Halo Top burst onto the scene several years ago as a low-calorie, high-protein ice cream that quickly became a fan favorite. One of the things that set Halo Top apart was its dairy-free flavors, made with almond or coconut milk instead of regular milk and cream. For people with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance, Halo Top’s dairy-free options were a godsend.
The Early Days of Halo Top’s Dairy-Free Flavors
When Halo Top first launched around 2012, they offered just a handful of flavors, including two that were dairy-free: Chocolate and Vanilla Bean. Both were made with a coconut milk base and sweetened with stevia and erythritol. Fans raved about the rich, creamy texture that mimicked regular ice cream without any of the stomach upset caused by lactose.
As Halo Top’s popularity grew, so did their range of dairy-free choices. By 2015 they had added flavors like Sea Salt Caramel, Mochi Green Tea, and Pancakes and Waffles, made with an almond milk base. Their unique flavors combined with a high protein, low sugar formula made Halo Top the perfect solution for health-conscious ice cream lovers who needed to avoid dairy.
The Dairy-Free Options Expand
Over the next few years, Halo Top continued to expand their dairy-free lineup with innovative flavors like Oatmeal Cookie, Peanut Butter Swirl, and Banana Pudding. They also introduced non-dairy options for seasonal flavors like Gingerbread House and Pumpkin Pie. Fan favorites Chocolate and Vanilla Bean stuck around, ensuring there was always a basic dairy-free choice available.
In addition to almond milk and coconut milk bases, Halo Top began experimenting with other plant-based alternatives like oat milk and soy milk. While the coconut milk flavors retained the creamy, ice cream-like texture fans loved, the oat and soy milk bases appealed to vegans and those with nut allergies. The dairy-free options now appealed to an even wider audience.
The Dairy-Free Options Today
As of 2023, Halo Top offers 13 dairy-free flavors made with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. This includes long-time favorites like Sea Salt Caramel and Peanut Butter Swirl, as well as newer options like Lemon Cake, Jelly Donut, and Blueberry Crumble. Their dairy-free flavors now represent about a quarter of their total offerings.
While specialty flavors tend to rotate in and out, Halo Top keeps Chocolate, Vanilla Bean, and Sea Salt Caramel in their dairy-free lineup year-round. These three remain top sellers among non-dairy fans. Halo Top has also committed to always having a vegan selection by using oat milk or coconut milk as the base in some flavors. This ensures their ice cream is accessible to more people, regardless of dietary needs.
Current Dairy-Free Flavors
Here are the 13 dairy-free flavors currently available from Halo Top (as of November 2023):
- Chocolate
- Vanilla Bean
- Sea Salt Caramel
- Peanut Butter Swirl
- Oatmeal Cookie
- Pancakes and Waffles
- Jelly Donut
- Lemon Cake
- Blueberry Crumble
- Gingerbread House
- Pumpkin Pie
- Candy Bar
- Mochi Green Tea
The Future of Halo Top’s Dairy-Free Options
Based on how steadily Halo Top’s dairy-free lineup has expanded over the years, it seems likely they will continue creating new and innovative flavors. They aim to keep dairy-free options representing around a quarter of their total portfolio. Fans can probably expect at least 2 to 3 new dairy-free choices introduced each year.
Halo Top may also keep experimenting with different dairy-free bases like cashew milk, flax milk, and banana milk. This allows them to create creamier textures and appeal to more dietary needs. However, almond, coconut, and oat milk will likely remain their core dairy-free bases.
One thing is certain – Halo Top remains as committed as ever to creating delicious, low-sugar ice cream for anyone who loves ice cream, regardless of dietary restrictions. As long as they keep churning out new dairy-free flavors, fans with milk allergies or lactose intolerance can keep enjoying ice cream without worry.
Nutritional Profile of Dairy vs Dairy-Free Halo Top
Aside from being free of lactose and milk proteins, what are the other nutritional differences between Halo Top’s dairy and non-dairy flavors? Let’s compare the profiles.
Calories
Halo Top’s signature light, airy texture means all their flavors – dairy and dairy-free alike – are low in calories. Their traditional dairy flavors range from 280 to 360 calories per pint, while the dairy-free flavors clock in between 330 to 400 calories. So on average, the non-dairy pints are a bit higher in calories, but still very reasonable for a satisfying dessert.
Protein
One of the biggest nutritional benefits of Halo Top is its high protein content which helps you stay full and satisfied. Both the regular and dairy-free flavors contain 20+ grams of protein per pint. The dairy-free versions may contain slightly less protein on average, but they still offer an excellent source of plant-based protein from the nuts, legumes, and grains used to make the dairy alternatives.
Sugar
Keeping sugar low is another Halo Top selling point. Almost all their flavors stay under 20g total sugar per pint, with some as low as 12g. The dairy and non-dairy versions are equally low in sugar, thanks to Halo Top’s use of natural sweeteners like stevia and erythritol rather than plain sugar.
| Nutrition Facts | Dairy Halo Top (1 pint) | Dairy-Free Halo Top (1 pint) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 280-360 | 330-400 |
| Protein | 20-24g | 20-24g |
| Sugar | 12-20g | 12-20g |
As you can see, the nutrition stats are very comparable between the two versions. With either option you get Halo Top’s signature light, protein-packed, low sugar ice cream – just one is made from dairy and one is dairy-free.
Ingredients in Dairy vs Dairy-Free Halo Top
Let’s move beyond nutrition and look at the actual ingredients that go into Halo Top’s dairy and non-dairy ice creams:
Dairy Halo Top
The dairy flavors contain a combination of milk, cream, skim milk, egg yolks, milk protein concentrate, and whey protein concentrate. These ingredients provide the signature creamy texture and protein content. Sugar is kept low through the use of erythritol and stevia.
Dairy-Free Halo Top
Instead of milk and cream, the dairy-free versions are made from a base of either almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. The almond and oat milk provide protein, while coconut milk contributes the creamy texture. Protein is also boosted with rice protein and pea protein isolates. These non-dairy options use the same sugar substitutes as the regular ice cream.
So while the sources differ, both varieties achieve a similar nutritional and sensory outcome. For those wanting to avoid dairy, the dairy-free lineup provides the same delicious experience through clever use of plant alternatives.
Taste and Texture Comparison
Here’s the real question – how close do the dairy-free flavors get to mimicking the actual ice cream experience? Let’s compare taste and texture.
Taste
Halo Top’s innovation team has done an impressive job of making the dairy-free flavors taste rich and indulgent. Non-dairy bases like coconut and almond milk provide creamy depth, while extracts, cocoa, and natural sweeteners replicate the taste of flavors like chocolate, vanilla bean, and sea salt caramel. Some flavors like oatmeal cookie and pancakes and waffles are studded with mix-ins that amp up the flavor too.
Of course, to the discerning dairy ice cream fan, the non-dairy varieties won’t be a perfect replica. But they get extremely close, especially in chocolate and vanilla. Overall the dairy-free flavors offer plenty of sweet, satisfying flavor for those avoiding milk products.
Texture
This is another area where Halo Top has gone above and beyond to mimic their regular ice cream. The coconut milk based flavors provide that smooth, creamy mouthfeel, while the almond and oat milk versions capture the milky essence. Thanks to using a blend of various proteins and gums to give body without a lot of fat, the dairy-free pints have the same fluffy yet substantial scoopability as their dairy counterparts.
Some minor differences may be noticeable – the non-dairy varieties tend to be a little icier, with a touch less velvety richness. But unless you were tasting them side by side, most would be hard pressed to differentiate. Overall Halo Top has achieved a remarkably similar indulgent, spoonable texture in their dairy-free lineup.
Where to Buy Dairy-Free Halo Top
Wondering where you can get your hands on Halo Top’s dairy-free flavors? Here are some of the best places to find them:
Grocery Stores
Most major supermarket chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Target, and more carry at least a few dairy-free Halo Top options in the freezer case. Look for them alongside regular Halo Top and other frozen desserts. Larger stores may have a separate section for dairy-free items.
Natural Food Stores
Health food markets like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Earth Fare typically have the biggest selection of dairy-free Halo Top flavors. These stores cater to specialty diets, so you can expect to find multiple non-dairy varieties.
Online
You can order dairy-free Halo Top directly from their website to be shipped frozen right to your door. Amazon Fresh and services like Instacart also deliver Halo Top’s dairy-free ice cream in certain areas. This is the most convenient option if you can’t find your favorite flavors locally.
Halo Top’s Store Locator
To find exactly which stores near you carry Halo Top’s dairy-free options, check out the store locator on their website. Just enter your zip code and it will pull up a list of retailers in your area plus which flavors they have in stock. This is the best way to save yourself a trip if a certain store doesn’t offer the non-dairy flavors.
Dairy-Free Halo Top Review Roundup
Here’s what fans and experts are saying about how Halo Top’s dairy-free lineup stacks up to the real deal:
Allergy-Friendly
“Finally, a delicious dairy-free substitute I don’t have to feel guilty about binging on!”
Delicious Flavors
“Some of Halo Top’s dairy-free flavors like Sea Salt Caramel and Candy Bar taste even better than the originals to me!”
Smooth and Creamy
“You’d never know these pints are made from coconut milk – the texture is just as luscious as ice cream.”
Room for Improvement
“While close, the dairy-free versions tend to be a little icier in texture than regular Halo Top. But still a great option.”
The consensus among reviewers seems to be that while Halo Top’s non-dairy ice creams aren’t identical, they get extremely close. And for many, the dairy-free options actually taste better due to bolder, more indulgent flavors. Overall, most agree the creamy, dreamy experience of Halo Top still shines through in the dairy-free lineup.
Dairy-Free Halo Top: The Verdict
When you look at the wide range of flavors, commitment to dairy-free options, use of quality ingredients, and dedication to matching the taste and texture of ice cream, it’s clear that Halo Top still delivers on dairy-free. While maintaining their signature light and protein-packed profile, their non-dairy alternatives like almond, coconut, and oat milk capture the experience of creamy, rich, spoonable ice cream.
For those who need or prefer to avoid dairy, Halo Top provides plenty of delicious, innovative flavors to satisfy frozen dessert cravings. And judging by their continued expansion of non-dairy choices using the latest trends in alternatives, Halo Top will keep perfecting their dairy-free lineup for years to come.
