Dairy restrictions have been in my life for years now, and just within the past year or so have non-dairy options became available. I was overjoyed when I found out all my favorite ice cream brands released their non-dairy versions, and I can say with absolute certainty that majority of these brands…failed.
Yes I was the person who ate ice cream every day before I developed an allergy to it, so when there was dairy free options I made sure to try as many as I can to get to the most similar resemblance. I regret to say that majority are pretty miserable, but I have done the research, so I can personally share with all of you my least favorites to my absolute favorites!
10- Dairy Queen Non-Dairy Dilly Bar
This ice cream is absolutely disgusting! Period! If you enjoy eating coconut oil, then this is the dessert for you. The chocolate coating does a really good job disguising the true flavor of the ice cream mockery in the middle. The chocolate tastes almost exactly like their regular chocolate dipped cone, but the inside is disappointing. At one point you notice that the inside actually does not melt away like a typical coconut cream would, but it contains a gum like texture. Worst one yet!
9- Magnum Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert Almond Bar
Do not let the reviews fool you, this non-dairy ice cream was overrated and absolutely not worth eating. The outside chocolate layer is pleasant and it was a nice change of texture with the almond edition as well, but the inside had an overly creamy texture that I noticed melted the second you cracked through the chocolate coating. They used an overpowering artificial vanilla flavor that was hard to get past.
8- Jolly Llama Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Cones
I love the Gluten-free cone aspect of this ice cream package, it is a nice change in the non-dairy ice cream game since majority of the ice cream is packaged in containers or in bars. But unfortunately, this ice cream fell short for my liking. The ice cream had a moose-like consistency and the chocolate well… just did not taste like chocolate!
7- Chloe’s Oat Milk Pops
I hear good things about the Chloe Ice Cream brand because they use natural ingredients and it has less calories. I tried the Oat Milk Raspberry Chip Pops and simply did not enjoy it. I think it was the combination of the fruit with the oat milk that did not sit well with me, it was not an ice cream satisfaction I was hoping to get. I am hopeful that their other products are better, but I have yet to try them!
6- Tofutti’s Cuties Sandwich
There is better things out there, but it was a decently close comparison to the old fashioned ice cream sandwiches. After a couple bites you get sick of it!
5- Halo Top Dairy Free
I get the fascination with Halo Top products because of the low calorie and LOW SUGAR! It is so hard to find a non-dairy product that is low in sugar, but this is the golden product. I personally do not like the consistency of the ice cream, it tastes powdery to me but I only gave it one chance and one flavor. It could have improved, and it is a decent alternative for a low calorie dessert!
4- Haagen Daz Non Dairy Frozen Dessert
Ugh, yum. This brand transformed the dairy free option, it is so good and tastes like regular ice cream. The creamy consistency and the flavor is on point, you even get large chunks of chocolate and peanut butter with this flavor. The only downfall to this dessert is the oily consistency it contains. If you read the ingredients, you’ll notice everything is made with an oil base which I think can be improved. It is pretty yummy though.
3- Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy
Ben & Jerry’s Mint Chocolate Cookie non-dairy frozen dessert MADE WITH SUNFLOWER BUTTER. It is beyond the best non-dairy ice cream I have came across! The reason it is #3 in my book is because like the gracious Ben & Jerry brands, they make SO many products and I have tried one made with Almond Milk, it was not so good. I have many different flavors to get through with this brand, but this Sunflower Butter edition is incredible. I felt like I was eating actual ice cream. Plus the cookies crushed in it made it even better!
2- Trader Joe’s Chocolate Non-Dairy
Let’s get one thing straight, this is my favorite and closest resemblance to actual ice cream I have seen thus far. It is made with Coconut Milk for that extra creamy ice cream taste without overly tasting of coconut. I have tried the other non-dairy options at Trader Joe’s and dislike the vanilla and soy options.
1- Daiya Non-Dairy Ice Cream Bars
The absolute best non-dairy ice cream I have tried. I know this because I keep a stock of it in my freezer. It is simply the best, any flavor you try will be excellent and truly tastes like ice cream. Daiya is an entire brand that makes dairy free, gluten free, soy free products from cheesecake, cream cheese, pizza, yogurt, etc. They have this dairy-free game down pack and I love it, would recommend it 100%!
I have so many other brands and flavors to try, but it makes me so happy to know that there are different options for people with intolerances and allergies. This list is completely based off of personal opinion, but I hope it helps narrow the options down and gives you the yummiest dairy-free dessert!
XO,
The Sassy Brunette
Great post. You definitely tried a lot of different dairy free options. I love the trade Joe ones the best