Enlightened offers a range of dairy-free ice creams. Depending on the flavor, these are made with almond milk or oat milk and are a good option for vegans or those with lactose intolerance. Always read the ingredient list to ensure the product fits your dietary needs.
Enlightened Dairy-Free Flavors Review – Pints
Chocolate Peanut Butter
This is a classic pairing of flavors. The ice cream has a rich, creamy chocolate base with swirls or chunks of peanut butter throughout. The balance of salty and sweet makes this flavor a popular choice for many.
Monkey Business
This flavor features banana as a primary flavor, combined with other elements like chocolate, peanuts, or caramel, creating a fun, tropical, and sweet profile.
Cookies & Mint
This flavor has a refreshing mint base with chunks or swirls of chocolate cookies. It’s a classic flavor pairing that’s usually a hit with mint chocolate lovers.
Candy Bar Crunch
It includes elements found in popular candy bars, like peanuts, caramel, nougat, or chocolate. The “crunch” could come from nuts or crispies.
Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Bun
It mimics the taste of a freshly baked cinnamon roll with a sweet cinnamon base with swirls of icing or even pieces of cinnamon bun dough throughout. A great choice for those who love dessert flavors.
Triple Shot Espresso
A strong coffee flavor, perfect for coffee lovers. It comes with a hint of sweetness to balance the espresso’s bitterness.
Chocolate Almond Macaroon
It offers the richness of chocolate with the sweet, nutty flavor of almonds and coconut from the macaroon. It includes pieces of almond and coconut or has these flavors infused into the base to give a different taste.
Enlightened Dairy-Free Ice Cream Bars
- Salted Caramel
- Mint Chip
- Monkey Business
- Peanut Butter & Jelly
- Mocha Chocolate Chip
Best Dairy-Free Ice Cream Brands
Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy
Ben & Jerry’s offers a range of dairy-free flavors made with almond milk that doesn’t compromise on the brand’s signature chunky and swirl-filled style. Some popular flavors include “P.B. & Cookies” and “Caramel Almond Brittle.”
So Delicious Dairy Free
So Delicious uses coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk to create a variety of flavors. They are known for their creamy texture and wide range of options, including novelty items like dairy-free ice cream sandwiches.
Oatly
Originally a Swedish oat milk brand, Oatly has expanded into ice cream with many delicious flavors. Their ice creams are known for being creamy and rich, just like traditional dairy ice cream.
NadaMoo!
This brand uses coconut milk to create ice creams, focusing on organic, non-GMO ingredients. They offer a variety of unique and traditional flavors with an impressively creamy texture for dairy-free ice cream.
Coconut Bliss
As the name suggests, Coconut Bliss’s ice creams are coconut milk-based. They focus on organic, ethically sourced ingredients and offer a variety of unique flavors.
Tips to Ensure that You Always Eat Dairy-Free Ice Cream
Read Labels Carefully: Always read the ingredient list and allergen information to ensure the product is dairy-free.
Look for Certifications: Products may have “Certified Vegan” or “Dairy-Free” labels, which can provide assurance.
Check Company Information: Some brands specialize in dairy-free or vegan products, making them safer choices.
Mind Cross-Contamination Warnings: Even if a product is dairy-free, it may be processed in a facility that handles dairy. This could be a concern for those with severe allergies.
Try Before You Buy in Bulk: Dairy-free ice creams vary greatly in taste and texture. Try single servings of a new brand or flavor before buying larger quantities.
Dairy-Free Alternates to Ice Cream
Sorbet: Sorbet is made from fruit and sugar and contains no dairy. It’s a refreshing and often lower-calorie alternative to ice cream.
Frozen Yogurt: Dairy-free frozen yogurt is made from almond or coconut milk. It’s often tangier and less sweet than ice cream.
Fruit Popsicles: Made from fruit juice or puree, these are a light and refreshing alternative to ice cream. Just ensure they don’t have added dairy ingredients.
Acai Bowls: Acai bowls consist of frozen and mashed acai berries, often blended with other fruits. They’re served similarly to ice cream, often with various toppings.
Nice Cream: This is a simple, homemade ice cream alternative made by blending frozen bananas until they reach a creamy consistency. You can add other flavors like cocoa powder, vanilla, or fruit.
Frozen Rice/Mousse Desserts: These are creamier than sorbets and usually use rice, almond, or other dairy substitutes. They can offer a texture and flavor profile similar to traditional ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Enlightened ice cream vegan?
Enlightened offers both dairy and non-dairy ice cream options. Their non-dairy options are typically vegan, but it’s always important to check the specific product labeling to ensure it meets vegan standards.
Is Enlightened ice cream vegetarian?
Yes, Enlightened ice cream is generally vegetarian. It doesn’t contain meat, poultry, or fish. However, some of their products contain dairy, so they may not be suitable for vegans or those with a dairy intolerance.
Is Enlightened ice cream gluten-free?
Many Enlightened ice cream flavors are gluten-free, but not all of them. Some flavors may contain ingredients like cookies or brownies that have gluten. Always check the packaging for specific allergen information.
Is Enlightened ice cream healthy?
Enlightened ice cream is marketed as a healthier option than traditional ice cream. It’s generally lower in calories, fat, and sugar and higher in protein and fiber. However, “healthy” can depend on individual dietary needs and goals.
Are Enlightened dairy-free flavors vegan?
Enlightened’s dairy-free flavors are vegan, as they are made with almond or oat milk instead of dairy and do not contain other animal-derived ingredients. However, you should always check the specific product labeling to confirm this.
