What's the best dairy-free ice cream?: A Guide to Finding Your Perfect Pint

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

The market for plant-based frozen desserts has seen significant growth in recent years, with one report from 2019 noting a 66.7% sales increase over two years. With so many options now available, determining what's the best dairy-free ice cream can be a delicious, but overwhelming, challenge. From cashew-based creaminess to fruity sorbets, the ideal choice depends on your personal taste and dietary needs.

Quick Summary

This guide evaluates the top dairy-free ice cream brands based on flavor, texture, and base ingredients. It breaks down the differences between options made with cashew, oat, coconut, and other plant milks, offering recommendations to help you find the best frozen dessert.

Key Points

Consider the base ingredient: Cashew, oat, coconut, soy, and avocado are common bases, each offering a distinct flavor and texture profile.
Texture varies by base: For a rich, creamy texture, opt for cashew or coconut bases. For a lighter, cleaner feel, try oat milk.
Flavor is influenced by the base: Coconut-based ice cream will have a noticeable coconut flavor, while cashew and oat bases tend to be more neutral.
Check saturated fat and sugar levels: Dairy-free ice creams can still be high in saturated fat and added sugars. Healthier alternatives often use avocado or olive oil, but read labels carefully.
Experiment with different brands: Taste preferences are personal. Try popular brands like So Delicious, Oatly, and Jeni's to discover your favorite dairy-free flavor and texture.
Don't forget about sorbet and 'nice cream': For a lighter option, fruit-based sorbets are naturally dairy-free. Homemade 'nice cream' from frozen bananas is another healthy, easy alternative.

A Golden Age for Plant-Based Frozen Desserts

Gone are the days when dairy-free ice cream was relegated to a single, icy, and flavor-lacking pint in the corner of the freezer aisle. The market has exploded, with mainstream brands and artisan producers alike introducing a vast array of high-quality plant-based frozen desserts. This expansion means more choices than ever before, but it also makes the decision-making process more complex. To find the best option for your palate, it’s essential to understand the different dairy-free bases and what they offer in terms of flavor and texture.

The Breakdown of Dairy-Free Bases

The secret to a great dairy-free ice cream lies in its base ingredient. Unlike traditional ice cream, which relies on milk and cream for its signature texture, plant-based versions use various alternatives, each with its own unique characteristics.

Cashew Milk for Ultimate Creaminess

For those seeking a truly decadent, dairy-like texture, cashew-based ice creams are often the top contender. Cashews blend into a rich, buttery, and neutral-tasting cream that serves as an excellent canvas for various flavors. Some of the most highly-regarded brands that use a cashew base include So Delicious Cashewmilk and Craig's Vegan. A drawback is that they can be higher in fat and are not suitable for those with tree nut allergies.

Oat Milk for a Neutral, Allergen-Friendly Base

Oat milk has surged in popularity, providing a creamy and widely accessible option that is free from many major allergens like soy and tree nuts. Brands like Oatly and McConnell's have perfected this base, resulting in a smooth texture and a clean flavor that won't overpower the intended profile. While generally lower in saturated fat than coconut-based options, some people may detect a slight "oaty" aftertaste. Ben & Jerry's also transitioned many of its popular non-dairy flavors to an oat milk base, which has been met with mixed reviews.

Coconut Milk for Tropical Richness

Coconut milk is a classic dairy-free base, known for its thick, luscious consistency and tropical undertones. While excellent for flavors like mango or pineapple, the distinct coconut taste can be a love-it-or-hate-it aspect for more neutral flavors like vanilla. Popular brands like NadaMoo! and Cosmic Bliss (formerly Coconut Bliss) use this base, but consumers should be aware of the higher saturated fat content.

Avocado and Olive Oil for Unique Textures

For the health-conscious or those with multiple allergies, innovative bases like avocado and olive oil offer intriguing new options. Avocado-based Cado provides a low-saturated-fat, organic, and creamy frozen dessert, though its taste can be divisive. Olive oil-based Wildgood is another unique, and polarizing, alternative that boasts a lower saturated fat content but often receives lower marks for taste and texture in reviews.

Soy Milk for a Dependable Classic

Soy milk has been a reliable base for dairy-free products for years, offering a neutral flavor and a dense, creamy texture. Brands like Tofutti have been mainstays in the category for their dependable soy-based offerings. It's a solid, budget-friendly option, but may not have the gourmet feel of some newer alternatives.

Comparison of Popular Dairy-Free Ice Cream Bases


Base Ingredient	Pros	Cons	Best for...
Cashew Milk	Very creamy, rich texture; neutral flavor.	High in saturated fat; not nut-allergy friendly.	Mimicking traditional, high-end dairy ice cream.
Oat Milk	Creamy texture; neutral flavor; often allergen-friendly.	Can have a mild "oaty" aftertaste; can be pricier.	All-around crowd-pleasing flavors like vanilla and chocolate.
Coconut Milk	Exceptionally creamy and rich.	Strong coconut flavor; higher in saturated fat.	Tropical-inspired flavors and for coconut lovers.
Avocado	Low in saturated fat; unique velvety texture.	Flavor can be off-putting to some; taste-tested results are mixed.	Health-conscious, adventurous eaters.
Soy Milk	Neutral taste; reliable, long-standing option; budget-friendly.	Can taste less premium than other bases.	Those on a budget or seeking a classic alternative.

Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Dairy-Free Scoop

Ultimately, there is no single answer to what's the best dairy-free ice cream. The perfect pint depends on your personal preferences for flavor and texture, as well as any dietary restrictions. For rich, indulgent creaminess, cashew-based brands like So Delicious are excellent choices. If you need an allergen-friendly option that still delivers on texture, look for quality oat-based varieties from Oatly or McConnell's. For those who love the taste of coconut and tropical flavors, NadaMoo! and Cosmic Bliss offer rich, coconut-infused pints. When browsing the frozen aisle, pay close attention to the base ingredient and check reviews for texture and flavor notes to ensure you pick a winner every time. The variety and quality available today mean that satisfying your frozen dessert craving is more delicious than ever.

How we can find the best dairy-free ice cream

Start with your base preference: Think about what flavor profile you like. Do you want something neutral to let the toppings shine, or do you enjoy the taste of coconut? Cashew and oat milks are more neutral, while coconut milk will have a noticeable tropical flavor.
Read the ingredient list: Check for ingredients like gums or excessive sugar that can negatively impact flavor and texture. Look for whole-food ingredients for the cleanest taste.
Balance nutrition with indulgence: While dairy-free options are plant-based, they can still be high in saturated fat and added sugars. Brands like Cado and Wildgood are lower in fat, but premium, rich options like So Delicious and Van Leeuwen can be higher.
Consider potential allergens: Always read labels carefully if you have allergies. While oat milk is generally more allergen-friendly, it’s not always made in an allergen-free facility. Some products, like those from Talenti, are dairy-free but contain eggs.
Embrace variety: Don't be afraid to try different brands and bases. What works for one person might not be your favorite. Try a few different types to see which flavor and texture combination you enjoy most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cashew milk is often considered the creamiest dairy-free ice cream base due to its rich, buttery texture. Coconut milk also provides a very creamy consistency, though with a stronger flavor.

Oat milk ice cream is an excellent choice for those with nut allergies, as oats are typically free from major allergens. Brands like Oatly and McConnell's offer several oat-based options.

Not necessarily. While dairy-free, these frozen desserts can still be high in calories, saturated fat, and added sugar, sometimes even more so than their dairy counterparts. It's important to check the nutritional information on the label.

Yes, you can easily make your own. A popular method is making 'nice cream' by blending frozen bananas. You can also use canned coconut milk as a rich base for homemade recipes.

A dairy-free dessert contains no dairy products at all, making it suitable for vegans and those with milk allergies. A lactose-free product is still made with dairy but has had the lactose enzyme removed, making it suitable for people who are lactose intolerant but not allergic to milk proteins.

The flavor of the base can be noticeable. Coconut-based ice creams often carry a tropical hint, while avocado and olive oil bases have their own distinct notes. Cashew and oat milk are generally more neutral, allowing the primary flavor to stand out.

Yes, options made with avocado (like Cado) or olive oil (like Wildgood) tend to be lower in saturated fat. Sorbet is another naturally low-fat, fruit-based choice, but may contain high levels of added sugar.