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Does Ben and Jerry's Have Vegan Ice Cream in Stores?

4 min read

Since 2016, when Ben and Jerry's first launched its plant-based lineup, the company has expanded its offerings significantly. The answer to "Does Ben and Jerry's have vegan ice cream in stores?" is a resounding yes, with a diverse range of non-dairy options now widely available for fans to enjoy.

Quick Summary

Ben and Jerry's offers a variety of certified vegan, non-dairy ice cream pints in stores, using almond milk, oat milk, or sunflower butter bases. This guide details popular non-dairy flavors, where to find them in grocery stores, and what makes these plant-based treats so special.

Key Points

  • Vegan Options Confirmed: Ben and Jerry's offers a wide array of certified vegan, non-dairy ice cream flavors available in most stores.

  • Diverse Bases: The non-dairy lineup uses plant-based ingredients like almond milk, oat milk, or sunflower butter.

  • Widespread Availability: You can find non-dairy pints in major grocery chains and via online delivery services.

  • Iconic Flavors: Many classic flavors, like Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Cherry Garcia, have vegan counterparts.

  • Easy to Identify: Look for the "Non-Dairy" label and the "certified vegan" certification on the packaging.

  • High-Quality Ingredients: Vegan options often feature Fairtrade certified and non-GMO ingredients.

  • Constantly Evolving: The company is continuously working to improve its non-dairy recipes for a better taste and texture.

In This Article

Yes, a Wide Variety of Vegan Options Are Available

Ben and Jerry's has become a leader in the non-dairy frozen dessert space, offering a robust selection of certified vegan flavors in grocery stores and scoop shops. What began with just a handful of options has blossomed into a full-fledged lineup, featuring everything from classic fan favorites to exclusive new creations. The brand ensures that the non-dairy experience is just as rich and satisfying as its traditional ice cream, with the same signature chunks and swirls that consumers love.

Where to Find Ben and Jerry's Vegan Ice Cream in Stores

Finding Ben and Jerry's vegan ice cream is easier than ever, thanks to its widespread retail distribution. These pints can be found in the frozen dessert aisle of major grocery chains across many regions. To maximize your chances of finding your desired flavor, it's a good idea to check with larger supermarkets or health food stores. The Ben and Jerry's official website also offers a "Where to Buy" tool that allows you to search for specific flavors and locations near you. Online grocery delivery services are another excellent option, bringing these delicious non-dairy treats right to your doorstep.

A Look at the Non-Dairy Flavor Lineup

Ben and Jerry's has innovated its non-dairy recipes over the years to perfect the texture and taste. They've transitioned some flavors to a creamier oat milk base, while others may still use almond milk or sunflower butter. The result is a selection that appeals to a wide range of palates. Some of the most popular non-dairy flavors include:

  • Chocolate Fudge Brownie: A decadent chocolate base with rich, fudgy brownie pieces.
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: A classic reimagined, featuring delicious cookie dough chunks in a vanilla non-dairy base.
  • Peanut Butter Half Baked: A mix of chocolate and peanut butter non-dairy ice cream with fudge brownies and peanut butter cookie dough.
  • Cherry Garcia: A long-time favorite with cherries and fudge flakes in a cherry-flavored non-dairy base.
  • Phish Food: A chocolate non-dairy base with gooey marshmallow swirls, caramel swirls, and fudge fish.
  • "Milk" & Cookies: A vanilla non-dairy base with chocolate sandwich cookies and a chocolate cookie swirl.

The Importance of Labeling

For those with allergies or specific dietary needs, identifying the vegan options is straightforward. Ben and Jerry's clearly labels its non-dairy products. In addition to being clearly marked as "Non-Dairy," the pints often feature a specific lid color to signify the base ingredient, such as green for almond milk or yellow for sunflower butter. Always check the packaging for the "certified vegan" label to ensure the product meets your dietary requirements.

Non-Dairy vs. Traditional: A Comparison

Feature Non-Dairy Pints Traditional Pints
Base Oat Milk, Almond Milk, or Sunflower Butter Dairy Cream and Skim Milk
Flavor Wide range of popular and exclusive flavors Extensive variety of classic and unique flavors
Texture Creamy and smooth, comparable to dairy ice cream Rich and dense, with a distinct dairy mouthfeel
Certifications Certified Vegan, Kosher-DE Kosher-Dairy
Target Consumer Vegans, those with dairy intolerance, and those seeking plant-based alternatives General consumers
Ingredients Non-GMO ingredients, Fairtrade certified cocoa, sugar, and vanilla May contain Fairtrade ingredients depending on flavor

The Expansion of Vegan Frozen Desserts

Ben and Jerry's has been a significant driver in the growth of the non-dairy ice cream market, holding a substantial market share in the US. This success has been built on a commitment to flavor innovation and quality, ensuring that the plant-based versions are not just an alternative, but a delicious dessert in their own right. Their move to a new oat-based recipe in some markets was based on taste tests and aimed to deliver an even smoother, creamier texture. This focus on continuous improvement shows their dedication to serving the vegan and dairy-free community.

A Conscientious Approach

Beyond taste, Ben and Jerry's also incorporates its values into its vegan products. Many of the non-dairy flavors use Fairtrade-certified ingredients, supporting ethical sourcing practices. The company's mission of creating "linked prosperity" extends to its plant-based business, ensuring that socially responsible practices are embedded in its operations. This gives conscious consumers another reason to choose Ben and Jerry's vegan options.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you've been wondering, "Does Ben and Jerry's have vegan ice cream in stores?", you can confidently head to the frozen food aisle and find a variety of delicious, certified vegan pints. From classic flavors to exclusive new creations, the company's commitment to quality, taste, and ethical sourcing makes its non-dairy offerings a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a plant-based frozen dessert. The options are plentiful, and the taste is undeniably Ben and Jerry's.

For the latest flavor releases and updates, you can always visit the official Ben and Jerry's non-dairy page.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can tell if a Ben and Jerry's flavor is vegan by looking for the prominent 'Non-Dairy' label on the container. The pint will also be certified vegan, and the lid color might indicate the specific plant-based base used, such as green for almond milk.

Ben and Jerry's uses several plant-based alternatives for its non-dairy pints, including almond milk, oat milk, and sunflower butter. The choice of base can vary by flavor and region.

No, while a wide selection is available, not all stores carry every non-dairy flavor. Selection can vary by region and retailer. Checking the official Ben and Jerry's 'Where to Buy' page online is the best way to find specific flavors near you.

Yes, many of Ben and Jerry's certified vegan, non-dairy frozen desserts are made with Fairtrade-certified ingredients, including cocoa, sugar, and vanilla.

Ben and Jerry's has worked to make the texture of its non-dairy options very creamy and smooth, comparable to its dairy ice cream. Recent recipe changes to an oat-based formula were made to further enhance the texture.

Yes, Ben and Jerry's Scoop Shops offer certified vegan non-dairy flavors alongside their traditional ice cream. They also offer other vegan options like waffle cones, sundaes, and shakes in some locations.

Yes, all components of the certified vegan non-dairy pints, including the chunks, swirls, and base, are vegan. The brownies, cookie dough, and other inclusions are all plant-based.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.