The Shift to an Oat Milk Base
In 2023, Ben and Jerry's announced a major update to their non-dairy lineup, transitioning all of their formulas to a new, richer, and creamier oat milk base. This change, fully implemented by spring 2024, came after years of consumer feedback and taste-testing by their "Flavor Gurus". The move was driven by a desire to improve the overall texture and allow the signature chunks and swirls to shine without interference from the base flavor. The oat milk base also provides a smoother, more decadent mouthfeel that better mimics traditional dairy ice cream, even convincing some dairy-lovers.
Why Oat Milk?
- Neutral Flavor Profile: Unlike almond or sunflower bases, oat milk has a more neutral, subtle flavor that doesn't compete with the other flavor components, allowing ingredients like chocolate, caramel, and vanilla to stand out.
- Creamier Texture: Ben and Jerry's reports that the oat base delivers a noticeably creamier and smoother consistency, closely replicating the indulgent experience of dairy-based ice cream.
- Allergen Reduction: Using an oat base reduces nut allergens, making their non-dairy options accessible to a broader audience. It's important to note, however, that the products are made on shared equipment and are not certified nut-free.
A History of Non-Dairy Ingredients
Before the 2023 switch to oat milk, Ben and Jerry's experimented with different plant-based ingredients to create their vegan-friendly line. Understanding this evolution helps appreciate the innovation that led to their current formulation.
Almond Milk Era (2016-2023)
Ben and Jerry's first foray into the non-dairy market began in 2016 with almond milk as the primary base. This was a significant step toward accommodating vegan and dairy-free consumers. Some of the initial flavors included:
- Chunky Monkey
- Fudge Brownie
- Coffee Caramel Fudge
- P.B. & Cookies
While successful, the almond base did impart a distinct nutty flavor and could sometimes result in a slightly icier texture compared to dairy versions.
Sunflower Butter Experiment (2020-2023)
In 2020, the brand introduced a new line of non-dairy flavors using a sunflower butter base, particularly for products that previously contained nuts. This was a strategic move to create a more inclusive, nut-free offering (though still produced on shared equipment) and to explore different texture profiles. Sunflower butter offered a different creamy consistency that worked well with certain flavors, such as "Milk" & Cookies. This parallel line existed alongside the almond milk flavors for a few years before the comprehensive shift to oat milk.
Comparison of Ben and Jerry's Non-Dairy Bases
| Feature | Oat Milk Base | Almond Milk Base (Previous) | Sunflower Butter Base (Previous) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Very neutral, allows other flavors to shine. | Slightly nutty, could impact final flavor. | Neutral, designed as a blank canvas. |
| Creaminess | Smoothest and richest texture. | Less creamy, sometimes slightly icy. | Creamy, but distinct from almond milk versions. |
| Allergen Impact | Reduced nut allergens. | High nut allergen risk. | Reduced nut allergens. |
| Key Ingredient(s) | Oat milk (water, oats). | Almond milk (water, almonds). | Sunflower butter (roasted sunflower seed kernels). |
| Current Status | All non-dairy flavors use this base. | Phased out for new products. | Phased out for new products. |
A Note on Other Ingredients
Regardless of the base, what makes Ben and Jerry's non-dairy ice cream so rich are the other ingredients that help provide texture, emulsification, and flavor. Key ingredients commonly found across their recipes include:
- Fats: Coconut oil is frequently used to add richness and a smoother mouthfeel.
- Sugars: Various sweeteners, including liquid sugar, corn syrup, and brown sugar, are utilized.
- Proteins: Pea protein and faba bean protein are added to provide structure and creaminess.
- Stabilizers: Guar gum and carob bean gum are common additives that prevent ice crystal formation and ensure a consistent texture.
- Lecithin: Soy and/or sunflower lecithin are used as emulsifiers to combine fats and water smoothly.
The Bigger Picture: Sustainability and Values
The evolution of Ben and Jerry's non-dairy ingredients is also tied to their broader corporate values. The company is committed to reducing its environmental impact, and shifting away from dairy is one of the most effective strategies. Dairy production accounts for a significant portion of their overall carbon footprint, so increasing their non-dairy offerings is a key part of their climate strategy. This focus on sustainability extends to sourcing Fairtrade ingredients, including the cocoa, sugar, and vanilla used in their non-dairy flavors.
Conclusion
For modern consumers seeking an answer to "What do Ben and Jerry's use for non-dairy ice cream?", the response is clear: they predominantly use a rich and creamy oat milk base. This represents the culmination of an ingredient journey that started with almond milk and saw a brief period of utilizing sunflower butter. The move to oat milk was a deliberate effort to create a superior product with a more neutral flavor and smoother texture, improving the overall non-dairy ice cream experience. The company's commitment to innovation and sustainability suggests that while oat milk is the current standard, they will likely continue to refine their approach in the future.
For more information on the company's commitment to sustainability and ingredients, visit the official Ben & Jerry's website.
