What is a Non-Dairy substitute at Ben and Jerry's?: An Updated Nutritional Guide

October 16, 2025 •

3 min read

Since launching their first vegan options in 2016, Ben & Jerry's has continuously refined its recipes to perfect its dairy-free desserts. This evolution, moving through different base ingredients, is a direct response to rising consumer interest in plant-based alternatives and better flavors. For those navigating dietary restrictions, understanding what is a Non-Dairy substitute at Ben and Jerry's is key to finding the right frozen treat.

Quick Summary

Ben & Jerry's has transitioned its non-dairy ice cream base from almond and sunflower butter to a newer, creamier oat milk formula to enhance texture and flavor. The company also offers fruit-based sorbet options for an alternative frozen dessert.

Key Points

Oat Milk is the Current Base: Ben & Jerry's current non-dairy substitute is a smooth, creamy oat milk base, which replaced previous almond and sunflower butter formulas by Spring 2024.
Texture and Flavor Improvement: The shift to oat milk was driven by customer feedback for a smoother, creamier texture and a more neutral flavor that better showcases the signature chunks and swirls.
Allergen-Friendly: The oat base significantly reduces nut allergens compared to the former almond milk formula, making the non-dairy options more accessible to people with nut sensitivities, though they are not gluten-free.
Sorbet Alternatives: For a dairy-free option that isn't cream-based, Ben & Jerry's offers fruit-based sorbets, which are free of both dairy and fat.
Not Low-Calorie: Choosing a non-dairy option is typically for dietary reasons, not for calorie reduction, as the plant-based ice creams are still an indulgent, high-calorie dessert.
Ethical and Sustainable: Like their dairy products, Ben & Jerry's non-dairy line uses Fairtrade certified ingredients and aligns with the company's broader sustainability goals.
Wide Flavor Range: Many classic and exclusive flavors, including Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Phish Food®, are available in the new oat milk formulation.

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

Ben & Jerry's is known for responding to customer preferences, including the growing demand for quality plant-based desserts. The company's non-dairy offerings have evolved since their introduction in 2016. Extensive research led their 'Flavor Gurus' to develop a new base that improves upon their initial recipes.

From Almond to Oat: A Shift for Better Texture and Flavor

Ben & Jerry's initially used an almond milk base for their non-dairy flavors. However, they found that almond milk could sometimes affect the taste, potentially overshadowing the intended flavors. After testing over 70 different formulations, oat milk was chosen for its neutral taste and ability to provide a smoother, creamier texture. By Spring 2024, all non-dairy Ben & Jerry's products were transitioned to this new oat-based formula. Consumer testing indicated that the new base is often indistinguishable from traditional dairy ice cream.

Other Non-Dairy Bases in Ben & Jerry's History

Before the shift to oat milk, Ben & Jerry's also utilized a sunflower butter base for certain flavors, which was introduced around 2020. This offered a nut-free option for consumers with allergies. The brand's history demonstrates a continuous effort to refine its non-dairy options for taste and texture.

A Comparison of Ben & Jerry's Non-Dairy Bases


Feature	Oat Milk Base	Almond Milk Base	Sunflower Butter Base
Texture	Exceptionally smooth and creamy, closely mimics dairy ice cream	Generally creamy, but could sometimes feel thinner than dairy	Creamy, dense texture
Flavor Profile	Neutral flavor, allows added chunks and swirls to be the star	Can have a slight nutty undertone	Relatively neutral, allowing flavors to come through
Allergen Profile	Reduced nut allergens, but not gluten-free due to oats	Contains tree nuts (almonds)	Nut-free, good for those with nut allergies
Current Status	Current standard base for non-dairy pints and scoop shop flavors (from Spring 2024)	Previous non-dairy base (2016-2024)	Used for a limited number of flavors during an intermediate phase

Nutritional Considerations of Ben & Jerry's Non-Dairy Options

Ben & Jerry's non-dairy frozen desserts are a dairy-free alternative, but they are still an indulgent treat. Nutritional content, including calories and fat, varies by flavor. Non-dairy options are primarily chosen for dietary needs or preference rather than calorie or fat reduction. The creamy texture of the oat milk base is achieved using ingredients like coconut oil and sugar. Portion control is important for those mindful of nutrition.

Fruit-Based Sorbets: A Lighter Option

For a non-dairy option lower in fat and calories, Ben & Jerry's provides fruit-based sorbets. Sorbets are made with fruit puree, water, and sugar, offering a refreshing, fat-free, and dairy-free treat. Options include Lemonade Sorbet and Mango Mango Sorbet.

Popular Non-Dairy Flavors

Ben & Jerry's offers many non-dairy flavors, including vegan versions of popular dairy ones. Flavors transitioning to the oat base include:

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Chocolate Fudge Brownie
Phish Food®
Cherry Garcia®
"Milk" & Cookies
Mint Chocolate Cookie

Note: Flavor availability can vary, so check the official Ben & Jerry's website or local store for the latest information.

Conclusion

Ben & Jerry's is committed to improving its non-dairy line through continuous innovation. The move to a creamier, more neutral oat milk base from almond and sunflower bases represents a significant enhancement to their vegan offerings. With a variety of options, from rich oat-based flavors to light sorbets, Ben & Jerry's provides dairy-free choices for various dietary needs, reflecting the brand's inclusive mission.

More Resources

Find the latest details on ingredients, sourcing, and flavors on the official Ben & Jerry's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

As of Spring 2024, the main non-dairy substitute used by Ben & Jerry's is an oat milk base, which replaced their previous almond and sunflower butter bases.

Ben & Jerry's switched to an oat milk base to achieve a smoother, creamier texture and a more neutral flavor profile that allows their signature chunks and swirls to shine.

Yes, all of Ben & Jerry's non-dairy flavors are certified vegan and are made without any animal products.

The new oat milk-based non-dairy flavors contain no nut allergens in the base, though specific flavors might contain nuts or be made on shared equipment, so it's best to check the ingredient label for specific allergens.

Yes, Ben & Jerry's sorbets are naturally dairy-free as they are made from fruit puree and do not contain any cream or milk products.

Ben & Jerry's clearly labels its non-dairy pints. The lid and the packaging prominently feature a 'Non-Dairy' or 'Certified Vegan' label.

The new oat milk base is designed to have a more neutral flavor and a creamier texture than the previous almond milk base, which some consumers found to have a noticeable nutty aftertaste.