Is Cado Ice Cream Good? A Deep Dive into the Avocado-Based Dessert

November 20, 2025 •

4 min read

The popularity of plant-based foods has skyrocketed, and in the frozen dessert aisle, Cado ice cream stands out with its innovative avocado base. Founded in 2015, this family-run business set out to create a delicious, guilt-free frozen treat. But for many, the real question is simple: is Cado ice cream good, and how does it compare to traditional dairy or other non-dairy options?

Quick Summary

This article provides a comprehensive review of Cado ice cream, covering its unique avocado-based formula, rich and creamy texture, delicious flavor options, and potential health benefits for discerning consumers.

Key Points

Unique Base: Cado ice cream uses avocado puree and oil to achieve its creamy texture, making it a distinctive dairy-free and vegan option.
Rich and Creamy: Thanks to avocado's healthy fats, the dessert offers a melt-in-your-mouth texture comparable to traditional ice cream.
No Avocado Flavor: Despite its base, most reviews confirm Cado ice cream tastes like a classic frozen dessert, not avocado.
Healthier Indulgence: It contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, can have less saturated fat and sugar than traditional versions, and is packed with nutrients.
Dietary-Friendly: Cado is vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free, catering to a wide range of dietary needs and allergies.
Varied Flavors: From Deep Dark Chocolate to Mint Chocolate Chip, Cado offers a full spectrum of classic ice cream flavors.

The Story Behind Cado Ice Cream

Cado ice cream was born from a family's desire for a healthier, plant-based dessert that didn't compromise on taste or texture. Instead of relying on traditional dairy or common non-dairy bases like almonds or coconut, the creators turned to avocado. This brilliant move leverages the natural creaminess of avocados, which are packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, to create a velvety smooth frozen dessert. The result is an innovative product that appeals to vegans, those with dairy or nut allergies, and anyone seeking a cleaner, more wholesome alternative to conventional ice cream.

Unpacking the Taste and Texture

One of the most common questions from first-time tasters is whether Cado actually tastes like avocado. The overwhelming consensus is no. The cold-processed avocado base is expertly balanced with organic ingredients to create a rich, classic ice cream flavor profile. The heart-healthy avocado fats create a thick, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is often lauded as one of the creamiest in the non-dairy market. This unique creaminess is a major selling point, making it a standout even against competing frozen desserts.

Notable Cado Flavors

Cado offers a wide range of flavors, designed to appeal to classic ice cream lovers. The flavors are made with high-quality, organic, and non-GMO ingredients.

Deep Dark Chocolate: A rich and classic chocolate experience with a velvety texture.
Mint Chocolate Chip: A creamy, fresh mint base studded with organic dark chocolate chips.
Cookies & Cream: Features an abundance of chocolate cookies mixed into a smooth, creamy base.
Salted Caramel: Combines the perfect balance of sweet and salty for a decadent treat.
Java Chip: A coffee-flavored favorite with dark chocolate chips.
Cherry Amaretto Chip: Made with real organic cherry juice and dark chocolate chips.

Cado vs. Traditional Ice Cream vs. Other Non-Dairy Options

To truly understand Cado's appeal, it helps to compare it directly with its competitors. This table highlights some key differences:


Feature	Cado Ice Cream	Traditional Dairy Ice Cream	Other Non-Dairy Options (Almond, Coconut, etc.)
Base Ingredient	Avocado Puree	Cow's Milk Cream & Milk	Nut milks, coconut milk, soy milk
Creaminess	Extremely creamy, thanks to healthy avocado fat.	Varies, but traditionally very rich and creamy.	Can be icy or watery depending on the base and stabilizers.
Saturated Fat	Low saturated fat content compared to dairy.	High saturated fat content due to dairy.	Varies greatly, often high if coconut-based.
Sugar Content	Often contains less sugar than traditional ice cream.	Varies, can be very high in sugar.	Varies depending on brand and sweeteners used.
Dietary Restrictions	Dairy-free, vegan, soy-free, gluten-free, nut-free.	Contains dairy, unsuitable for vegans and lactose intolerant individuals.	Often free of dairy and soy, but may contain nuts depending on the base.
Primary Health Benefit	Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from avocado.	Calcium and vitamin D (often added).	Varies, can offer fiber or lower calorie count.

Is Cado Ice Cream a Healthy Indulgence?

While Cado is still a treat, its composition offers several health-conscious advantages. The use of avocado means each pint contains beneficial nutrients like monounsaturated fat, fiber, and potassium. For those with dairy sensitivities, it provides a genuinely creamy alternative that won't cause digestive upset. The brand also boasts a cleaner ingredient list, avoiding hydrogenated oils, artificial flavors, and excessive sweeteners. Some of Cado's flavor options have half the sugar of their traditional counterparts, allowing for a satisfying indulgence with less guilt.

A Balanced Perspective: Potential Downsides

No product is perfect for everyone, and Cado is no exception. Some consumers have noted a slightly unusual aftertaste, particularly in the deeper, richer flavors. While most people report no avocado taste, the unique flavor profile may not appeal to all palates. Price is another consideration; as a premium, specialty product, Cado ice cream is often more expensive than standard dairy or even some other non-dairy brands. Additionally, finding Cado can sometimes be a challenge, depending on your local grocery store's inventory.

Conclusion: Is Cado Ice Cream Good for You?

So, is Cado ice cream good? The answer is a resounding yes for its target audience. For anyone seeking a genuinely creamy, dairy-free, and plant-based dessert, Cado is an excellent choice. Its ability to replicate the rich texture of traditional ice cream while providing nutritional benefits from avocado sets it apart from many competitors. The variety of classic flavors ensures there's an option for everyone. If you have dietary restrictions or are simply looking for a cleaner, healthier indulgence, Cado ice cream is absolutely worth trying. However, if your budget is tight or you prefer a very specific flavor profile, it may not be your first choice.

For more reviews and insights into the food industry, check out this article on Bon Appétit: This Avocado-Based Ice Cream Saved My Dairy-Free Date Nights.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, despite being made from avocados, Cado is formulated to taste like classic ice cream flavors. The avocado contributes creaminess rather than a noticeable flavor.

As an ice cream alternative, Cado offers a healthier profile. It is a good source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber from avocado and often has less sugar and saturated fat than traditional dairy ice creams.

Yes, Cado ice cream is 100% plant-based and vegan-friendly. It contains no dairy or animal products, using avocados as its base.

Yes, Cado is made to be nut-free, making it a safe and delicious option for individuals with nut allergies who want a creamy, non-dairy frozen dessert.

Cado ice cream is available at many major grocery stores nationwide, including Whole Foods, Publix, Target, and Walmart.

Cado's avocado base gives it a unique creaminess that many reviewers find superior to other non-dairy brands, which can sometimes have a watery or icy texture. It also offers a different fat profile.

Cado ice cream has a rich, velvety, and creamy texture. The healthy monounsaturated fats from the avocado base create a consistency very similar to soft-serve or traditional dairy ice cream.