Your Vegan Base: A Solid Foundation
Before you dive into the mix-ins, it is crucial to start with a vegan-friendly foundation. Cold Stone offers several options for a dairy-free dessert base.
The Silk Chocolate Almondmilk Frozen Dessert
Launched in collaboration with Silk, this rich and creamy chocolate frozen dessert is the chain's primary vegan 'ice cream' flavor. It's made with almond milk and coconut oil, offering a true-to-ice-cream experience without any dairy. This is the perfect base for chocolate lovers looking for a plant-based treat.
Vegan Sorbets
In addition to the almond milk base, Cold Stone also offers a variety of fruity sorbet flavors. While flavors can vary by location, common options include Orange, Raspberry, Strawberry, Lemon, and Watermelon. All of Cold Stone's sorbets are dairy-free and suitable for vegans. These provide a lighter, more refreshing alternative to the rich chocolate base.
Vegan Cones
To complete your treat, you can select from two vegan-friendly cone options: the standard Cake Cone or the Sugar Cone.
An Array of Vegan Mix-Ins
Once you have your base and cone, it is time to choose from the extensive list of vegan mix-ins that Cold Stone offers. Your mix-in options fall into several categories:
Fruits and Fillings
- Fresh Fruits: Most fresh fruits available are a safe bet. This includes bananas, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
- Pie Fillings: Add some extra sweetness with vegan-friendly apple pie filling, cherry pie filling, or peach pie filling.
- Other Fruits: Also on the vegan list are black cherries, maraschino cherries, and pineapple tidbits.
Nuts and Seeds
For a satisfying crunch and added texture, Cold Stone has a wide variety of nuts that are vegan.
- Cashews
- Roasted Almonds
- Sliced Almonds
- Macadamia Nuts
- Peanuts
- Pecans
- Pistachios
- Walnuts
Candies, Cookies, and Sauces
- Cookies: OREO cookies are famously vegan, and Cold Stone's OREO crumbles are suitable for dairy-free diets. This includes pie crust varieties and seasonal Halloween varieties.
- Sprinkles: The rainbow sprinkles and sugar crystals are both vegan.
- Pretzels: Standard pretzels are vegan and add a salty, savory contrast to your sweet base.
- Coconut: Choose the plain coconut option; the toasted coconut contains milk.
- Sauces and Spices: You can add a drizzle of Reese's Peanut Butter Sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Edible Glitter: For a fun, magical touch, the gold glitter is also vegan.
What to Avoid: Non-Vegan Toppings
Just as important as knowing what is vegan is knowing what is not. When customizing your creation, steer clear of these non-vegan mix-ins:
- Gummy Bears: Most gummies contain gelatin, which is an animal product.
- Marshmallows: Similar to gummy bears, marshmallows typically contain gelatin.
- Caramel: Cold Stone's standard caramel topping contains milk.
- Toasted Coconut: Unlike the plain coconut, the toasted variety is mixed with dairy.
- Brownie or Cake: Any brownie or cake mix-ins contain dairy and eggs.
Customizing Your Vegan Creation
Here is how to create the perfect vegan treat at Cold Stone, from start to finish:
- Choose Your Base: Start with either the Silk Chocolate Almondmilk Frozen Dessert or your favorite sorbet flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even mix a scoop of each.
- Add Your Mix-Ins: Select your desired combination of fruits, nuts, cookies, and other approved vegan toppings. Don't be afraid to experiment with different textures and flavors.
- Specify Your Order: When you get to the counter, be sure to ask for a vegan base and specify your mix-ins. You can mention that you are avoiding dairy to ensure a successful order.
- Consider Cross-Contamination: While the ingredients are vegan, cross-contamination is a risk as Cold Stone uses shared equipment and work surfaces. If you have a severe dairy allergy, you can ask for a fresh slab to be cleaned before your creation is mixed. Most staff are happy to accommodate this request.
- Choose Your Vessel: Pick a vegan sugar cone or a cup to complete your creation.
Cold Stone Vegan Toppings Comparison Table
| Topping Category | Vegan-Friendly Options | Not Vegan-Friendly Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bases | Silk Chocolate Almondmilk, Fruit Sorbets | All standard ice creams | Vegan bases are dairy-free. |
| Fruits | Bananas, Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries | N/A | Most fresh fruits are safe. |
| Nuts | Roasted Almonds, Cashews, Pecans, Pistachios | N/A | All standard nuts are vegan. |
| Cookies/Candy | OREO Cookies, Rainbow Sprinkles, Sugar Crystals, Pretzels | Gummy Bears, Marshmallows | Check for gelatin in candies. |
| Sauces | Reese's Peanut Butter Sauce, Cinnamon | Caramel, Fudge | Standard caramel and fudge contain dairy. |
| Other | Plain Coconut, Gold Glitter | Toasted Coconut | Toasted coconut contains milk. |
Conclusion: Crafting Your Perfect Vegan Treat
Cold Stone Creamery has made it easier than ever for plant-based diners to enjoy a personalized frozen dessert with its Silk Chocolate Almondmilk base and an extensive list of vegan mix-ins. By choosing a vegan base and selecting from the variety of fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and sweet candies, you can build a delicious and satisfying creation that is completely dairy-free. Remember to specify your dietary preferences when ordering and consider asking about cross-contamination precautions for the safest and most enjoyable experience.
For more information on Cold Stone's ingredients and menu, you can visit the official website for their latest updates and nutritional information.(https://www.coldstonecreamery.com/silksorbet/silk/index.html)
