Ice cream lovers with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivities can rejoice. The market now offers a wide array of delicious lactose-free ice cream options to satisfy sweet cravings without digestive discomfort. These alternatives come in various flavors and textures, catering to different preferences and dietary needs.
Lactose-free ice cream choices range from dairy-based products with lactase enzyme added to completely dairy-free options made from plant-based ingredients. Some brands use lactose-free milk to create traditional ice cream textures, while others craft frozen desserts from alternatives like almond, coconut, or soy milk. This diversity ensures that individuals avoiding lactose can still enjoy a cold, creamy treat.
1) So Delicious Dairy Free Coconutmilk Vanilla
So Delicious offers a popular lactose-free ice cream alternative with their Dairy Free Coconutmilk Vanilla flavor. This frozen dessert is made with organic coconutmilk as its base, providing a creamy texture without any dairy ingredients.
The product contains organic coconut, cane sugar, and coconut oil. It also includes tapioca syrup, pea protein, and natural flavors. Locust bean gum and guar gum are used as stabilizers to improve texture.
So Delicious Dairy Free Coconutmilk Vanilla is free from lactose, dairy, and soy. It caters to those with dietary restrictions or preferences for plant-based options. The vanilla flavor comes from natural sources, including vanilla bean specks.
This frozen dessert can be enjoyed on its own, in a cone, or as a base for shakes and other frozen treats. It offers a sweet, creamy alternative for those seeking a dairy-free ice cream experience.
The product is available in pints and can be found in many grocery stores and supermarkets. It provides a coconut-based option for consumers looking to avoid dairy while still enjoying a frozen dessert.
2) Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy P.B. & Cookies
Ben & Jerry’s offers a delectable non-dairy version of their popular P.B. & Cookies flavor. This frozen dessert caters to those seeking lactose-free options without compromising on taste.
The base is made with almond milk, creating a creamy texture similar to traditional ice cream. It features a rich vanilla flavor as its foundation.
Throughout the dessert, generous swirls of crunchy peanut butter add a nutty dimension. These ribbons of peanut butter provide a satisfying contrast to the smooth almond milk base.
Chunks of chocolate sandwich cookies are scattered throughout, offering bursts of chocolatey goodness and a pleasant crunch. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate cookie pieces creates a classic flavor pairing.
This non-dairy treat is certified vegan, making it suitable for those following plant-based diets. It allows individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies to enjoy a Ben & Jerry’s favorite without worry.
P.B. & Cookies is part of Ben & Jerry’s expanding line of non-dairy options, which now includes multiple flavors to cater to diverse preferences.
3) Breyers Lactose Free Vanilla
Breyers offers a lactose-free version of their classic vanilla ice cream. This product caters to those with lactose sensitivities while maintaining the familiar taste of traditional Breyers vanilla.
The lactose-free vanilla ice cream contains real vanilla bean specks, providing an authentic flavor experience. Breyers achieves 99% lactose reduction in this product, making it suitable for most individuals with lactose intolerance.
The ingredients include skim milk, sugar, corn syrup, and cream. Breyers uses lactase enzyme to break down the lactose, ensuring the ice cream remains creamy and delicious without causing digestive discomfort.
Breyers’ commitment to quality extends to their sourcing practices. The vanilla used in this product is 100% sustainably sourced through a partnership with Rainforest Alliance, supporting farmers and their families in Madagascar.
This lactose-free option is available in 1.5-quart containers and can be found in most grocery stores. It provides a classic ice cream experience for those who previously had to avoid dairy desserts due to lactose sensitivity.
4) Halo Top Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Halo Top offers a dairy-free version of their popular Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream. This frozen dessert is made with coconut cream as a base, providing a creamy texture without the use of dairy.
The ice cream contains real chunks of cookie dough, giving it an authentic taste and texture. It also includes chocolate pieces, adding extra flavor and indulgence to each bite.
This flavor is not suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, as it contains wheat flour in the cookie dough. It’s the only dairy-free Halo Top flavor that isn’t gluten-free.
With only 360 calories per pint, this ice cream alternative allows for guilt-free indulgence. It also provides a good source of protein, making it a more nutritious option compared to traditional ice creams.
The product uses sugar as a sweetener and includes palm oil in its ingredients. It offers a creamy mouthfeel and decadent taste, closely mimicking its dairy counterpart.
5) Arctic Zero Non-Dairy Salted Caramel
Arctic Zero offers a non-dairy salted caramel frozen dessert that caters to those seeking lactose-free options. This product blends sweet and salty flavors in a creamy, plant-based treat.
The dessert is made with faba bean protein, making it entirely dairy-free and suitable for those with lactose intolerance. It’s also keto-friendly and contains fewer calories than traditional ice cream.
Arctic Zero’s non-dairy salted caramel is GMO-free and kosher certified. The company has reformulated its recipes to improve texture and taste, resulting in a creamier consistency compared to their previous lactose-free offerings.
This frozen dessert provides a lower-calorie alternative for those craving ice cream without sacrificing flavor. It’s part of Arctic Zero’s commitment to creating better-for-you desserts that accommodate various dietary needs.
Consumers can find Arctic Zero’s non-dairy salted caramel in grocery stores and even order it online through platforms like Amazon. It’s one of several flavors in their plant-based frozen dessert line.
6) Tofutti Vanilla Almond Bark
Tofutti Vanilla Almond Bark offers a dairy-free alternative for those seeking lactose-free ice cream options. This frozen dessert combines the classic flavors of vanilla and almond in a creamy, vegan-friendly format.
Tofutti, a brand known for its dairy-free products since 1981, crafts this dessert using a blend of water, sugar, corn syrup solids, and vegetable oils. The absence of dairy ingredients makes it suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or those following a vegan diet.
The Vanilla Almond Bark flavor features a smooth vanilla base studded with crunchy almond pieces. This combination provides a satisfying texture contrast that many ice cream enthusiasts appreciate.
Nutritionally, a half-cup serving of Tofutti Vanilla Almond Bark contains approximately 210 calories. It’s important to note that while free from dairy, this product does contain soy and may be processed on equipment that handles nuts and wheat.
Tofutti’s frozen desserts, including the Vanilla Almond Bark flavor, are available in many grocery stores alongside traditional ice cream options. This accessibility makes it a convenient choice for those seeking lactose-free alternatives.
7) NadaMoo! Lotta Mint Chip
NadaMoo! Lotta Mint Chip offers a delightful dairy-free ice cream experience. This flavor combines creamy mint with crunchy chocolate chips, creating a refreshing treat for those avoiding lactose.
Made with organic coconut milk, NadaMoo! provides a rich, smooth texture that rivals traditional ice cream. The mint flavor is cool and satisfying, while the chocolate chips add a pleasant crunch.
This product caters to various dietary needs. It is not only dairy-free but also gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO. NadaMoo! uses plant-based ingredients, making it suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle.
Many consumers praise NadaMoo! Lotta Mint Chip for its similarity to dairy-based mint chocolate chip ice cream. Some even claim it surpasses their expectations for a coconut milk-based dessert.
NadaMoo! demonstrates a commitment to sustainability as a B-Corp certified company. This makes it an appealing choice for environmentally conscious consumers seeking a lactose-free ice cream alternative.
8) Almond Dream Praline Crunch
Almond Dream Praline Crunch offers a delectable lactose-free ice cream alternative for those with dairy sensitivities. This frozen dessert is crafted from almond milk, providing a creamy texture without traditional dairy ingredients.
The praline crunch flavor combines the nutty essence of almonds with sweet, caramelized notes. It’s an indulgent treat that caters to those seeking non-dairy options without compromising on taste.
Almond Dream products are known for being free from lactose, making them suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance. The brand focuses on creating plant-based frozen desserts that mimic the experience of traditional ice cream.
While Almond Dream Praline Crunch is not suitable for vegans due to some ingredients, it remains a popular choice for those avoiding lactose. The dessert can be found in select grocery stores and through online retailers.
Consumers should note that availability may vary, as some sources suggest potential discontinuation of certain Almond Dream products. It’s advisable to check local stores or online platforms for current availability.
9) Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss Mint Galactica
Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss Mint Galactica offers a refreshing dairy-free ice cream alternative. This organic, plant-based frozen dessert combines the flavors of coconut and mint with chocolatey chips.
The product is certified vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. It caters to those with dietary restrictions or preferences, providing a lactose-free option for ice cream lovers.
Mint Galactica features a strong coconut base with a prominent mint flavor. The chocolatey chips add texture and complement the mint, creating a well-balanced taste experience.
Unlike some mint ice creams, this variety maintains its natural white color rather than using artificial green coloring. This choice aligns with the brand’s commitment to organic ingredients.
Luna & Larry’s began in 2005 when two Oregonians decided to create their own coconut-based frozen desserts. Their vision has resulted in a range of flavors, with Mint Galactica being a popular choice among consumers seeking dairy-free alternatives.
10) Trader Joe’s Soy Creamy Cherry Chocolate Chip
Trader Joe’s Soy Creamy Cherry Chocolate Chip was a popular non-dairy frozen dessert option for lactose-intolerant consumers. This soy-based ice cream alternative featured a creamy texture with cherry pieces and chocolate chips mixed throughout.
The product contained organic soy milk as its base, along with organic cane sugar and cherries. It also included safflower oil and brown rice syrup solids to achieve its smooth consistency.
Compared to traditional dairy ice cream, Trader Joe’s Soy Creamy Cherry Chocolate Chip offered a lower calorie and fat content. This made it an appealing choice for health-conscious individuals seeking a frozen treat.
Many customers praised the flavor and texture of this soy ice cream, considering it a standout among non-dairy options. Its taste and quality rivaled more expensive vegan ice cream brands.
Unfortunately, Trader Joe’s has discontinued this product. The decision disappointed many loyal fans who appreciated its taste and value. Some customers have expressed hope that Trader Joe’s will introduce a similar non-dairy frozen dessert in the future.
Understanding Lactose-Free Ice Cream
Lactose-free ice cream provides a delicious alternative for those with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivities. These products offer the creamy texture and flavors of traditional ice cream without the digestive discomfort.
What Is Lactose-Free
Lactose-free ice cream is made by adding lactase enzymes to regular dairy ice cream or using milk that has been treated with lactase. This process breaks down lactose, the natural sugar in milk, into simpler sugars that are easier to digest.
Some brands use filtration methods to remove lactose from milk before making ice cream. Others create dairy-free alternatives using plant-based ingredients like coconut, almond, or soy milk.
Popular lactose-free ice cream brands include Lactaid, Breyers, and Ben & Jerry’s. These offer a range of flavors from classics like vanilla and chocolate to more unique options.
Health Benefits
Lactose-free ice cream allows individuals with lactose intolerance to enjoy a frozen treat without digestive issues. It provides similar nutritional benefits to regular ice cream, including calcium and protein.
For those following a low-FODMAP diet, lactose-free ice cream can be a suitable option. It’s important to check labels, as some varieties may contain other FODMAP ingredients.
Lactose-free ice cream typically has the same calorie and fat content as regular ice cream. Some brands offer low-fat or sugar-free options for those watching their intake.
People with milk allergies should note that lactose-free ice cream still contains milk proteins and is not suitable for their consumption.
Ingredients Commonly Used
Lactose-free ice cream relies on alternative ingredients to replicate the creamy texture and sweet flavor of traditional dairy ice cream. These substitutes provide options for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Alternative Milk Bases
Plant-based milks form the foundation of many lactose-free ice creams. Almond milk offers a nutty flavor and creamy texture. Coconut milk provides richness and a tropical taste. Soy milk delivers protein and a neutral flavor profile.
Oat milk has gained popularity for its smooth consistency. Some brands use lactose-free cow’s milk, which contains lactase enzyme to break down lactose.
Rice milk and cashew milk are less common but offer unique flavors. These milk alternatives are often fortified with vitamins and minerals to match the nutritional profile of dairy milk.
Natural Sweeteners
Lactose-free ice creams often use alternative sweeteners to achieve the desired taste. Cane sugar remains a popular choice, providing familiar sweetness. Agave nectar offers a low-glycemic option with intense sweetness.
Maple syrup adds depth of flavor and natural sweetness. Stevia, a plant-based sweetener, provides zero-calorie sweetness. Some brands use sugar alcohols like erythritol or xylitol for reduced-calorie options.
Fruit purees like banana or dates can add natural sweetness and creaminess. Monk fruit extract is gaining popularity as a natural, zero-calorie sweetener in some lactose-free ice creams.