Rebel ice cream is a popular brand of dairy-free frozen desserts. Many people wonder if Rebel ice cream actually contains any dairy ingredients, since traditional ice cream is made with milk and cream. The quick answer is no – Rebel ice cream is 100% dairy-free.
What is Rebel Ice Cream?
Rebel ice cream is a plant-based frozen dessert brand that offers a variety of flavors. The company was founded in 2019 by founders Max and Adam. The first Rebel ice cream products hit store shelves in 2020. The company’s dairy-free ice creams and frozen novelties are made with a coconut milk base and draw flavor from natural ingredients like fruits, nuts, herbs and spices. Some of Rebel’s most popular flavors include mint chip, chocolate, peanut butter swirl, and vanilla. In addition to pints, the brand offers ice cream sandwiches, bars, cones, and mini cups.
Rebel Foods’ mission is to make plant-based frozen treats that are just as delicious as conventional dairy ice cream. The brand has quickly become one of the most well-known in the dairy-free frozen dessert space. Rebel’s products are sold in thousands of grocery stores across North America, including major chains like Target, Kroger, Safeway and Publix.
Does Rebel Ice Cream Contain Dairy?
No, Rebel ice cream does not contain any dairy ingredients like milk, cream, butter or cheese. The products are all certified vegan and dairy-free. Here are some key reasons why Rebel ice cream is dairy-free:
- The base ingredient is coconut milk, not dairy milk.
- No milk, cream, butter, yogurt, sour cream, cheese or other dairy products are used.
- The company confirms that all products are 100% plant-based and dairy-free.
- Rebel products are certified vegan by BeVeg Vegan.
- The products do not contain the milk protein casein or the milk sugar lactose.
- People with dairy allergies or vegans can safely consume Rebel ice cream.
Rebel Ice Cream Ingredients
Since Rebel ice cream does not contain dairy, different plant-based ingredients are used to create the creamy, scoopable texture and provide nutrition. Here are some of the main ingredients found in Rebel ice cream products:
- Coconut milk – The coconut milk gives Rebel ice cream its creamy, rich base once frozen. Coconut milk contains healthy fats.
- Bananas – Bananas add creaminess and sweetness.
- Cashews – Soaked cashews contribute protein and creaminess.
- Coconut oil – Adds smoothness and saturated fat for texture.
- Almond butter – Provides healthy fats and protein.
- Vegetable glycerin – Helps make the texture smooth.
- Natural flavors – Includes extracts from fruits, nuts, cocoa, vanilla etc.
- Fruit – Purees from strawberries, cherries, pineapple etc.
- Cane sugar – Sweetens the ice cream.
- Sea salt – Enhances flavor.
As you can see, Rebel ice cream gets its texture, flavor, sweetness and nutrients from plant sources, not dairy. Coconut products combined with fruits, nuts, and natural flavors give Rebel the taste and feel of regular ice cream, without the dairy.
Benefits of Dairy-Free Rebel Ice Cream
There are several advantages to Rebel’s dairy-free approach to ice cream:
- Dairy-free – It’s safe for people with milk allergies, lactose intolerance, or vegans.
- Higher in nutrients – Coconut milk provides healthy fats compared to dairy milk and cream.
- Rich flavor – The coconut base provides a richness on par with cream.
- Smooth texture – Carefully chosen ingredients result in a creamy, scoopable texture.
- Innovative flavors – Unique flavor combinations like cookie dough, brownie batter and chocolate peanut butter swirl.
- Ethical – Dairy-free is better for animal welfare and the environment.
- Inclusivity – More people can enjoy ice cream, regardless of dietary needs.
The upsides to dairy-free Rebel ice cream make it appealing to a wide range of consumers seeking delicious frozen treats without compromise on ethics or inclusion.
Taste and Texture
A common question about dairy-free ice creams like Rebel is whether the taste and texture compares to conventional ice cream. Here is a look at how Rebel stacks up:
- Creamy texture – The coconut milk base helps achieve a smooth, creamy mouthfeel very similar to dairy ice cream.
- Scoopable – Rebel ice cream can easily be scooped right out of the freezer, just like regular ice cream.
- Flavorful – The fruit purees and extracts provide vibrant, indulgent flavor.
- Sweetness – Cane sugar helps Rebel ice cream achieve the sweet flavor people expect from ice cream.
- Richness – The healthy fats from the coconut and nuts allow for a rich, satisfying flavor.
Reviews indicate that Rebel ice cream delivers on the tastes and textures ice cream lovers crave thanks to its carefully crafted dairy-free recipe. Many customers comment that Rebel rivals regular ice cream in terms of flavor and enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
Rebel ice cream provides a nutritious dairy-free dessert option. Here is some nutrition information on Rebel ice cream compared to regular dairy ice cream:
| Nutrition Facts | Rebel Ice Cream (1/2 cup) | Regular Dairy Ice Cream (1/2 cup) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 180 | 137 |
| Total Fat | 12g | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 4.5g |
| Sodium | 65mg | 61mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 16g | 17g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 0g |
| Sugars | 12g | 15g |
| Protein | 2g | 3g |
As the table shows, Rebel ice cream is higher in calories and fat compared to regular ice cream, but also provides more fiber. The increased fat comes from the coconut milk and nuts. Rebel has fewer sugars thanks to less lactose. It is slightly lower in protein due to the lack of dairy. But overall, Rebel offers a comparable nutritional profile to standard ice cream in a dairy-free format.
Where to Buy Rebel Ice Cream
Rebel ice cream is stocked in the frozen aisle of many major grocery stores across the United States and Canada. Here are some of the most popular stores that carry Rebel products:
- Target
- Walmart
- Publix
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Hannaford
- Stop & Shop
- Shaws
- ShopRite
- Giant
- Whole Foods Market
- Sprouts
In addition to grocery chains, many natural food stores, co-ops, vegan specialty markets and online retailers offer Rebel ice cream. The store locator on the Rebel Creamery website lets you find nearby stores that carry Rebel products by entering your zip code.
Rebel ice cream can also be purchased directly online through the company’s website or on Amazon. This makes it easy to get Rebel flavors shipped right to your door. Rebel offers free shipping within the continental United States for orders over $60.
Rebel Ice Cream Prices
Rebel ice cream costs a bit more than conventional ice cream brands. Here are some typical Rebel ice cream prices:
- Pints – $6.49 to $8.99
- Ice Cream Bars – $5.29 to $5.99 (box of 4)
- Ice Cream Sandwiches – $5.49 to $5.99 (box of 4)
- Mini Cups – $6.49 (box of 8)
The higher price reflects Rebel’s use of premium ingredients like coconut, cashews and fair trade chocolate, as well as the complexity of formulating dairy-free ice cream flavors. Many consumers feel the price is worthwhile for the unique indulgence of Rebel’s dairy-free ice cream compared to traditional brands.
Rebel Ice Cream Reviews
Rebel ice cream has earned very positive reviews since it hit the market. Here is what professional reviewers and ice cream fans have to say about the taste and texture of Rebel’s dairy-free pints, bars and sandwiches:
- “Really creamy and rich. You won’t believe it’s dairy-free.”
- “Delicious flavors that rival traditional ice cream. Can’t tell it’s vegan.”
- “Smooth, creamy goodness. Hard to stop after one bite.”
- “The peanut butter swirl flavor is to die for. Tastes just like the real thing.”
- “A godsend for people like me who can’t have dairy. Finally great tasting ice cream I’m not allergic to.”
The positive feedback on texture and taste indicates Rebel has succeeded in creating plant-based ice cream with all the enjoyment of the traditional treat. Reviewers say the unique flavors are addictive and make it easy for vegans or the dairy-averse to feel included.
Rebel vs Competitors
How does Rebel ice cream compare to other popular dairy-free ice cream brands like Ben and Jerry’s Non-Dairy Frozen Desserts, So Delicious, NadaMoo, and Coconut Bliss?
Ben and Jerry’s Non-Dairy
Like Rebel Creamery, Ben and Jerry’s Non-Dairy Frozen Desserts are coconut milk-based. They offer fun funky flavors like PB & Cookies. But they have fewer indulgent swirl options like Rebel, and some consumers find the texture icier.
So Delicious
So Delicious makes dairy-free ice creams from cashew milk and coconut milk. Their products tend to be lower in fat than Rebel, but also lower in fiber. The consensus is the texture is not as creamy.
NadaMoo
NadaMoo is another coconut milk dairy-free brand. They rely on organic ingredients. Their flavors skew safer compared to Rebel. Texture is a bit more icy and dense in reviews.
Coconut Bliss
Coconut Bliss is also coconut-based. Their ice creams have a high fat content from coconut oil and significant fiber from flaxseed. But some find the strong coconut flavor overpowering.
Overall, Rebel Creamery is considered a stand-out in the dairy-free space for its luscious texture and creative flavors that mirror the indulgence of real ice cream.
Conclusion
Rebel Creamery has made a name for itself with delicious dairy-free frozen desserts that match the flavor and texture of ice cream. Using a coconut milk base and quality ingredients like fruit, nuts and fair trade chocolate, Rebel offers a plant-based product free of any dairy ingredients. Their growing line of pints, bars, sandwiches and novelties can be found in major grocery retailers across North America as well as natural food stores and online. Reviews consistently praise the brand for achieving a creamy texture and decadent taste on par with regular ice cream. So for those seeking a dairy-free indulgence, Rebel Creamery delivers on the enjoyment without compromise.
