Yes, there are many non-dairy frozen yogurt options available. Non-dairy frozen yogurts are made without milk or other dairy ingredients, making them suitable for people with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or who follow a vegan diet.
What is non-dairy frozen yogurt made of?
Non-dairy frozen yogurts are typically made from plant-based milks such as coconut, almond, soy, oat, or cashew. These plant milks provide the creamy texture and protein content needed to create a frozen dessert similar to traditional frozen yogurt. Other common ingredients in non-dairy frozen yogurt include:
- Fruit purees for flavor and sweetness
- Natural sweeteners like agave, maple syrup, or coconut sugar
- Thickeners like guar gum or locust bean gum
- Live active cultures for the yogurt-like tang
- Vanilla and other natural flavors
By combining plant-based milks and natural ingredients, non-dairy frozen yogurt delivers the same creamy, tangy taste as regular frozen yogurt – but in a vegan, dairy-free form.
Where can I find non-dairy frozen yogurt?
Non-dairy frozen yogurt is becoming widely available as the demand for dairy-free desserts continues to grow. Here are some places you can find non-dairy frozen yogurt:
- Grocery stores – Many mainstream grocery store chains now carry non-dairy frozen yogurt options from brands like So Delicious, Coconut Bliss, NadaMoo, and more.
- Frozen yogurt shops – Some self-serve frozen yogurt shops offer dairy-free yogurt bases and plant-based toppings. Check the menu for dairy-free selections.
- Vegan restaurants – Vegan restaurants may create non-dairy frozen yogurt in-house using plant-based ingredients. This allows for unique flavors and customization.
- Online retailers – Specialty online stores like VeganEssentials.com and VeganStore.com carry a wide range of dairy-free frozen desserts that can be shipped.
Be sure to read labels carefully to confirm frozen yogurt products are 100% dairy-free before purchasing. Many mainstream brands offer both dairy and non-dairy options.
What are some popular non-dairy frozen yogurt brands?
Some of the most popular national brands producing non-dairy frozen yogurt include:
| Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| So Delicious | Offers coconut milk-based frozen yogurt in flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla |
| Coconut Bliss | Organic coconut milk frozen desserts in unique flavors like Cherry Amaretto and Chocolate Hazelnut Fudge |
| NadaMoo | Crafts creamy frozen desserts from coconut cream and fair trade ingredients |
| YumEarth | Pints and novelty bars made with organic coconut milk |
There are also many smaller, artisanal dairy-free frozen yogurt companies gaining popularity in natural food stores and online. Ben & Jerry’s recently introduced non-dairy flavors, meaning their famous ice cream can now be enjoyed yogurt-style by vegans and lactose-free foodies.
What are the benefits of non-dairy frozen yogurt?
Non-dairy frozen yogurts offer several benefits:
- Dairy-free – Safe for people with milk allergies, lactose intolerance, or vegan diets
- Nutritious – Packed with vitamins and minerals from plant milks and real fruit
- Probiotics – Contain gut-healthy live cultures like regular yogurt
- Lower in calories – Often less fatty compared to ice cream since they are milk-free
- Creative flavors – Without the constraints of dairy, unique flavor combinations are possible
Going dairy-free doesn’t mean missing out on the delight of creamy, fruity frozen yogurt. Non-dairy versions provide a nutritious, satisfying alternative.
What nutrients are in non-dairy frozen yogurt?
Non-dairy frozen yogurts contain an array of healthy vitamins, minerals and nutrients from ingredients like:
- Coconut milk – Manganese, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus
- Almond milk – Calcium, vitamin D, vitamin E, iron, zinc, potassium
- Oat milk – Fiber, protein, iron, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D
- Soy milk – Protein, vitamin A, vitamin B12, calcium, potassium
- Cashew milk – Vitamins D, E and K, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium
- Fruit purees – Antioxidants, vitamin C, carotenoids
So non-dairy frozen yogurts can deliver protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Always check labels for added sugars and ingredients. Some brands will be healthier than others.
Are there health risks to non-dairy frozen yogurt?
Non-dairy frozen yogurts are generally safe for most people to enjoy in moderation as part of a healthy diet. However, there are some potential health considerations:
- Since many are coconut-based, those with tree nut allergies should exercise caution.
- Added sugars – Some products may be high in added sugars, which should be limited.
- Carrageenan – Some brands use this seaweed thickener that may cause gastrointestinal issues for some.
- Serving sizes – They are still a treat that is high in calories, so portion control is key.
Those with diabetes or weight concerns should pay close attention to nutrition labels when selecting non-dairy frozen yogurt. Prioritize options lower in sugar and made from whole, natural ingredients.
Can I make my own non-dairy frozen yogurt?
Absolutely! Making your own non-dairy frozen yogurt at home is very doable. It allows you to control the ingredients and customize flavors to your liking. Here is a basic recipe and some tips for DIY non-dairy frozen yogurt:
Basic non-dairy frozen yogurt
Ingredients:
- 2 cups coconut cream or cashew cream
- 1⁄4 cup maple syrup or agave
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1-2 cups fresh or frozen fruit, like berries or mango
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients except fruit in a high speed blender until smooth.
- Add fruit and pulse blender briefly to incorporate.
- Pour mixture into a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze 4 hours until set, stirring every 30 minutes.
- Scoop and enjoy!
Tips
- Use full-fat coconut milk or cream for best texture
- Add live yogurt cultures for tangy flavor
- Mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or vegan cookies/granola
- Substitute different milks – almond, cashew, oat, soy
- Play with flavors – matcha, coffee, lemon, mint
With the right plant-based ingredients and a little patience while freezing, you can create healthy, delicious non-dairy frozen yogurt creations at home.
What are some vegan toppings for non-dairy frozen yogurt?
Non-dairy frozen yogurt is just as customizable as regular frozen yogurt when it comes to fun toppings. Here are some delicious vegan topping ideas:
- Fresh fruit like berries, bananas, mango
- Granola or gluten-free granola
- Coconut flakes
- Chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts or cashews
- Nut butter swirls – almond, peanut, sunflower
- Cocoa nibs for chocolate crunch
- Shredded coconut
- Vegan chocolate chips
- Crumbled vegan cookies like snickerdoodles
- Chia seeds
- Sliced bananas
- Cacao powder
- Cinnamon
Let your imagination run wild with healthy, dairy-free toppings to create a delicious frozen yogurt treat. Popular vegan brands like Enjoy Life, Lily’s, Taza, and Endangered Species make dairy-free chocolate chips and other toppings.
Does non-dairy frozen yogurt taste the same?
Non-dairy frozen yogurts come in an array of flavors, but in general they taste quite similar to regular dairy-based frozen yogurt. Key factors in replicating traditional frozen yogurt flavor and texture in non-dairy versions include:
- Using coconut products to mimic creaminess
- Adding live and active cultures for tang
- Using natural sweeteners like maple or agave
- Fruit purees for flavor depth
- Including stabilizers like guar gum for smoothness
- Keeping sugar content moderate – not overly sweet
Non-dairy bases like almond or oat milk on their own can taste thin and watery. But blended with coconut cream, sweeteners and flavors they transform into a rich, creamy dessert. Well-executed non-dairy frozen yogurt tastes indulgent and satisfies just like dairy-based.
Is non-dairy frozen yogurt healthier than regular?
In some ways, non-dairy frozen yogurt can be healthier than regular dairy-based varieties. Here is how they compare:
| Non-Dairy Frozen Yogurt | Regular Frozen Yogurt | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 130 calories per 1⁄2 cup | 100-250 calories per 1⁄2 cup |
| Fat | 2-5g per serving, from plants | Usually more fat since dairy has more |
| Sugar | Varies depending on recipe | Varies depending on recipe |
| Protein | 2-4g from plant milk | Higher protein from dairy |
| Nutrients | Vitamins and minerals from plants | Calcium from dairy |
| Probiotics | Yes, from live cultures | Yes, from live cultures |
| Lactose/Dairy | Dairy-free, safe for intolerances | Contains milk/whey, not safe for intolerances |
As the table shows, non-dairy and regular frozen yogurt are comparable in many ways. Non-dairy generally contains less fat since plant-based milks have less fat than dairy. But they also have less protein. Both contain probiotics from the live yogurt cultures. Non-dairy frozen yogurt is a suitable option for those avoiding dairy.
Is coconut or almond-based better in non-dairy yogurt?
Coconut or almond milk are two of the most popular bases used in dairy-free yogurts. Here is how they compare:
Coconut milk
- Richer, creamier texture
- Sweeter flavor
- No protein
- Higher in fat
Almond milk
- Neutral flavor
- Less fat
- Some protein
- Lower calories
- Watery consistency
For best taste and texture, coconut milk or cream is usually preferable as the base of non-dairy yogurt. It provides a smooth, creamy, indulgent consistency closer to dairy yogurt. Almond milk is lighter but can result in a thinner, icier texture.
That said, almond milk is lower in calories and carbs so it can be a smart choice for some. Combining almond and coconut milks can give a nice balance. Overall, coconut-based frozen yogurt tends to deliver the richest, most decadent results.
Can I purchase non-dairy yogurt starter cultures?
Yes, purchasing a non-dairy or vegan yogurt starter culture makes it easy to ferment your own yogurt at home. Here are some options:
- YOVI’s Non-Dairy Yogurt Starter – Dairy-free powder with 5 allergen-friendly strains
- GEM Cultures Vegan Yogourmet – Shelf-stable starter with 10 bacteria strains
- Chr. Hansen Vege Cultures – Single-strain vegan starters for purity
- White Mountain Foods Plant-Based Yogurt Starter – Gluten-free powder with live cultures
- LoveBug Probiotics Dairy-Free Starter – 6 hypoallergenic strains
Follow package instructions to activate the cultures and ferment your non-dairy milk of choice into tangy yogurt. This allows endless flavor options. Note that plant-based milks lack the protein milk has, so results may be thinner.
Conclusion
Non-dairy frozen yogurt provides a lactose-free, vegan way to enjoy this cool, tangy treat. Coconut and almond milk-based options are widely available from grocery stores and yogurt shops, offering probiotics, nutrients, and healthier fat and calories compared to dairy yogurt. Creative fruit and plant-based mix-in let you customize non-dairy froyo just how you like it. So for those with dairy issues or food preferences, non-dairy frozen yogurt delivers all the flavor with none of the dairy.
