Rebel Ice Cream is not dairy-free. It is a low-carb, keto-friendly ice cream brand that uses dairy ingredients, specifically cream, as a primary ingredient.
All of its products contain milk, and almost all contain eggs. Hence, it is unsuitable for vegans and people following a dairy-free diet.
You can read more about its nutrition and ingredients here.
Rebel Ice Cream Flavors
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Cookie Dough
- Peanut Butter Cup
- Mint Chip
- Strawberry
- Butter Pecan
- Coffee Chip
- Black Raspberry
- Cherry Chip
- Triple Chocolate
- Cookies & Cream
- Salted Caramel
- Chocolate Peanut Butter
- Banana Peanut Butter Chip
- Snickerdoodle
- Birthday Cake
- Orange Cream
- Peanut Butter Caramel Chip
- Chocolate Chip
- Peppermint Chip
- Lemon Sorbet
- Raspberry Sorbet
Apart from Lemon & Raspberry Sorbet, all contain milk. Although vegan and dairy-free, they can still contain these ingredients due to cross-contamination.
Rebel also offers sandwiches and milk. They all contain dairy and are not recommended for a vegan and dairy-free diet.
Best Dairy-Free Ice-cream Brands
Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy
The beloved Vermont-based ice cream brand offers a range of dairy-free versions of its classic flavors. Their non-dairy line is made from almond milk and sunflower butter, providing the same chunky and swirly goodness as their traditional ice creams.
So Delicious
This company specializes in plant-based products and has a vast dairy-free ice cream selection. They use a variety of non-dairy milk bases like coconut, almond, cashew, and oat milk, giving customers a wide array of flavor and texture options.
Oatly
Known for its popular oat milk, Oatly also produces a line of dairy-free ice creams. Made from oats, these ice creams are an excellent choice for those who prefer a creamy texture similar to traditional ice cream but without dairy.
NadaMoo!
This family-owned business from Austin, Texas, offers a fully organic, dairy-free ice cream line. Their products are made with a coconut milk base and offer an impressive range of inventive flavors.
Häagen-Dazs Non-Dairy
The famous ice cream brand offers a line of non-dairy products that maintain the rich and creamy texture Häagen-Dazs is known for. They use Belgian chocolate, peanut butter, and coconut cream to ensure their dairy-free options are as luxurious as their regular ice cream.
Coconut Bliss
As the name suggests, this brand uses coconut milk as the base for all its ice creams. They prioritize organic and ethically sourced ingredients, offering a variety of unique and traditional flavors that are dairy-free and gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Alternatives to Ice Cream
Sorbet
This is a frozen dessert made from sweetened water with flavoring, usually from fruit juice or fruit puree. It’s naturally dairy-free, and its intense fruit flavors make it a refreshing alternative to ice cream.
Nice Cream
This is a homemade ice cream alternative made primarily from ripe bananas. It’s often blended with other fruits, nut butters, or dairy-free milk for different flavors and is a healthy and customizable option.
Frozen Yogurt (Non-Dairy)
Several brands make non-dairy frozen yogurt using almond, coconut, or soy milk. It’s a creamy, tangy alternative to traditional ice cream.
Fruit Popsicles
These are made from fruit juice or puree and are frozen on a stick. They are a simple, refreshing, and naturally dairy-free treat.
Rice Dream Frozen Desserts
These desserts are made from rice milk, which gives a light and subtly sweet flavor. They offer a good alternative for those who are not only dairy-free but also soy-free and nut-free.
Gelato (Non-Dairy)
Non-dairy gelato is becoming more common and is made with various plant-based milks. It’s churned slower than ice cream, making it denser and more flavorful.
Tips to Ensure You Always Buy and Eat Dairy-Free Ice Cream
Read Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredients list for potential dairy products. Look for words like milk, lactose, whey, curds, milk by-products, and dry milk solids.
Look for a Certified Vegan Label: If the ice cream is certified vegan, it’s guaranteed to be dairy-free. However, not all dairy-free products are vegan, as they may contain other animal products.
Research Brands: Some brands specialize in dairy-free products. Knowing these brands can make your shopping trips easier and faster.
Ask for Allergen Information: If you’re at an ice cream shop, don’t hesitate to ask for allergen information. Most places should have this information readily available.
Watch Out for Cross-Contamination: Even if ice cream is dairy-free, it might be produced or served using the same equipment as regular ice cream. If you’re highly sensitive to dairy, this could be an issue.
Try Making Your Own: Making dairy-free ice cream can be a fun and safe way to enjoy this treat. It also allows you to control the ingredients and experiment with flavors.
Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cans (400 ml each) of full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup of sugar (you can adjust this to your taste or use a sugar substitute)
- 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Place the cans of coconut milk in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This will cause the coconut cream to separate from the coconut water.
- Open the cans and scoop the solidified coconut cream into a mixing bowl. Save the coconut water for another use (like smoothies).
- Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the mixing bowl.
- Using an electric mixer, mix the ingredients until they’re well combined, and the sugar has dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
- Once the mixture looks like a soft serve, transfer it to an airtight container.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or until hard.
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit out for a few minutes to soften.
This is a basic recipe, but you can easily add other flavors or mix-ins. For example, you could blend in some ripe bananas before churning, add some cocoa powder for a chocolate version, or mix in some berries or nuts after churning. Enjoy your homemade dairy-free ice cream!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rebels ice cream vegan?
Rebel Ice Cream is not vegan. Their products are low-carb and keto-friendly, but they’re made with cream and egg yolks, which are animal products.
Is Rebel Ice Cream gluten-free?
Yes, Rebel Ice Cream is gluten-free. Their website states that all of their ice cream flavors are made without gluten-containing ingredients. However, always check the label, as formulas can change.
Is Rebel Ice Cream healthy?
“Healthy” is subjective and depends on individual dietary needs and goals. Rebel Ice Cream is low in carbs and sugar, making it a popular choice for those following ketogenic or low-carb diets. However, it’s high in fat and calories, so moderation is key. Always consult a healthcare professional or dietitian for personalized advice.
Is vegan ice cream always dairy-free?
Yes, vegan ice cream is always dairy-free. Vegan products do not contain any animal products or by-products, including dairy. They are typically made with plant-based milks like almond, coconut, oat, or soy milk.
Is dairy-free ice cream vegan?
While dairy-free ice cream does not contain milk or milk products, it’s not always vegan. Some dairy-free ice creams may contain other animal-derived ingredients like honey or gelatin. Always check the ingredients list to confirm.
