How is Ben and Jerry's non-dairy ice cream made?

Ben and Jerry's recently completed the transition of its entire non-dairy line to a new, oat-based formula, replacing its previous almond and sunflower butter bases. This innovative shift was driven by a desire for a smoother texture and a more neutral flavor profile. This article provides a comprehensive overview of how is Ben and Jerry's non-dairy ice cream made, from ingredient selection to the final packaging.

Quick Summary

Ben and Jerry's crafts its certified vegan non-dairy ice cream by blending a smooth oat milk base with fair trade ingredients, signature chunks, and swirls. The mixture undergoes pasteurization, homogenization, freezing, and filling, following an iterated process to achieve an optimal texture and flavor experience.

Key Points

• New Oat Milk Base: Ben and Jerry's has transitioned all non-dairy flavors to an oat milk base for improved smoothness and a more neutral taste.

• Ethical Sourcing: The production process uses Fairtrade Certified sugar, cocoa, and vanilla, supporting small-scale farmers.

• Innovative Process: The manufacturing involves a multi-step journey, including blending, pasteurization, homogenization, and a rapid freezing process.

• Ingredient Evolution: The company previously experimented with almond milk and sunflower butter bases before settling on the superior oat milk formula.

• Focus on Inclusivity: The switch to an oat base helps reduce common nut allergens, making the non-dairy options accessible to a wider audience.

• Premium Texture: The oat milk base provides a richer, more indulgent texture that better showcases the signature chunks and swirls.

The Evolution of Ben and Jerry's Non-Dairy Bases

Ben and Jerry's journey into the non-dairy market has been a story of continuous innovation. When the company first introduced its vegan line in 2016, the base was primarily made from almond milk. While popular, this base sometimes imparted a subtle, nutty aftertaste that could interfere with the purity of other flavors. In 2020, the company expanded its offerings by introducing a sunflower butter base for select flavors, broadening its approach to dairy-free production.

The most significant leap came in 2023, following extensive testing and tasting. The 'Flavor Gurus' at Ben and Jerry's discovered that an oat milk base provided the smoothest, richest texture and a more neutral flavor profile, allowing the signature chunks and swirls to shine. This formula, which is considered their best non-dairy recipe yet, was rolled out across all non-dairy flavors by Spring 2024, creating a consistent and premium experience for consumers. This change also had the added benefit of reducing nut allergens, making the product more inclusive for those with dietary sensitivities.

Key Ingredients in the Oat-Based Recipe

The creation of Ben and Jerry's non-dairy ice cream involves carefully selected ingredients to achieve a luxurious, dairy-free result. The formula moves beyond the simple base to include stabilizers, sweeteners, and high-quality proteins that contribute to the final product's mouthfeel and flavor. For example, a look at the ingredient list for one oat-based flavor reveals a sophisticated blend designed for optimal indulgence.

• Oat Milk: The foundation of the recipe, created from water and oats, provides the creaminess and body.
• Fairtrade Certified Sugar: Sourced from ethical suppliers, this provides the necessary sweetness.
• Coconut Oil: This plant-based fat adds richness and improves the overall texture and mouthfeel.
• Pea and Fava Bean Protein: These proteins help to create a smooth, stable emulsion, preventing the ice cream from having a watery or icy texture.
• Corn Syrup and Stabilizers: These work together to control the formation of ice crystals and ensure a consistent texture.
• Fairtrade Certified Cocoa and Vanilla: The high-quality flavorings that make Ben and Jerry's flavors so distinct.
• Chunks and Swirls: Ingredients like chocolate liquor, cookies, and cookie dough are added in the final stages of the process.

From Ingredients to Pint: The Manufacturing Process

Producing Ben and Jerry's non-dairy ice cream is a multi-step process that ensures quality and consistency from start to finish. It mirrors the core steps of their dairy ice cream production, with adaptations for the vegan ingredients.

1. Blending: In a blend tank, the 'mix master' combines all the liquid and dry ingredients for the oat base. This includes the oat milk, sugars, and stabilizers.
2. Pasteurization and Homogenization: The liquid base is heated to eliminate harmful bacteria in a pasteurizer. Immediately after, it is forced through a homogenizer under high pressure, which breaks down fat particles to create a smoother, more uniform mixture.
3. Flavoring: The now pasteurized and homogenized base is transferred to flavor vats, where purees, extracts, and other flavorings are added, transforming the mix into its specific flavor profile.
4. Freezing: The flavored mix is then sent to a continuous freezer, which rapidly cools the mixture while incorporating air. This step is crucial for creating the perfect, creamy texture.
5. Adding Chunks and Swirls: Through the 'Chunk Feeder' and 'Variegator,' iconic chunks like cookie dough and brownies, along with rich swirls like caramel or fudge, are added to the ice cream stream.
6. Filling and Hardening: The mixture is automatically filled into pint containers and sent to a spiral hardener, which rapidly freezes the pints to a solid state.
7. Packaging and Quality Assurance: Once hardened, the pints are bundled and sent to a -29°C warehouse for storage and shipping. Quality assurance checks are performed throughout the entire process.

Comparison of Non-Dairy Bases

Feature	Oat Base (New)	Almond Base (Old)	Sunflower Butter Base (Old)
Texture	Smoother, richer, and more indulgent.	Creamy but could sometimes feel thinner.	Creamy, but texture varied by flavor.
Flavor Profile	Neutral flavor, allowing chunks and swirls to shine.	Can have a subtle, nutty aftertaste.	More distinct, with a sunflower seed flavor.
Allergen Profile	Reduced nut allergens, more inclusive.	Contains almond allergens.	Contains sunflower allergens.
Availability	Current standard for all non-dairy flavors since Spring 2024.	Phased out by Spring 2024.	Phased out by Spring 2024.

Sourcing and Ethical Considerations

Beyond just the ingredients and process, Ben and Jerry's dedication to ethical sourcing plays a key role in its manufacturing. The company has a long-standing commitment to using Fairtrade Certified cocoa, sugar, vanilla, and coffee in all its flavors, including the non-dairy line. This ensures that the small-scale farmers who produce these ingredients receive a premium price, contributing to sustainable farming practices. Their move to a new oat base also aligns with broader environmental considerations, as reducing reliance on dairy contributes to a lower carbon footprint. This holistic approach ensures that every pint not only tastes good but also aligns with the company's core values.

Conclusion: The Pursuit of the Perfect Scoop

The question of how is Ben and Jerry's non-dairy ice cream made is answered by a blend of innovation, quality ingredients, and a rigorous manufacturing process. The company's move to a new oat-based recipe marks the latest step in a journey to provide a truly indulgent, dairy-free experience. By focusing on ingredient quality, ethical sourcing, and continuous improvement, Ben and Jerry's has created a non-dairy line that offers the same euphoric experience as its traditional products. The resulting ice cream is a creamy, decadent, and flavorful treat that appeals to vegans, those with lactose intolerance, and anyone looking for a delicious plant-based dessert.

Browse all the non-dairy flavors and find a perfect scoop here: Ben & Jerry's Non-Dairy Pints.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new base for Ben and Jerry's non-dairy ice cream?

The new base for Ben and Jerry's non-dairy ice cream is oat milk. The company transitioned all its non-dairy flavors to this new, smoother recipe by Spring 2024.

What ingredients are in the oat milk base?

The oat milk base includes a mixture of oat milk (water, oats), liquid sugar, corn syrup, coconut oil, and proteins like pea protein and fava bean protein to create its creamy texture.

Did Ben and Jerry's always use oat milk for non-dairy?

No, Ben and Jerry's initially used almond milk when it launched its non-dairy line in 2016. In 2020, it introduced a sunflower butter base for some flavors before eventually adopting the new oat milk base across the board.

Is Ben and Jerry's non-dairy ice cream vegan?

Yes, all of Ben and Jerry's non-dairy flavors are certified vegan, meaning they do not contain any animal products, including dairy, eggs, or honey.

How is the texture different with the oat base?

According to Ben and Jerry's, the oat base creates a smoother, richer, and more indulgent texture compared to the previous almond-based and sunflower-based recipes.

Is Ben and Jerry's non-dairy ice cream gluten-free?

No, while the base is oat milk, the use of wheat flour in ingredients like cookies and cookie dough means the non-dairy frozen desserts are not gluten-free.

How are the chunks and swirls added?

After the base is flavored and frozen, the iconic chunks (e.g., cookie dough) and swirls (e.g., fudge) are added into the ice cream stream via special equipment known as the 'Chunk Feeder' and 'Variegator'.

Are the ingredients ethically sourced?

Yes, Ben and Jerry's is committed to ethical sourcing and uses Fairtrade Certified cocoa, sugar, and vanilla in its non-dairy flavors. This supports sustainable farming and ensures fair prices for smallholder farmers.