Is Oatly Ice Cream Healthier Than Traditional Dairy Ice Cream?

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

Despite being dairy-free, one study found that Oatly ice cream can sometimes contain more calories and sugar than traditional dairy ice cream. The question of whether is Oatly ice cream healthier than its dairy counterpart is more complex than it appears, requiring a closer look at its nutritional profile and ingredients list.

Quick Summary

This article provides a detailed nutritional breakdown of Oatly ice cream, comparing it to traditional dairy ice cream based on calories, fat, sugar, and processing. It explores the ingredients used to achieve a creamy texture and discusses factors beyond nutrition, such as dietary restrictions and environmental impact.

Key Points

Not a Low-Calorie or Low-Sugar Option: Despite its plant-based origin, Oatly ice cream is high in calories and sugar, comparable to many premium dairy brands.
High Saturated Fat from Added Oils: To achieve a creamy texture, Oatly uses refined coconut oil, resulting in a saturated fat content similar to or higher than dairy versions.
Lower Protein Content: Oatly contains significantly less protein than traditional ice cream because it lacks milk protein.
Ideal for Dietary Restrictions: As a vegan and dairy-free product, it is an excellent choice for individuals with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or those following a plant-based diet.
Considered Ultra-Processed: Due to added oils, gums, and multiple sugar sources, the EWG classifies Oatly's frozen dessert as an ultra-processed food.
Sustainability is Nuanced: While oat production is generally more sustainable than dairy, the processing and other ingredients in the ice cream complicate its overall environmental footprint.

A Closer Look at Oatly's Nutritional Profile

When evaluating the healthiness of any food, a deep dive into its nutritional facts is essential. While Oatly ice cream offers a plant-based alternative, its nutritional composition differs significantly from expectations. For instance, a standard serving of Oatly's vanilla frozen dessert contains around 210 calories, 13g of total fat (8g saturated), and 18g of sugar. While it contains 0mg of cholesterol, the saturated fat content from added coconut and rapeseed oils can be surprisingly high, often comparable to or even slightly exceeding that of some premium dairy ice creams.

The Role of Added Oils and Sugars

To replicate the creamy texture of dairy-based ice cream, Oatly uses refined coconut oil and low erucic acid rapeseed oil (canola oil). These plant-based fats contribute significantly to the total calorie and saturated fat count. The sweetness comes from a combination of sugar, dextrose, and glucose syrup. This use of multiple sweeteners and fats helps create the desired taste and mouthfeel but also contributes to the final sugar and calorie figures.

Lower in Protein, Higher in Processing

One clear distinction is the protein content. Oatly's frozen dessert offers a minimal 1-2g of protein per serving, a stark contrast to the higher protein levels found in dairy ice cream, which comes from milk protein. Furthermore, critics from organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) classify Oatly frozen desserts as ultra-processed due to the use of thickeners, gums, and other refined ingredients necessary to achieve a stable product. For consumers focused on whole foods, this high level of processing is a crucial factor to consider.

Oatly Ice Cream vs. Traditional Dairy: A Comparison

To make an informed decision, comparing the nutritional breakdown of Oatly to a typical premium dairy ice cream is helpful. While specific values vary by flavor and brand, the following table provides a general comparison based on standard vanilla offerings.


Nutritional Aspect (per 2/3 cup / 100g)	Oatly Ice Cream (Vanilla)	Traditional Dairy Ice Cream (e.g., premium brand)
Calories	~210 kcal	~260 kcal
Total Fat	~13g	~16g
Saturated Fat	~8g	~10g
Sugar	~18g	~20g
Protein	~1g	~4g
Cholesterol	0mg	Present
Lactose	0%	Present

Note: Nutritional values can vary significantly between brands and flavors. This table provides a general comparison based on cited product data.

As the table shows, Oatly offers a lower-protein, cholesterol-free option. However, its other macros, particularly fat and sugar, are not dramatically different from dairy competitors, and in some cases can be higher on a per-100g basis.

Beyond Nutrition: Other Factors to Consider

While the nutritional label is a primary guide, other factors contribute to determining the "healthiest" choice for an individual.

Dietary Restrictions

For those with specific dietary needs, Oatly is an excellent option. It is inherently suitable for:

Vegans: As a 100% plant-based product, it aligns perfectly with a vegan lifestyle.
Lactose-Intolerant Individuals: The absence of dairy eliminates concerns over lactose-related digestive issues.
Dairy-Allergy Sufferers: It provides a safe, enjoyable frozen dessert option for those with milk allergies.

Sustainability and Environmental Concerns

Oatly promotes its lower environmental impact compared to dairy production, citing reduced water and land use. However, some critics point to the environmental concerns surrounding certain added ingredients like coconut and rapeseed oils, or the use of glyphosate in non-organic oat farming. For those prioritizing sustainability, the issue is nuanced and depends on farming practices and processing methods. To learn more about the complexities of oat milk sustainability, consider visiting Pachamama Hong Kong's blog.

Conclusion: So, Is Oatly Ice Cream Healthier?

There is no simple answer to whether is Oatly ice cream healthier. It depends on your definition of "healthier" and your personal dietary needs. From a strictly nutritional perspective, Oatly is not a low-sugar or low-fat dessert and is an ultra-processed food. It does, however, offer a compelling alternative for those with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or a vegan diet, providing a rich, creamy texture without animal products. Ultimately, both Oatly and traditional ice cream are treats to be enjoyed in moderation, and the 'healthier' choice is the one that best suits your individual dietary restrictions and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Oatly ice cream is completely dairy-free and does not contain lactose, making it a safe and suitable dessert for individuals with lactose intolerance.

Oatly ice cream is sweetened with sugar, dextrose, and glucose syrup. Its total sugar content is often on par with or even slightly higher than some premium dairy ice creams.

Yes, Oatly uses coconut oil and rapeseed oil to create its creamy texture. This results in a notable amount of saturated fat, often comparable to dairy ice cream.

While oats are naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination can occur. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should choose a variety specifically certified as gluten-free.

Oatly ice cream is a highly processed, high-calorie, and high-sugar treat, not a health food. It should be enjoyed in moderation, just like traditional ice cream, rather than viewed as a healthy alternative.

As a plant-based dessert, Oatly ice cream lacks the milk protein naturally found in dairy ice cream, resulting in a much lower overall protein content per serving.

Oatly production generally requires less water and land than dairy farming, but the environmental impact is complex and depends on the cultivation and processing of all ingredients, including added oils.