Ben and Jerry’s dairy-free ice cream line is made with an almond milk base instead of cow’s milk. The almond milk provides the creamy texture without the dairy. Ben and Jerry’s sources almonds that are grown sustainably to produce the almond milk for their dairy-free flavors.
What are the main ingredients in dairy-free Ben and Jerry’s?
The primary ingredients in Ben and Jerry’s dairy-free ice cream flavors are:
- Almond milk – Provides the creamy, ice cream-like texture
- Sugar – Sweetens the ice cream
- Cocoa/Chocolate – Used in chocolate flavors
- Natural flavors – Provide the signature Ben and Jerry’s flavor
- Guar gum – A plant-based thickener that gives body and texture
- Locust bean gum – Another plant-based thickener
- Vegetable glycerin – Helps make the ice cream smooth and creamy
The almond milk gives the ice cream a rich, creamy mouthfeel similar to dairy ice cream. Sugar adds sweetness to balance the almond flavor. Cocoa or chocolate provide signature chocolatey flavors when used. Natural flavors like vanilla extract infuse Ben and Jerry’s classic flavor profiles. The gums and vegetable glycerin give the ice cream its smooth, creamy consistency.
Does dairy-free Ben and Jerry’s contain lactose or cow’s milk?
No, Ben and Jerry’s dairy-free ice creams are 100% lactose- and cow’s milk-free. They do not contain any dairy ingredients at all. The almond milk base has no traces of lactose, cow’s milk proteins, or cow’s milk fat. This makes Ben and Jerry’s dairy-free flavors safe for those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies.
Why does dairy-free Ben and Jerry’s taste creamy?
Ben and Jerry’s is able to make their dairy-free ice cream taste creamy and rich by:
- Using a high amount of almond milk and minimizing air – More milk and less air gives it a richer texture
- Emulsifying the ingredients – This prevents iciness and keeps the texture smooth
- Adding gums and vegetable glycerin – These ingredients add viscosity and creaminess
The experts at Ben and Jerry’s have worked hard to formulate dairy-free ice cream with the same mouthfeel and creaminess ice cream lovers expect. The high-fat almond milk blended with stabilizing hydrocolloids and emulsifiers provides that quintessential Ben and Jerry’s smooth, creamy richness without any dairy.
What are some popular dairy-free Ben and Jerry’s flavors?
Some of Ben and Jerry’s most popular dairy-free flavors include:
| Flavor Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Non-Dairy Chunky Monkey | Banana ice cream with fudge chunks and walnuts |
| Non-Dairy Chocolate Fudge Brownie | Chocolate ice cream with fudge brownies |
| Non-Dairy Cherry Garcia | Cherry ice cream with cherries & dark chocolate chunks |
| Non-Dairy Coconut Seven Layer Bar | Graham cracker ice cream with coconut, fudge, & caramel swirls |
| Non-Dairy Coffee Caramel Fudge | Coffee ice cream with salted caramel swirls & fudge chips |
These flavors take Ben and Jerry’s iconic ice cream tastes and transform them into dairy-free, plant-based indulgences. They seek to recreate the core experience of flavors like Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey without any dairy ingredients whatsoever.
Are there any nut-free dairy-free Ben and Jerry’s options?
Yes, Ben and Jerry’s now makes two nut-free, dairy-free flavors:
- Non-Dairy Chocolate Caramel Cluster – Chocolate ice cream with fudge chips & salted caramel swirls
- Non-Dairy Peanut Butter & Cookies – Vanilla peanut butter ice cream with chocolate chip cookie swirls
These two new options are made with an oat milk base instead of almond milk. They are free of tree nuts, peanuts, dairy, and soy. This makes them safe for people with nut and dairy allergies. The flavors were specially created to be inclusionary for people with food restrictions.
Does dairy-free Ben and Jerry’s taste just like the original?
The dairy-free versions taste very similar but not identical to the original ice creams. Here are some comparisons:
- The overall creaminess is very close, though some detect a slightly icier texture
- The almond taste is noticeable in almond milk-based flavors
- Some flavors seem a bit less rich due to absence of egg yolks
- The chocolate and fruit flavors taste nearly spot-on
Moderate ice cream lovers tend to be satisfied with how close the dairy-free flavors get to the originals. Those who eat Ben and Jerry’s daily may notice minor textural differences. The overall consensus is the taste and quality is impressive for a dairy-free version.
Is dairy-free ice cream lower in calories and fat?
Dairy-free Ben and Jerry’s tends to be slightly lower in calories and fat compared to regular ice cream. However, it still packs a lot of richness:
| Flavor | Dairy-Free (1/2 cup) | Regular (1/2 cup) |
|---|---|---|
| Chunky Monkey | 260 calories, 14g fat | 280 calories, 16g fat |
| Cherry Garcia | 240 calories, 12g fat | 260 calories, 14g fat |
| Chocolate Fudge Brownie | 260 calories, 14g fat | 280 calories, 16g fat |
The dairy-free options shave 20-40 calories and up to 2g of fat per serving compared to regular. So while they are marginally lower in calories and fat, they are still considered an indulgent, creamy treat.
Can you buy dairy-free Ben and Jerry’s in stores?
Yes, you can find Ben and Jerry’s dairy-free flavors at many major grocery stores across the United States. They are typically stocked alongside the regular ice cream in the frozen desserts section. Stores that carry dairy-free Ben and Jerry’s include:
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
- Publix
- Safeway
- Stop & Shop
- Albertsons
- Whole Foods
- Sprouts
The availability may vary by location and flavor. Your best bet is to call your local store ahead to ask if they carry the dairy-free options you are looking for.
Can you order dairy-free Ben and Jerry’s online?
Yes, dairy-free Ben & Jerry’s can be ordered online for home delivery from:
- Ben & Jerry’s website – Order individual pints or packs
- Instacart – Get pints delivered from local grocery stores
- Amazon – Subscribe & save on multi-packs
- Walmart.com – Buy online & do in-store pickup
The Ben and Jerry’s website offers the widest selection of dairy-free flavors for direct delivery. Third-party services like Instacart allow you to get Ben and Jerry’s pints from nearby supermarkets. And retailers like Amazon and Walmart sell packs online for home delivery or in-store pickup.
Does Ben and Jerry’s have vegan flavors too?
In addition to being dairy-free, some Ben and Jerry’s flavors are certified vegan. These flavors do not contain any animal products whatsoever:
- Non-Dairy Cherry Garcia
- Non-Dairy Chocolate Fudge Brownie
- Non-Dairy Chunky Monkey
- Non-Dairy Coconut Seven Layer Bar
- Non-Dairy Peanut Butter Half Baked
The vegan flavors use plant-based gums instead of egg yolks to achieve the creamy texture. All ingredients, including the sugar, chocolate, and nuts are sourced from plants. So those looking for a 100% plant-based, cruelty-free dessert can enjoy these flavors.
Is dairy-free or vegan ice cream healthier?
Dairy-free and vegan Ben & Jerry’s ice cream can be slightly healthier, but not by much. Here’s a comparison:
| Criteria | Dairy | Dairy-Free | Vegan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | Higher | Slightly lower | Slightly lower |
| Fat | Higher | Slightly lower | Slightly lower |
| Sugar | Same | Same | Same |
| Ingredients | Dairy & eggs | No dairy | 100% plant-based |
The dairy-free and vegan options contain 20-40 fewer calories and up to 2g less fat per serving compared to regular ice cream. However, the sugar content is just as high. So while they may be marginally “healthier,” they are still indulgent desserts high in sugar and fat.
Is dairy-free Ben and Jerry’s suitable for a keto or low-carb diet?
Ben and Jerry’s dairy-free ice creams are not keto-friendly or low in carbs. A 1/2 cup serving contains around 24-28g of net carbs. This is mainly from the sugar content. Those following a keto diet try to limit net carbs to 20-50g daily. So dairy-free Ben and Jerry’s wouldn’t fit into a keto eating plan.
There are some lower-carb dairy-free ice cream options better suited for keto diets, like:
- Rebel Creamery – 12g net carbs per serving
- Enlightened – 8-15g net carbs per serving
- Halo Top – 12-18g net carbs per serving
- Keto Pint – 5g net carbs per serving
These contain less sugar and use lower-carb sweeteners like monk fruit and erythritol. But they won’t mimic Ben and Jerry’s ultra-rich creaminess.
Is dairy-free Ben and Jerry’s gluten-free?
No, Ben and Jerry’s dairy-free flavors are not certified gluten-free. They contain ingredients like wheat flour that can be problematic for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. But those avoiding dairy only (not gluten) can safely eat Ben and Jerry’s dairy-free options.
Some gluten-free, dairy-free ice cream brands include:
- Alden’s Organic
- Julie’s Real Ice Cream
- So Delicious Dairy Free
- NadaMoo
- Klein’s Ice Cream
Ben and Jerry’s has not made any of their flavors gluten-free at this time. Checking for a certified gluten-free label is advised for anyone needing to avoid gluten.
Is dairy-free Ben and Jerry’s egg-free?
Some of Ben and Jerry’s dairy-free flavors are certified vegan, meaning they are completely egg-free. However, some contain egg products:
Egg-free, vegan flavors:
- Non-Dairy Chocolate Fudge Brownie
- Non-Dairy Cherry Garcia
- Non-Dairy Chunky Monkey
- Non-Dairy Coconut Seven Layer Bar
Contain eggs:
- Non-Dairy Cinn-a-Mon
- Non-Dairy Coffee Caramel Fudge
- Non-Dairy P.B. & Cookies
- Non-Dairy Salted Caramel Almond
Vegans and those avoiding eggs should stick to the certified vegan flavors. These are made without milk, cream, or eggs. The other flavors contain ingredients like egg yolks. Checking labels is advised for egg-free diet needs.
Do the dairy-free ice creams contain soy?
Most of Ben and Jerry’s dairy-free ice creams do contain soy-based ingredients, with a few exceptions:
Contain soy:
- Almond milk-based flavors
- Coconut Seven Layer Bar
- Coffee Caramel Fudge
- Salted Caramel Almond
Soy-free:
- Chocolate Caramel Cluster (oat-based)
- P.B. & Cookies (oat-based)
The almond milk flavors contain soy lecithin and soy protein. Coconut Seven Layer Bar has soy-based whipped cream. Most flavors contain some type of soy except the two new oat-based flavors. Avoiding soy is tricky with Ben and Jerry’s dairy-free options unless choosing those oat milk varieties.
Conclusion
Ben and Jerry’s dairy-free ice creams provide a creamy, nutritious alternative for those avoiding cow’s milk without sacrificing on rich flavor. By using an almond or oat base along with natural stabilizers, Ben and Jerry’s crafts the signature texture they’re renowned for–just in non-dairy form. While not exactly health foods, the dairy-free options open up the door for lactose-intolerant ice cream lovers everywhere to enjoy flavored favorites in a new way.
