The Best Vegan Ice Cream Brands

Learn how to choose the healthiest plant-based, dairy-free, vegan ice creams brands with this go-to, expert guide with nutritional comparisons of popular frozen desserts in the supermarket freezer aisle.

Who remembers when the only dairy free ice cream options were either tiny cups of dry, icy crystals, or freezer-burned sorbets? Today, thankfully, there are countless substitutes for frozen desserts and ice creams that are just as good if not better than the dairy-based ice creams found in supermarket freezer shelves. These vegan ice creams range from products based on coconut, cashew, almond, soy, oat, and even pistachio or chickpea-based options! There is truly a plant-based, vegan, dairy-free ice cream alternative for everyone these days. Even ice cream shops often carry a few varieties of dairy-free ice cream alternatives, and entire shops are dedicated to serving up only vegan ice cream.

However, as with any ice cream, it’s important to keep the nutrition facts in mind if you want to choose the healthiest best vegan ice cream brands. So, how do you hunt for the healthiest scoop in the supermarket? Start with the ingredient list! For example, some pints might contain high levels of tropical oils (palm or coconut) that can increase saturated fat levels, which is linked with higher blood cholesterol levels and heart disease risk.

Another thing to watch out for is the addition of added sugars, such as sugar, maple syrup, corn syrup, and agave. Often dairy free ice creams contain just as much sugar as regular, dairy-based ice creams. Some, however, only rely on the natural sweetness of fruit! Check out the nutrition facts label, which will list added sugars, added fat and saturated fat, and calories per serving.

Certain dairy-free ice cream alternatives, such as Halo Top, boast a higher protein content than others, but make sure to look at the serving size. Often, they only have one or two grams more than other offerings. Overall, the best advice is just to keep an eye on those labels, looking at ingredients and the nutrition facts. In addition, it’s wise to dish up a serving of ice cream into a bowl (typically 2/3 cup is a serving), rather than grabbing the tub—the next thing you know the whole container could be gone! Meaning that you might have had three servings at a single setting in a pint container.

Vegan Ice Cream Brands Nutrition Guide

Check out the nutrition facts on these commonly available vegan ice cream brands. Your best bet is to keep total calories, saturated fat, and added sugars to a minimum when selecting the healthiest plant-based frozen desserts.

Note: This vegan ice cream chart was updated on July 19, 2023. Product formulations changes may mean different nutritional facts. Refer to the product package or website for the most up-to-date nutrition information. 

Written by Anna Tobin, dietetic intern with Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN

Try some of my favorite plant-based frozen dessert recipes here:

Fruit and Veggie Popsicles
Chunky Chocolate and Toasted Walnut Nice Cream
How to Make Nice Cream

Image: Matcha Tea Nice Cream from California Vegan by Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN