So Delicious salted caramel is a wildly popular ice cream flavor that can be found in many grocery stores and coffee shops around the country. With its rich, buttery taste and salty-sweet flavor profile, it has become a consumer favorite. But there is some confusion around whether this ice cream is actually vegan-friendly. In this comprehensive guide, we will analyze the ingredients, manufacturing process, and certifications to determine if So Delicious salted caramel ice cream is 100% plant-based and free of animal products.
Ingredients in So Delicious Salted Caramel
To understand if salted caramel from So Delicious is vegan, we first need to dive into the ingredients. So Delicious uses a proprietary blend of base ingredients to craft their ice cream flavors, which does not contain eggs, dairy or other animal derivatives. Here are the main ingredients found in So Delicious salted caramel vegan ice cream:
- Filtered Water
- Organic Cane Sugar
- Coconut Milk
- Natural Flavors
- Locust Bean Gum
- Guar Gum
- Sea Salt
- Caramel Color
- Annatto Extract
Analyzing this ingredient list, there are no overt animal products like milk, cream, eggs or gelatin. The base is made from filtered water, coconut milk and sugar. The gums and stabilizers like locust bean gum and guar gum are also vegan. Natural flavors can be derived from plant, animal or synthetic sources, but So Delicious has confirmed their natural flavors supplier only uses plant-based sources. The caramel color and annatto extract are also vegan.
So from an ingredients standpoint, So Delicious salted caramel contains no animal products or byproducts. The use of coconut milk gives it a rich, creamy texture while natural flavors, caramel color and caramelized sugar replicate the taste of traditional dairy-based caramel.
Manufacturing Process of So Delicious Products
In addition to vegan ingredients, the manufacturing process is another vital part of making dairy-free ice creams. All So Delicious products, including the salted caramel flavor, are produced in an allergen-free facility that does not process milk, eggs or other animal allergens during production. The equipment used to craft the ice cream is thoroughly cleaned between batches to prevent any cross-contamination with dairy.
So Delicious also states their production lines are completely isolated from any non-vegan products made by parent company Danone. This dedicated allergen-free equipment and manufacturing process ensure no trace amounts of dairy or other animal products make it into the salted caramel ice cream during production.
Vegan Certifications
So Delicious carries major vegan and allergen-free certifications on all their products, including salted caramel:
- Vegan Certified by BeVeg – Confirms 100% plant-based ingredients and processing
- Certified Gluten-Free
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- Kosher Pareve Certification
- Soy Free Certification
The BeVeg vegan certification is one of the most reputable, as it requires independent audits of both suppliers and manufacturing facilities. The vegan logo verifies no animal products, byproducts or derivatives are used in ingredients, manufacturing or even sanitation products like cleaners.
These respected third-party certifications provide assurance to consumers that salted caramel from So Delicious contains no animal products or cross-contamination.
Taste and Texture
Of course, the most important factor is how the ice cream actually tastes! So Delicious salted caramel has a rich, buttery flavor with a salty caramel swirl. It has a creamy, scoopable texture thanks to the coconut milk base. The caramel binds well to the coconut base and provides a decadent caramel taste with each bite. It resembles a high quality caramel sauce instead of just syrup or topping. The sea salt crystals sprinkled throughout give pops of saltiness to balance the sweetness.
Overall, So Delicious nailed the taste and texture of the salted caramel variety. It rivals dairy-based ice creams labeled salted caramel in both flavor and mouthfeel. The ingredient list delivers on a delicious sweet and salty caramel profile.
Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition information for 1/2 cup serving of So Delicious dairy-free salted caramel ice cream:
| Nutrition Facts | 1/2 cup |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 115mg |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 17g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Calcium | 10% DV |
| Iron | 0% DV |
| Potassium | 4% DV |
The nutrition profile shows this dessert contains no cholesterol or dairy fat, as expected for a vegan ice cream. It’s relatively low in protein at just 1 gram per serving. The calories and saturated fat are quite high per serving compared to non-dairy frozen desserts using fruit bases instead of coconut milk. But overall, the stats are in line with other coconut milk vegan ice creams. Those following low fat or low sugar diets may want to consume salted caramel sparingly.
Where to Buy So Delicious Salted Caramel
Wondering where you can get your hands on this salted caramel vegan ice cream? Here are some of the major retailers that carry it:
- Whole Foods Market – Sold in pint containers for around $5.99 – $6.99 depending on location.
- Sprouts Farmers Market – Usually stocked for $5.99 – $7.49 per pint
- Kroger – Many Kroger banner stores sell it for $4.99 – $5.99 per pint.
- Publix – Found in the natural and organic freezer section for around $5.99 – $6.99 per pint
- Safeway – Available in pint form for approximately $4.99 – $5.99 depending on promotions.
- Albertsons – Seen for $5.49 – $5.99 per pint container.
- Natural Grocers – Sold for $6.49 – $6.99 per pint at US locations.
In addition to pints, some retailers may also stock So Delicious salted caramel bars, sandwiches, or novelty bars. The ice cream can also be found on many restaurant dessert menus that offer dairy-free options.
Consumer Reviews
Here’s what real buyers have to say about So Delicious salted caramel after trying it:
“This salted caramel vegan ice cream is extremely rich and decadent. It reminds me of really high quality caramel candies melted down and swirled perfectly into the coconut base. I can eat the whole pint!”
“The saltiness combined with the sweetness of the caramel makes for an irresistible flavor. It’s very creamy and rivals dairy ice cream in texture and taste.”
“I love the creaminess of the coconut milk paired with the thick caramel swirl – it’s perfection! This will be my new go-to ice cream alternative.”
“It’s tasty but very sweet, almost to the point I couldn’t finish the pint. But I have a major sweet tooth, so most people will probably really enjoy the intense caramel flavor.”
The reviews highlight the ultra creamy, sweet caramel notes that make this one of the most popular So Delicious flavors. Most buyers are delighted with the taste and texture, while only a few mention it’s overly sugary. Overall, a top choice among vegans for satisfying that caramel craving.
So Delicious Brand Review
So Delicious is a pioneer in the dairy-free and vegan ice cream space. Founded in 1987 and based in Oregon, they offer cashew, coconut and almond based frozen desserts in both traditional and novel formats like sandwiches and bars. Beyond salted caramel, some of their most popular flavors include:
- Cookies ‘n Cream
- Chocolate
- Mint Chocolate Chip
- Butter Pecan
- Mocha Almond Fudge
- Oreo Cookies & Cream
- Snickerdoodle
So Delicious uses industry-leading manufacturing practices to prevent cross-contamination and verify ingredients through audits and certifications. Their non-dairy ice creams are sold at over 20,000 retail locations across North America. Many flavors, including salted caramel, have won awards at consumer trade shows. So Delicious remains committed to delighting palates with innovative vegan frozen desserts.
Do Any So Delicious Products Contain Dairy?
No, So Delicious confirms that all their products, including all flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt, creamers and more are 100% vegan and dairy-free. They do not use any milk, cream, butter, cheese or other dairy ingredients. Even the dark chocolate and cookies used in flavors like Mint Chip and Cookies ‘n Cream are vegan. Those with milk allergies or following a vegan diet can enjoy So Delicious with confidence.
Conclusion
After analyzing the ingredients list, manufacturing practices, certifications and consumer experiences, So Delicious salted caramel is confirmed to be vegan. It contains no milk, cream, eggs or other animal products or derivatives. The use of coconut milk gives it a rich, creamy texture while natural flavors and caramel create an indulgent caramel taste and mouthfeel. This popular flavor lives up to its decadent name, delivering a salt kiss balanced caramel experience that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
