potential downsides
- unsuitable for those with an allergy to wheat, gluten, pea protein, or coconut
Best vegan ice pop
Chloe’s Oatmilk Pops
Price: $$
For a dairy-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth, Chloe’s Oatmilk Pops are an excellent choice.
Chloe’s specializes in ice cream pops that are gluten-free, non-GMO, and made without any artificial flavors or ingredients.
Chloe’s Oatmilk Pops are available in a variety of flavors, such as:
- brownie batter
- chocolate peanut butter
- cookies & cream
- mint chip oatmilk
- salted caramel oatmilk
- raspberry chip oatmilk
Healthline Nutrition and Fitness Market Editor, Kelli McGrane MS, RD, notes that while the Mint Chip is cool and refreshing for hot summer days, the Salted Caramel Oatmilk Pop is her go-to choice when she’s craving something a little more indulgent.
Chloe’s Pops are free of common allergens. However, they’re manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, soy, wheat, and eggs, so they may be unsuitable for those with severe food allergies.
Additionally, similar to other sweets, Chloe’s Oatmilk Pops do contain a small amount of added sugars, including cane sugar and tapioca syrup
Still, each serving is low in calories and carbs and can be a great vegan-friendly treat to keep in your freezer.
Chloe’s Oatmilk Pops at a glance
Nutrition facts
One Brownie Batter Oatmilk Pop (60-mL) contains:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 5 grams
- Carbs: 17 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Added sugar: 11 grams
Benefits
- gluten-free, non-GMO, and made without major allergens
- low in calories and carbs
- available in six flavors
Potential downsides
- manufactured in a facility that processes common allergens
Best organic
Sweet Nothings Plant-Based Spoonable Smoothie Cup
Price: $$$
If you’re looking for a frozen dessert you can feel good about eating, check out these frozen smoothie cups from Sweet Nothings.
In addition to being certified organic, they’re free of added sugar and made using simple ingredients like fruit, nuts, and seeds.
Although they’re somewhat expensive compared with other brands, each smoothie cup is low in calories, high in fiber, and individually portioned to help keep your serving sizes in check.
Strawberry is the most popular flavor that they offer, but these smoothie cups are also available in other varieties including:
- peanut butter
- chocolate
- coffee
- blueberry
Sweet Nothings Plant-Based Spoonable Smoothie Cup at a glance
Nutrition facts
One 3.5 ounce (99-mL) Chocolate Smoothie Cup contains:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 3.5 grams
- Carbs: 20 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Added sugar: 0 grams
Benefits
- available in five flavors
- free of added sugar
- made using simple ingredients
- certified organic
Potential downsides
- expensive
- small portion sizes
Best sugar-free
Nick’s Vegan Ice Cream
Price: $$$
Nick’s is a company that specializes in Swedish-style ice cream and provides an assortment of vegan, keto-friendly options.
According to my sister, a self-proclaimed vegan ice cream expert, Nick’s ice cream is smooth and creamy, rivaling regular ice cream, even without the dairy.
Despite containing natural sugar substitutes like stevia and monk fruit, they don’t have a noticeable aftertaste.
Choklad Choklad and Swedish Mint Chip are two of the brand’s most popular vegan varieties, but it also offers other flavors such as:
- strawbär kräm
- karamell swirl
- hazelnöt fudge
- peanöt butter fudge
- vanilj bean
Keep in mind that this ice cream is produced from an animal-free whey protein, meaning that it’s technically vegan and lactose-free but unsuitable for people with whey allergies.
Still, each serving is free of added sugar, high in fiber, and contains a relatively low amount of carbs and calories.
Nick’s Vegan Ice Cream at a glance
Nutrition facts
One 2/3 cup (90-mL) serving of Nick’s vanilj bean flavor contains:
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 7 grams
- Carbs: 17 grams
- Fiber: 6 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Added sugar: 0 grams
Benefits
- free of added sugar
- high in fiber with low amount of calories and carbs per serving
- available in seven flavors
Potential downsides
- contains sugar substitutes
- expensive
- unsuitable for those with an allergy to whey
Best for chocolate lovers
Nadamoo! Organic Chocolate
Price: $$
Chocolate lovers have plenty of dairy-free dessert options to choose from, and Nadamoo! Organic Chocolate is one of the best.
Made from coconut milk, cocoa powder, and a blend of sweeteners like tapioca syrup and agave, this vegan ice cream has a rich chocolate flavor and silky smooth consistency.
Plus, it’s certified gluten-free, organic, and non-GMO.
It’s also a good source of fiber, with 7 grams packed into each serving.
While Organic Chocolate is one of the most popular flavors, Nadamoo! offers 21 additional vegan ice cream flavors to choose from, including:
- cookies & creme
- pistachio nut
- cookie dough fudge
- birthday cake
- pumpkin pie
- s’mores
- maple pecan
- strawberry cheesecake
Nadamoo! Organic Chocolate at a glance
Nutrition facts
A 2/3-cup (95-mL) serving contains:
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 9 grams
- Carbs: 20 grams
- Fiber: 7 grams
- Sugar: 11 grams
- Added sugar: 2 grams
Benefits
- rich and creamy
- available in 21 flavors
- certified gluten-free, organic, and non-GMO
- high in fiber
Potential downsides
- unsuitable for those who are allergic to coconut
Best for kids
GoodPop Organic Freezer Pops
Price: $$
Although they may not technically be classified as a type of ice cream, these organic freezer pops from GoodPop are an awesome frozen vegan treat for children and adults alike.
Featuring 100% fruit juice, GoodPop Freezer Pops are organic, allergen-free, and made without any added sugar, making them a great kid-friendly snack to keep in the freezer.
Each pack contains three different flavors of pops, including cherry limeade, fruit punch, and Concord grape.
Although the nutritional value can vary a bit between each flavor, all three varieties are low in calories, carbs, and sugar.
GoodPop Organic Freezer Pops at a glance
Nutrition facts
One Fruit Punch Pop (56-mL) contains:
- Calories: 35
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 8 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 7 grams
- Added sugar: 0 grams
Benefits
- no added sugar
- organic and allergen-free
- budget-friendly
Potential downsides
- only available in three flavors
A quick comparison of the best vegan ice creams
Here’s a quick overview of how these vegan ice cream products compare with one another:
| Oatly Frozen Dessert | SoDelicious Coconutmilk Sandwiches | Chloe’s Oatmilk Pops | Sweet Nothings Plant-Based Spoonable Smoothie Cup | Nick’s Vegan Ice Cream | Nadamoo! Organic Chocolate | GoodPop Organic Freezer Pops | |
| Main ingredient | oat milk | coconut milk | oat milk | bananas, nuts, and seeds | nonanimal whey protein | coconut milk | fruit juice |
| Serving size | 2/3 cup (100 mL) | 1 sandwich (37 mL) | 1 pop (60 mL) | 1 container (104 mL) | 2/3 cup (90 mL) | 2/3 cup (95 mL) | 3 pops (169 mL) |
| Calories per serving | 220 | 100 | 120 | 110 | 90 | 170 | 35 |
| Added sugar per serving | 18 grams | 7 grams | 11 grams | 0 grams | 0 grams | 2 grams | 0 grams |
| Price per serving | $2.00 | $0.75 | $1.00–$1.50 | $3.47 | $3.33 | $2.00 | $2.12 |
How to choose the best vegan ice cream product
You should consider several factors when shopping for vegan ice cream.
For starters, consider which flavors you enjoy and whether you’re craving a scoop of ice cream or a bar, pop, or sandwich.
Be sure to also read the ingredients list to see what it’s made from. This is especially important if you have any food allergies or prefer a frozen dessert made from certain ingredients, such as coconut milk or oat milk.
Some people may want to avoid products that contain artificial flavors, fillers, or sweeteners as well.
Additionally, you should take a look at the nutrition label and opt for a product that’s relatively low in added sugar. If you’re trying to lose weight, you may also want to pick a variety that contains a low amount of calories per serving.
Finally, be sure to consider the price per serving to determine whether it can fit into your grocery budget.
The bottom line
Ice cream is a delicious dessert with plenty of plant-based options to choose from.
Many varieties of vegan frozen desserts are available, including bars, pops, and ice cream sandwiches.
Be sure to consider the ingredients, nutritional value, and price when choosing a vegan ice cream to satisfy your sweet tooth.
