All the best places to get vegan ice cream this summer

There is no season for ice cream – for those who really love it, ice cream is a treat all year round. However, it is undeniable that ice cream consumption increases during the summer – dare we say double? — and thanks to the boom in plant-based options, there’s always a vegan option around the corner. We love our independent vegan ice cream parlors, but today we’re celebrating the vegan options sprouting up in non-vegan confections across the country. Here’s where to find vegan ice cream this summer, no matter where you are.

Baskin Robbins

1. Baskin-Robbins

Vegans flocked to their nearest Baskin Robbins when the company launched its first vegan flavor in 2019. Today, the 2,500+ location chain has created four non-dairy flavors: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Extreme , Vegan Coffee Caramel Chunk and a non-dairy strawberry streusel based oatmeal. Order in a mug or vegan cake cone.
Find it here.

VanLeeuwen

2. Van Leeuwen

Part ice cream shop, part pint maker, Van Leeuwen has multiple locations in New York, New Jersey, California, Texas and Pennsylvania. Vegan options vary by season and location, but you can always find over-the-top vegetable flavors on rotation. Order a double scoop of Cookies & Cream Caramel, Oat Brownie Sundae or Cookie Caramel Strawberry Jam in a mug and stock up on vegan hot fudge, vegan whipped cream and other tasty toppings.
Find it here.

Ben & Jerry’s

3. Ben & Jerry’s

Due to limited space, you won’t find the more than 15 Ben & Jerry’s non-dairy flavors in the store, but you can count on at least two. Typically, stores are filled with bestsellers, so you know you’re getting something good. Currently, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Cake Change, Cold Brew Coffee Fudge Chips, and Coconut Almond Fudge Chips are in rotation. Order in a mug or waffle cone and sweeten it with chunks of dairy-free cookie dough. Note: Always ask for the ingredient list if any of the sorbets catch your eye – many contain honey or other animal ingredients.
Find it here.

Vegan Koalified

4. Dairy Queen

We’re still waiting for Blizzard Vegan Cookie Dough, but vegans can satisfy their sweet tooth with the Non-Dairy Dilly Bar. The nostalgic treat is made with coconut-based vanilla ice cream and a dairy-free chocolate coating. We appreciate the effort, but we still want that Blizzard.
Find it here.

Salt & Straw

5. Salt and straw

Long queues amp up the fun of the experience, and that’s certainly the case for Salt & Straw. The innovative ice cream always has a line that wraps around the block. The chain typically offers two vegan flavors that vary by location. The company strives to incorporate local food suppliers into its recipes, wherever they locate. You can find Salt & Straws in California, Washington, Oregon, and Florida. Order your Mathilde’s Hibiscus & Coconut Sherbet or Freckled Mint TCHO-colate Chip in a mug or pint to go.
Find it here.

The happiest vegan in the world

6. Ghirardelli

Not just a chocolate shop, Ghirardelli offers an old-school parlor experience with classic scoops and sundaes. Raspberry Sorbet has been around for a while, but Vanilla Coconut Non-Dairy is a new addition. Order in a mug and go to town with strawberry or pineapple sauce, diced almonds, sea salt and vermicelli.
Find it here.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

7. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Everything Bagel’s trendy flavor isn’t vegan, but Jeni’s has several that are. Options vary by location, but just a few include Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns, Roasted Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam, Texas Sheet Cake, and Cold Brew with coconut cream. Find Jeni in 12 states plus Washington, DC.
Find it here.

Christine Tjahjadi-Lopez

8. Perry’s Ice Cream

This east coast scoop store and vending machine has a few vegan options depending on location. With approximately 1,000 franchise stores, you’re bound to find one near you if you live in New York, Pennsylvania or Ohio. The chain has partnered with vegan milk brand Elmhurst 1925 to develop a line of seven oat-based flavors under the name Perry’s Oats. Flavors range from blueberry crepe to peanut butter coffee cake.
Find it here.

haagen-dazs

9. Haagen-Dazs

Häagen-Dazs launched its non-dairy flavors shortly after Ben & Jerry’s, but unlike its competitor, the company no longer serves its creamy vegan flavors in stores. However, any vegan can walk into a Häagen-Dazs scoop store and choose from a selection of fruity sorbets. Order in a cup or vegan waffle cone.
Find it here.

16 handles

10. 16 Handles

This upscale soft-serve store regularly offers a growing variety of vegan ice cream flavors. From gourmet options such as Belgian chocolate fondant and cookie dough cravings to lighter, fruitier flavors like Dreamboat Coconut and Key Lime sorbet, there’s plenty to choose from. Enjoy as is or top with dairy-free chocolate chips, fruit or crushed Oreos.
Find it here.

Amy’s ice cream

11. Amy’s ice cream

Texans beat the heat with this multi-city ice cream shop. The chain offers a multitude of clearly marked vegan flavors made with oats and coconut. Dip into a scoop of creamy vegan strawberry, spicy vegan Mexican vanilla or decadent oat milk chocolate.
Find it here.

Cream

12. Cream

Don’t bother with a cup at this chain – this place specializes in ice cream cookie sandwiches. Choose from soy-based mint crisps or sandwich strawberries between two gigantic warm vegan cookies. Pro Tip: Most people only choose one cookie flavor, but you can actually get one cookie flavor for the top and another for the bottom. Vegan cookie options include Chocolate Banana Bliss, Fudging Awesome, and Maple Oatmeal Spice. Towels are essential.
Find it here.

VeggL

13. Chez Bruster

This coastal creamery offers nine vegan flavors made with coconut milk. It’s hard to choose between the unique Graham Central Station, the freshness of mint chocolate chips, and the freshness of strawberries. We suggest ordering multiple balls. Note: Flavors vary by location.
Find it here.

by Rita

14. Rita’s

No ice cream or shaved ice, Italian gelato is something you have to experience to understand. All natural gelato flavors are vegan as well as standard Italian gelato options (except Chocolate Chips). Avoid custards and ice cream options. Depending on the store’s specific menu, you can opt for fruity flavors like Kiwi-Strawberry and Mojito or opt for a bit of decadence with Chocolate Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter and Jelly.
Find it here.

Alexis Nicole Frit

15. Juicery in a hurry

“Frozen juice” might not be the first thing to make your mouth water, but we promise it’s way better than a homemade popsicle. Pressed Juicery has invented a way to turn its nut and fruit-based juices into a creamy serving. They call it frost. Just like at a popular fro-yo shop, customers can top their Swirly Freezes with an assortment of treats, including almond butter, granola butter, vegan cookie pieces, fresh fruit, marshmallows, sea ​​salt, chocolate chips and the essential: cocoa drizzle. Chocolate, Vanilla, and Chocolate Vanilla Swirl are always offered in addition to one or two fruit flavors that rotate with the seasons. If it’s your first time, ask for this: Size 2 Chocolate and Vanilla side by side topped with almond butter, a cocoa drizzle and flaky sea salt.
Find it here.

Tanya Flink is a digital publisher VegNews as well as a writer and fitness enthusiast living in Orange County, California.