Ben & Jerry’s offers a line of dairy-free ice cream options. These products are made from almond milk or sunflower milk to cater to lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply prefer not to consume dairy products. However, they also continue to sell their traditional dairy-based ice creams.
Hence, it is important to check the ingredients and labels before buying.
Ben & Jerry’s Dairy-Free Flavors
- Cherry Garcia
- Netflix & Chilll’d
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
- Phish Food
- The Tonight Dough
- Chocolate Fudge Brownie
- Mint Chocolate Cookie
- Karamel Sutra
- Colin Kaepernick’s Change the Whirled
- Peanut Butter Half Baked
- Boom Chocolatta
- Bananas Foster Core
- P.B. & Cookies
The flavors and variants may vary from one region to another. All of the above variants are dairy-free and commonly sold in North America.
Ben & Jerry’s Dairy-Free Ice Cream vs. Ben & Jerry’s Dairy Ice Cream
Ingredient Base: Dairy-free ice cream uses plant-based milk, like almond or sunflower milk, as the base. Dairy ice cream, on the other hand, uses cow’s milk or cream as the base.
Dietary Restrictions: Dairy-free ice cream is suitable for vegans, people with lactose intolerance, or those avoiding dairy for personal reasons. Dairy ice cream contains lactose and is not suitable for these groups.
Caloric Content: While the exact caloric content can vary by flavor, generally, dairy-free options can be slightly lower in calories than their dairy counterparts. However, this isn’t a rule, and some dairy-free versions can also be high in calories due to added sugars or fats.
Texture and Creaminess: Dairy ice cream is known for its creamy, smooth texture from milk fat. Dairy-free ice cream can sometimes have a different texture, but advances in food technology have led to improvements in achieving similar creaminess.
Protein Content: Dairy ice creams usually have higher protein content due to the presence of milk proteins. Dairy-free ice creams have lower protein content unless they’re fortified.
Dairy-Free Ice Cream Brands other than Ben & Jerry’s
So Delicious: This company specializes in dairy-free products, including ice cream made from various plant-based milks such as coconut, almond, and oat milk.
NadaMoo!: NadaMoo! is a family-owned business that makes organic, dairy-free, and gluten-free ice cream from coconut milk.
Oatly: Known for their oat milk, Oatly also makes a line of dairy-free ice cream using their oat milk as a base.
Häagen-Dazs: Traditionally a dairy ice cream brand, Häagen-Dazs has also expanded to offer a line of dairy-free options.
Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss: All their products are organic, dairy-free, and soy-free. They use coconut milk as the base for their ice creams.
Tips to Ensure That You Always Buy Dairy-Free Ice Cream
Check the Ingredients: Always read the ingredients list to ensure no dairy. Look out for ingredients like milk, whey, casein, and lactose.
Look for Certifications: Look for labels such as “Vegan” or “Certified Dairy-Free” on the packaging.
Research Brands: Some brands exclusively sell dairy-free products. Knowing these brands can simplify your shopping.
Check Nutritional Information: Dairy products usually have higher protein content. If the ice cream has low protein, it could be a hint that it’s dairy-free.
Be Aware of Cross Contamination: If you’re severely allergic to dairy, ensure the product is made in a facility that doesn’t process dairy.
Tips to Ensure That You Always Eat Dairy-Free Ice Cream When Eating Out
Ask Your Server: Always ask your server or the restaurant staff if they offer dairy-free ice cream options.
Do Your Research: Look up the restaurant’s menu online before going. Many restaurants list dietary information for their dishes.
Check for Vegan Options: If a restaurant offers vegan desserts, they will be dairy-free.
Ask About Preparation: Even if the ice cream is dairy-free, it could be prepared with equipment that handles dairy. If you’re allergic, it’s worth asking.
Consider Sorbet: Sorbet is typically dairy-free, and many restaurants offer it as an alternative to ice cream. However, always check, as some sorbets might contain dairy.
Visit Specialty Restaurants: Vegan, vegetarian, or health-conscious restaurants are more likely to offer dairy-free options, including ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ben & Jerry’s Vegan?
Ben & Jerry’s offers a selection of vegan ice cream flavors. These products are made with almond milk or sunflower milk instead of dairy and do not contain animal-derived ingredients, making them suitable for vegans.
Is Ben & Jerry’s vegetarian?
All of Ben & Jerry’s ice creams, including their traditional dairy-based options, are suitable for vegetarians. They do not contain any meat products. However, not all are suitable for vegans, as many contain dairy.
Is Ben & Jerry’s gluten-free?
Some Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavors are gluten-free, but not all. They provide allergen information for each flavor on their website and packaging, so you should check each flavor individually if you’re avoiding gluten.
Is Ben & Jerry’s dairy-free ice cream healthier than dairy ice cream?
Whether Ben & Jerry’s dairy-free ice cream is healthier than their dairy ice cream depends on your dietary needs and what you consider “healthy.” Dairy-free versions might be lower in saturated fat and are suitable for those with a dairy intolerance or following a vegan diet. However, they can still be high in sugar and calories. It’s important to check the nutritional information for each flavor.
