Quick Answers
Yes, there are many brands of ice cream that are gluten and dairy free. These ice creams are made with alternative ingredients like coconut milk, almond milk, or other plant-based milks and sweeteners. They provide a creamy, rich texture without using any dairy. Many mainstream brands like Breyers, Ben & Jerry’s, and So Delicious offer gluten and dairy free ice cream options. Specialty brands like NadaMoo, Julie’s, and Coolhaus also offer a wide selection. With the rise in food allergies and dietary preferences, gluten and dairy free ice creams are becoming more widely available in grocery stores and ice cream shops.
What ingredients make ice cream gluten and dairy free?
Gluten free and dairy free ice creams substitute traditional ingredients with gluten free and non-dairy alternatives:
- Instead of cow’s milk, they use plant-based milks like coconut, almond, cashew, oat, or soy milk.
- Rather than wheat-based ingredients, they rely on gluten free grains like rice, potato, tapioca, or quinoa.
- Some use vegan sweeteners like agave, coconut sugar, or maple syrup in place of high fructose corn syrup.
- For texture, vegetable gums like guar gum or locust bean gum can mimic the creaminess of dairy.
- Nuts like cashews or almonds also lend a creamy richness.
- Natural flavors like vanilla and cocoa powders infuse flavor.
With the right combination of plant-based ingredients, gluten and dairy free ice creams can taste just as delicious. The base starts with a gluten free milk alternative, then gets blended with flavorings and stabilizing agents to create the ideal creamy texture.
What are some top brands of gluten and dairy free ice cream?
Some of the top brands making gluten and dairy free ice cream include:
So Delicious
So Delicious offers a huge selection of dairy free frozen desserts, including ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet. All their products are certified vegan and gluten free. Some of their most popular flavors are Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl, Mint Marble Fudge, and Snickerdoodle. They use a base of coconut milk and coconut cream to create a rich, creamy texture in their ice creams.
Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s, known for their creative chunky ice cream flavors, released a line of non-dairy frozen desserts in 2016. Their dairy free ice creams are coconut milk based and certified gluten free. Some flavors to try are Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Chunky Monkey, and Coffee Caramel Fudge.
Breyers
Breyers launched a lactose free ice cream line that is also gluten free, offering flavors like Chocolate and Vanilla. They use lactose free cow’s milk to provide the traditional ice cream taste without the dairy. Breyers has an extensive testing process to avoid cross-contamination with gluten ingredients.
NadaMoo
NadaMoo makes all their ice creams dairy free using coconut milk, coconut cream, and organic agave syrup. They have creative flavors like Cherry Chocolate Chip, Mocha Almond Fudge, and Mint Chocolate Chip. All products are certified gluten free. The texture is extra creamy thanks to the coconut base.
Julie’s Organic
Julie’s Organic offers dairy free and certified gluten free frozen desserts, including ice creams, fruit sorbets, and gelato. They use organic ingredients like cashew cream blended with coconut oil to craft rich flavors like Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, and Cherry Amaretto.
Where can you buy gluten and dairy free ice cream?
Here are some places you can find gluten and dairy free ice cream options:
- Grocery stores – Many major grocery store chains like Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s have sections dedicated to gluten free and dairy free foods, including ice cream. Look in the freezer aisle.
- Natural food stores – Stores focused on natural and organic products like Sprouts or Earth Fare have a wide selection of specialty ice cream brands that accommodate dietary needs.
- Ice cream shops – Many local ice cream parlors now offer gluten free waffle cones and dairy free ice cream options. Places like Coolhaus, Van Leeuwen, and Big Gay Ice Cream shops feature vegan ice cream.
- Online stores – Groceries and specialty shops like Thrive Market, Vitacost, and Gluten Free Palace sell gluten and dairy free ice creams online.
- Meal delivery kits – Services like Green Chef and Sun Basket that send meal kits will often include gluten and dairy free desserts like ice cream.
The availability of specialty ice creams is growing fast. With more people avoiding gluten and dairy for health reasons, these products are easier to find in many retail outlets.
What health benefits does dairy free and gluten free ice cream have?
Going dairy free and gluten free with ice cream offers some potential health upsides:
- Avoids lactose, which can be difficult for some people to digest and cause gas or bloating
- Eliminates gluten, which is essential for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity
- Reduces saturated fat and calories compared to traditional ice cream
- Provides an option for people with milk or wheat allergies
- Usually has simpler, more natural ingredients
- Can be part of vegan, Paleo, or low FODMAP diets
Those with dairy intolerances like lactose intolerance can enjoy ice cream again without stomach issues after going dairy free. People with celiac disease must avoid gluten entirely, so gluten free ice cream gives them a sweet treat option. Even those without specific intolerances may feel better digestively from the simpler ingredients.
Are there downsides to gluten or dairy free ice cream?
While gluten and dairy free ice creams solve issues for many people, there are some potential downsides as well:
- Typically more expensive than regular ice cream
- Texture and taste can vary from traditional ice cream
- Less protein than dairy-based ice cream
- Contains alternative sweeteners that some prefer to avoid
- More delicate texture may melt faster
- May be high in saturated fat if coconut milk is used as the base
The alternative ingredients also mean the ice cream has a different nutritional profile. There is less protein from dairy and often more sugar or saturated fat added. The texture also changes without dairy milk and cream. Lovers of rich, creamy traditional ice cream may find the mouthfeel of dairy free versions too icy or unstable.
Tips for choosing the healthiest gluten and dairy free ice creams
When shopping for gluten and dairy free ice creams, look for ones with the most natural, high quality ingredients for maximum nutrition:
- Choose non-GMO plant-based milks like coconut, almond, or cashew
- Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Seek organic and fair trade certified when possible
- Select ones sweetened with fruit, maple syrup, or other natural sweeteners
- Check for added fiber, protein, veggies, or superfoods like maca or spirulina
- Compare calories, fat, sugar, and carbs to find lighter options
- Look for probiotics to support digestive health
Finding ice creams made with whole food ingredients ensures you get nutrients along with the sweet treat. Prioritizing healthy fats and natural sugar sources makes for a more balanced dessert.
Simple recipes to make gluten and dairy free ice cream at home
Making your own gluten and dairy free ice cream at home lets you control the ingredients. Here are two simple recipes to try:
Coconut Milk Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 2 (14-ounce) cans full-fat coconut milk
- 2/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
- Whisk together all ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth and combined.
- Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
Banana “Nice” Cream
Ingredients:
- 4 very ripe bananas, peeled, sliced and frozen
- 2-4 tablespoons non-dairy milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the frozen banana slices in a food processor or high speed blender.
- Pulse until smooth and creamy, adding non-dairy milk as needed if too thick.
- Mix in vanilla and cinnamon. Blend again until fully incorporated.
- Enjoy immediately or freeze for a firmer ice cream texture.
Making your own ice cream allows customization with different milks, flavors, and mix-in ingredients. Get creative blending your favorite fruits or spices!
Conclusion
Gluten and dairy free ice cream options are increasing, thanks to improved technology and rising demand. Brands like So Delicious, Ben and Jerry’s, Breyers, NadaMoo, and Julie’s offer tasty flavors made with alternative milks and gluten free ingredients. Look for these desserts in grocery stores, natural food markets, ice cream shops, and online stores. Going dairy and gluten free with ice cream can benefit people with food intolerances. Just be mindful of added sugars and saturated fats in some products. Making your own at home lets you control exactly what goes in. With the right ingredients and recipes, you can savor ice cream without the gluten or dairy.