What Ice Blocks Are Vegan? A Complete Guide to Frozen Vegan Treats

November 9, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2021 study, the global vegan food market was valued at over $26 billion, indicating a growing demand for plant-based alternatives. For those with a sweet tooth, understanding what ice blocks are vegan is essential for finding a refreshing frozen treat that aligns with their dietary choices.

Quick Summary

This guide details how to identify vegan ice blocks by examining ingredient lists for animal-derived products. It covers common vegan bases like fruit juice and coconut milk, highlights specific vegan-friendly brands, and provides tips for making homemade versions. Information on common non-vegan additives is also included.

Key Points

Ingredient Check: Always read the ingredients list carefully to avoid hidden animal products like dairy, eggs, and gelatine, especially in creamy or fruit-flavored ice blocks.
Common Vegan Bases: Look for ice blocks made from fruit juice, coconut milk, nut milks (almond, cashew), or oat milk as these are reliably plant-based.
Look for Labels: The easiest way to identify vegan ice blocks is to find products explicitly labeled as 'vegan,' 'dairy-free,' or featuring a 'Certified Vegan' logo.
Beware of Creamy Flavors: Be cautious with creamy or milky-looking ice blocks, as they often contain dairy unless specifically stated otherwise.
Know Your Brands: Researching brands with dedicated vegan lines, such as Magnum Vegan or Frozen Sunshine, can save you time at the grocery store.
Consider Homemade: Making your own ice blocks at home with whole fruits, coconut milk, or fruit juice is the most foolproof way to ensure a vegan treat with full control over ingredients.
Watch for Unconventional Ingredients: While less common, certain colors or 'natural flavors' might be non-vegan. Stick to certified options or simple, natural ingredients if unsure.

Decoding the Ingredients: How to Tell if an Ice Block is Vegan

For many, a vegan diet is a commitment to avoiding all animal-derived products, which can sometimes be hidden in unexpected places, including frozen desserts. The key to knowing what ice blocks are vegan lies in becoming a pro at reading ingredient labels. Don't be fooled by names that sound inherently vegan, like 'fruity' or 'sorbet'—always double-check.

The Obvious Animal Products to Avoid

Dairy: Ingredients like milk, milk solids, cream, whey, and casein are all derived from milk and are not vegan. Many creamy, dairy-free ice blocks use alternatives such as coconut, almond, or oat milk.
Eggs: Some recipes for creamy frozen desserts use eggs or egg products. Keep an eye out for terms like 'egg yolk' or 'egg whites'.
Gelatine: This common gelling agent is made from animal collagen. While many ice blocks don't contain gelatine, it can be present in some fruit-flavored varieties to improve texture.
Honey: As honey is produced by bees, it is not considered vegan by most strict definitions.
Certain Colorings and Flavors: While less common in modern products, some food colorings or 'natural flavors' could be derived from animals. It is always wise to choose products explicitly labeled 'vegan' for complete peace of mind.

Common Vegan Ice Block Bases and Additives

Fortunately, there are many plant-based ingredients that form the basis of delicious vegan ice blocks. Fruit juice, coconut milk, and various nut milks are some of the most popular and can be found in a wide range of commercially available products.

Fruit Juice and Puree: The most basic vegan ice blocks are essentially frozen, sweetened fruit juice or fruit puree. Think of classic fruit popsicles that have no creamy, opaque texture.
Coconut Milk and Cream: Coconut-based ice blocks are a popular choice for their creamy texture and rich flavor. They provide the fat content needed to mimic a dairy-based dessert.
Nut Milks: Almond, cashew, and macadamia nut milks are used to create creamy, plant-based frozen treats.
Oat Milk: Oat milk is another increasingly common base for dairy-free frozen desserts, known for its smooth texture.
Sweeteners: Vegan-friendly sweeteners include cane sugar, maple syrup, and agave.
Stabilizers and Thickeners: Plant-based gums, such as guar gum and locust bean gum, are frequently used to improve the texture and consistency of vegan ice blocks.

Leading Vegan Ice Block Brands and Products

Many brands now offer certified vegan options, making it easier than ever to find a suitable treat. Always look for a 'vegan' certification or logo, but here are some brands with known vegan offerings:

Frozen Sunshine: An Australian brand offering a variety of plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free ice blocks made with Australian fruits.
Magnum Vegan: This brand, famous for its ice cream bars, also offers a vegan range, often featuring vegan chocolate and pea protein.
Tip Top Popsicle: Offers several fruity ice block flavors that are clearly labeled as vegan-friendly, dairy-free, and gelatine-free, including Watermelon, Lemonade Zing, and Mixed Minis.
Cornetto Vegan: A classic ice cream cone brand with a vegan counterpart, featuring a wafer cone and plant-based ice cream.
Connoisseur Vegan: Another Australian brand with a range of plant-based ice cream bars and tubs.
Swedish Glace: This long-standing brand has been making vegan ice cream since the 1990s and is widely available.

Comparison of Vegan Ice Block Types


Feature	Classic Fruit Pop	Creamy Plant-Based Block	DIY Frozen Fruit Pop
Base	Fruit juice, water	Coconut milk, nut milk, oat milk	Fresh fruit, juice, water
Texture	Icy, watery, or slightly gelatinous	Rich, smooth, and creamy	Can be icy or smooth, depending on ingredients
Ingredients	Water, sugar, fruit juice concentrate, flavors, colors	Dairy-free milk, sweeteners, stabilizers, fat (coconut oil)	Whole fruit, natural sweeteners (maple syrup, agave)
Additives	May contain artificial colors or flavors	Often contains stabilizers for texture	Minimal, can be completely natural
Availability	Widely available in most grocery stores	Increasingly common in mainstream and health food stores	Requires at-home preparation
Nutritional Profile	Generally high in sugar, low in other nutrients	Varies by base; can be high in fat	Rich in vitamins and fiber from whole fruit

Making Your Own Vegan Ice Blocks at Home

For total control over ingredients and nutrition, making your own vegan ice blocks is the best option. It is a simple process that requires minimal equipment.

Basic Recipe for a Creamy Coconut Block

Ingredients: 1 can full-fat coconut milk, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. For flavor variations, add blended berries, mango, or cocoa powder.
Method: Combine all ingredients in a blender. Pour the mixture into ice block molds and freeze until solid, typically 4-6 hours.

Basic Recipe for a Fruity Juice Block

Ingredients: 2 cups fresh or frozen berries, 1/2 cup water, 1-2 tbsp agave or maple syrup (optional).
Method: Blend berries and water until smooth. Adjust sweetness if needed. Pour into molds and freeze until set.

Conclusion

The question of "what ice blocks are vegan?" has a more diverse and exciting answer than ever before. From simple fruit juice popsicles to rich, creamy vegan ice creams, the market offers a wide variety of delicious, plant-based frozen treats. By learning to read labels and identifying common animal-derived ingredients, vegans can confidently select commercial products that meet their dietary requirements. For those seeking even greater control, homemade ice blocks offer a personalized and healthy alternative. Whether store-bought or made in your own kitchen, finding a refreshing, vegan ice block is a simple and rewarding task.

What are some popular vegan ice block brands? A Closer Look

Beyond the well-known brands, many smaller companies are dedicated to producing high-quality, plant-based frozen desserts. These brands often focus on using natural, seasonal, and organic ingredients, and may be found in health food stores or farmers' markets. Supporting these businesses provides access to unique flavor combinations and can help expand the vegan market. Check for local companies in your area, like Australia's Sunshine Ice Blocks, which emphasizes using local, whole fruit.

How can I ensure an ice block is truly vegan? A checklist

Read the ingredients list carefully. Look for dairy, egg, and gelatin. If in doubt, look for a certified vegan logo.
Check for 'may contain' warnings. This is important for those with severe allergies and for strict vegans who avoid products with potential cross-contamination.
Consider the flavors. Simple fruit flavors are more likely to be vegan, but always check. Be wary of creamy textures unless explicitly labeled vegan.
Look for certifications. Certifications from organizations like Vegan Action can provide assurance that the product is truly free of animal ingredients.
When in doubt, make your own. Homemade ice blocks give you complete control over every single ingredient, ensuring they are 100% vegan. It’s also often a more affordable and customizable option.

By following these steps, finding a delicious and cruelty-free frozen treat is straightforward and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all fruity ice blocks are vegan. While many are made simply with water, sugar, and fruit, some brands may use gelatine as a stabilizer or to improve texture, which is an animal-derived product. Always check the ingredient list to be certain.

Excellent vegan alternatives to dairy ice cream blocks include options made with coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk. Brands like Swedish Glace, Magnum Vegan, and many smaller producers offer a range of rich and creamy plant-based frozen desserts.

The taste and texture of vegan ice blocks can vary depending on the base ingredient. Fruit juice-based blocks taste very similar to traditional fruit pops. Creamy plant-based blocks, especially those made with coconut milk, might have a subtle coconut flavor, but many are formulated to closely mimic the taste and creaminess of dairy ice cream.

Vegan ice blocks are available in most major grocery stores in the frozen foods section. Health food stores and specialty markets often carry a wider selection of vegan brands. Online retailers are another great source, and you can also find local artisan producers at farmers' markets.

Yes, making vegan ice blocks at home is very easy. Basic recipes often require only a few ingredients, such as blended fruit and juice for a fruity version, or coconut milk and a sweetener for a creamy one. You simply pour the mixture into molds and freeze.

Look for a clear 'Vegan' or 'Certified Vegan' label. If that's not present, check the ingredients list for non-vegan items like milk, milk solids, cream, whey, casein, eggs, and gelatine. Many manufacturers also list common allergens, including dairy, which can be a helpful clue.

No, honey is not considered a vegan ingredient because it is an animal-derived product. While it is less common in ice blocks, some recipes or brands might use it, so it's always worth checking the label for ingredients and choosing an alternative sweetener like maple syrup if present.