Creamy, Dreamy, and Dairy-Free: The Best Plant-Based Ice Cream Brands and Recipes

Looking for a delicious, dairy-free treat to cool off with this summer? You're in luck! The world of plant-based ice cream has exploded in recent years, offering a wide variety of flavors and options for those with dairy allergies or who follow a vegan lifestyle. In this post, we'll explore some of the best store-bought dairy-free ice cream brands and share recipes for making your own at home using nut-free ingredients.

Top Store-Bought Dairy-Free Ice Cream Brands

When it comes to store-bought dairy-free ice cream, there are plenty of tasty options to choose from. Here are a few of our favorites:

• So Delicious: This brand offers a wide range of dairy-free ice creams made from coconut milk, cashew milk, and oat milk. Their flavors include classics like chocolate and vanilla, as well as more unique options like snickerdoodle and mocha almond fudge.
• Ben & Jerry's Non-Dairy: The beloved ice cream brand has a line of non-dairy flavors made with almond milk, including fan favorites like Cherry Garcia and Chocolate Fudge Brownie.
• NadaMoo!: This brand uses coconut milk as the base for their creamy, dairy-free ice creams. They offer a variety of flavors, from classic chocolate and vanilla to more adventurous options like Birthday Cake Cookie Dough and Marshmallow Stardust.

When shopping for dairy-free ice cream, be sure to check the labels carefully, as some brands may contain nuts or other allergens. If you're looking for nut-free snacks to enjoy alongside your ice cream, check out our delicious No Nuts Chocolate Chip protein bars!

Homemade Dairy-Free, Nut-Free Ice Cream Recipes

Making your own dairy-free ice cream at home is easier than you might think! Here are a couple of our favorite recipes that are both dairy-free and nut-free:

Coconut Milk Vanilla Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cans full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.

Chocolate Banana Nice Cream

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe bananas, peeled, sliced, and frozen
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: 1-2 tbsp maple syrup or honey for added sweetness

Instructions:

1. Place the frozen banana slices in a food processor or high-speed blender. Add the cocoa powder and vanilla extract.
2. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. If desired, add maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness.
3. Serve immediately for a soft-serve consistency, or transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 1-2 hours for a firmer texture.

For more dairy-free, nut-free smoothie recipes featuring our protein bars, check out our blog post!

Whether you opt for store-bought or homemade, there are plenty of delicious dairy-free ice cream options to enjoy this summer. And with our No Nuts Variety Pack, you'll have the perfect nut-free snacks to pair with your cool, creamy treats!