Whether you’re ditching dairy by choice or necessity, one thing’s for sure — the dairy-free dessert game has never been stronger. From creamy coconut-based ice creams to almond milk popsicles that taste like childhood summers, the frozen aisle is overflowing with non-dairy goodness. What was once a niche market for vegans and lactose-intolerant folks has now exploded into a full-blown flavor fest for anyone looking to indulge without the dairy.

People are leaning into dairy-free lifestyles for a mix of reasons — from managing lactose intolerance and food allergies to embracing a plant-based or vegan diet. And thanks to innovation in the food world, today’s dairy-free frozen desserts don’t compromise on texture or taste. In fact, many give traditional ice cream a serious run for its money.

What Are Dairy-Free Frozen Desserts?

Dairy-free frozen desserts are sweet treats that skip cow’s milk in favor of plant-based alternatives. These products are entirely free of dairy ingredients like milk, cream, butter, and whey — making them suitable for people who are lactose intolerant, allergic to dairy, or simply choosing a vegan lifestyle.

It’s important to note that dairy-free, non-dairy, vegan, and lactose-free aren’t always interchangeable:

• Dairy-free: Contains zero dairy ingredients (ideal for vegans and those with dairy allergies).
  
• Non-dairy: May still contain small amounts of milk derivatives (always check the label).
  
• Vegan: Avoids all animal products, including dairy and honey.
  
• Lactose-free: Made with real dairy but treated to remove or break down lactose (not suitable for vegans).
  

These desserts are usually made with alternative bases like:

• Almond milk – light and slightly nutty
  
• Coconut milk – rich, creamy, and tropical
  
• Cashew milk – smooth and buttery
  
• Oat milk – creamy with a hint of natural sweetness
  
• Soy milk – high-protein and neutral in flavor
  

These bases are blended with plant-based fats, sweeteners, and natural stabilizers to deliver that luscious, scoopable texture we all crave — no dairy needed.

Top 11 Dairy-Free Frozen Desserts Available in the U.S.

Ready to stock your freezer with some non-dairy goodness? Here are ten of the best dairy-free frozen desserts that deliver big on flavor, texture, and satisfaction — all without the dairy.

1. So Delicious – Dairy Free Coconutmilk Frozen Dessert

• Flavor(s) worth trying: Snickerdoodle, Chocolate Drizzle Banana Foster, Mint Chip
  
• Texture/Taste Notes: Rich and creamy with a tropical undertone from coconut milk; slightly dense but scoopable.
  
• Dietary Features: Dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, certified vegan, non-GMO
  
• Where to Buy: Whole Foods, Target, Walmart, Sprouts
  
• Price Range: $4.99 – $6.49 per pint
  

2. Oatly – Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert

• Flavor(s) worth trying: Oat, Strawberry, Salted Caramel
  
• Texture/Taste Notes: Ultra-creamy with a slightly sweet oat aftertaste; smooth and melts just like dairy ice cream.
  
• Dietary Features: Vegan, nut-free, made with oat milk, non-GMO
  
• Where to Buy: Target, Kroger, Whole Foods, Albertsons
  
• Price Range: $4.49 – $6.99 per pint
  

3. Ben & Jerry’s – Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert

• Flavor(s) worth trying: Peanut Butter Half Baked, Netflix & Chill’d, Chocolate Fudge Brownie
  
• Texture/Taste Notes: Decadent and indulgent; packed with chunks and swirls that stay true to classic Ben & Jerry’s vibes.
  
• Dietary Features: Vegan, made with almond milk or sunflower butter, Fairtrade-certified ingredients
  
• Where to Buy: Most major grocery chains, including Safeway, Target, and Kroger
  
• Price Range: $5.49 – $6.99 per pint
  

4. NadaMoo! – Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert

• Flavor(s) worth trying: Birthday Cake Cookie Dough, Rocky Road, Lotus Biscoff
  
• Texture/Taste Notes: Light and airy texture with bold, sweet flavors; not as heavy as traditional ice cream.
  
• Dietary Features: Certified vegan, gluten-free, organic, non-GMO, coconut milk base
  
• Where to Buy: Whole Foods, Sprouts, select natural food stores
  
• Price Range: $5.99 – $7.49 per pint
  

5. Tofutti – Vanilla Cuties (Frozen Sandwiches)

• Flavor(s) worth trying: Vanilla Cuties (Classic flavor)
  
• Texture/Taste Notes: Chewy chocolate wafer with creamy vanilla filling — the ultimate nostalgic treat.
  
• Dietary Features: Dairy-free, kosher, contains soy
  
• Where to Buy: Natural food stores, Sprouts, some Kroger locations
  
• Price Range: $4.49 – $5.99 per box (4-pack)
  

6. Coconut Bliss (Now known as Cosmic Bliss) – Dairy-Free Ice Cream

• Flavor(s) worth trying: Dark Chocolate, Vanilla Bean, Salted Caramel Chocolate
  
• Texture/Taste Notes: Luxuriously creamy with a deep coconut undertone; feels indulgent and dessert-forward.
  
• Dietary Features: Vegan, organic, soy-free, gluten-free
  
• Where to Buy: Whole Foods, Sprouts, Erewhon, local co-ops
  
• Price Range: $5.99 – $7.99 per pint
  

7. Jeni’s – Dairy-Free Ice Cream

• Flavor(s) worth trying: Texas Sheet Cake, Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns
  
• Texture/Taste Notes: Boutique-style, rich and complex flavors with a smooth finish; feels gourmet.
  
• Dietary Features: Dairy-free, gluten-free options, made with coconut cream
  
• Where to Buy: Jeni’s scoop shops, Whole Foods, online delivery
  
• Price Range: $8.00 – $10.00 per pint
  

8. Halo Top – Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert

• Flavor(s) worth trying: Chocolate, Birthday Cake, Peanut Butter Cup
  
• Texture/Taste Notes: Light and fluffy with a protein-forward texture; less creamy than traditional ice cream but guilt-free.
  
• Dietary Features: Vegan, low-calorie, high-protein, soy-free
  
• Where to Buy: Target, Walmart, Safeway, Kroger
  
• Price Range: $4.99 – $5.99 per pint
  

9. Trader Joe’s – Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert

• Flavor(s) worth trying: Oat Milk Strawberry, Soy Creamy Cherry Chocolate Chip
  
• Texture/Taste Notes: Surprisingly creamy for the price point; fresh, fruity flavors shine.
  
• Dietary Features: Vegan, budget-friendly, some options are gluten-free
  
• Where to Buy: Trader Joe’s (exclusively)
  
• Price Range: $3.49 – $4.29 per pint
  

10. Van Leeuwen – Vegan Ice Cream

• Flavor(s) worth trying: Vegan Cookie Crumble Strawberry Jam, Vegan Mint Chip, Vegan Peanut Butter Brownie Chip
  
• Texture/Taste Notes: Super rich and decadent — you’d never guess it’s dairy-free. Full-bodied flavors and a gourmet mouthfeel.
  
• Dietary Features: Vegan, cashew and oat milk base, gluten-free options available
  
• Where to Buy: Whole Foods, Target, Sprouts, Van Leeuwen scoop shops
  
• Price Range: $6.99 – $8.99 per pint

11. Dole Whip – Classic Pineapple Soft Serve

• Flavor(s) worth trying: Pineapple (classic), Mango, Strawberry, Raspberry
  
• Texture/Taste Notes: Light, airy, and ultra-refreshing with a tropical burst of flavor. It’s creamy enough to satisfy an ice cream craving but feels much lighter.
  
• Dietary Features: Dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, fat-free
  
• Where to Buy: Found at Disney parks (a fan favorite!) and now available in grocery freezer sections as take-home cups or soft-serve mix
  
• Price Range: $4.99 – $6.99 for take-home packs or soft-serve mix

Where to Buy Dairy-Free Frozen Desserts at Grocery Stores

Thanks to growing demand, finding dairy-free frozen desserts at grocery stores is easier than ever. Most major U.S. retailers now carry a wide selection of non-dairy ice cream and plant-based dessert options, with entire freezer sections dedicated to alternative treats.

🛒 Popular U.S. Grocery Chains Carrying Dairy-Free Desserts:

• Whole Foods Market – Known for its expansive selection of vegan and organic brands like Coconut Bliss, NadaMoo!, and Jeni’s Dairy-Free.
  
• Trader Joe’s – Offers unique house-brand dairy-free frozen desserts made with oat and soy bases at affordable prices.
  
• Target – Stocks top non-dairy brands like Oatly, Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy, and Halo Top Dairy-Free.
  
• Walmart – Carries budget-friendly and mainstream non dairy ice cream options including So Delicious and Great Value plant-based pints.
  
• Kroger (and affiliates like Ralphs, Fry’s) – Offers a rotating mix of vegan-friendly frozen desserts from brands like Van Leeuwen and So Delicious.
  
• Sprouts Farmers Market – A go-to for health-conscious shoppers looking for gluten-free, soy-free, or organic frozen options.
  

📱 Apps & Services to Find Non-Dairy Ice Cream Near You:

• Instacart – Search for “dairy-free frozen desserts” by brand or dietary preference and compare across local stores.
  
• Whole Foods App – Browse and order dairy-free desserts directly, with local store availability and pickup/delivery options.
  
• Target App – Allows you to filter for “vegan” or “dairy-free” products and check in-store stock.
  
• Vegan Grocery Finder – A niche but helpful site for locating plant-based products in your area.
  

Tips for Choosing the Right Non-Dairy Ice Cream

Not all dairy-free frozen desserts are created equal. With so many options on the shelves, here are some key tips to help you pick the right pint for your cravings and dietary needs:

🔍 1. Read the Ingredient List

Look for natural, whole-food ingredients and avoid excess stabilizers or artificial additives. Some high-quality non dairy ice cream uses organic coconut milk, real fruit, or nut butters — while others may rely heavily on gums and syrups.

Ingredients to look for:

• Coconut cream, almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk
  
• Real fruit or nut inclusions
  
• Natural sweeteners like agave or maple syrup
  

Ingredients to avoid (if sensitive):

• Carrageenan (can cause digestive issues)
  
• Artificial flavors or dyes
  
• High-fructose corn syrup
  

🍦 2. Consider Flavor vs. Health Goals

Some dairy-free desserts are indulgent and loaded with mix-ins (hello, Ben & Jerry’s), while others are crafted to be low-calorie or low-sugar, like Halo Top.

• If you’re after a healthier option, check the sugar content and opt for pints labeled as “no added sugar” or “low calorie.”
  
• If you’re indulging, go for richness — cashew or coconut bases usually provide the most decadent texture.
  

🍯 3. Pay Attention to Texture & Sweetness

Texture can vary a lot depending on the type of milk used in your non-dairy ice cream:

1. Coconut milk tends to be rich, creamy, and slightly dense — perfect for those who love a more indulgent scoop with a tropical hint.
   
2. Cashew milk creates a buttery, ultra-smooth texture that feels luxurious and satisfying.
   
3. Oat milk delivers a naturally creamy consistency with a subtle sweetness that pairs well with fruit or caramel-based flavors.
   
4. Almond milk is generally lighter and can have a slightly icy feel — great for refreshing, lower-fat desserts.
   
5. Soy milk offers a balanced, neutral creaminess and often mimics traditional dairy texture more closely than others.
   

Sweetness also varies by brand, so if you prefer less sugar, look for options with under 12g of sugar per serving or those labeled “no added sugar.”

Conclusion

From rich coconut-based scoops to indulgent cookie-loaded pints, the world of dairy-free frozen desserts has never been more delicious or diverse. Whether you’re avoiding dairy for health reasons, following a vegan lifestyle, or simply curious about new flavors, there’s a non-dairy ice cream out there with your name on it.

With so many options available at popular grocery stores across the U.S., it’s easier than ever to explore new brands, discover surprising favorites, and satisfy your sweet tooth — all without the dairy.

Why not try a few different types — maybe a creamy oat milk pint from Oatly, a nostalgic treat like Tofutti Cuties, or a bold flavor-packed scoop from Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy line?

What’s your favorite non-dairy frozen dessert? Let us know in the comments — we’re always looking for new pints to add to the freezer!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❄️ 1. What is the best non-dairy ice cream brand in the U.S.?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but top-rated brands include Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy, So Delicious, Oatly, and Van Leeuwen Vegan. Each offers unique flavor profiles and base ingredients like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut cream.

🛒 2. Where can I buy dairy-free frozen desserts near me?

Most large grocery chains like Whole Foods, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Kroger carry a variety of dairy-free desserts. You can also use delivery apps like Instacart or store apps to check local availability.

🌱 3. Are all non-dairy frozen desserts vegan?

Not always. While most non-dairy ice creams are vegan, some labeled “non-dairy” may still contain traces of animal-derived ingredients like honey or gelatin. Always check the label for a vegan certification if that’s important to you.

🥥 4. What’s the creamiest dairy-free ice cream base?

Coconut milk and cashew milk are known for producing the creamiest, richest textures that closely mimic traditional dairy ice cream. Oat milk is also a popular base that offers a smooth and slightly sweet experience.

🍨 5. Are there low-calorie or sugar-free options for dairy-free desserts?

Yes! Brands like Halo Top Dairy-Free and So Delicious No Sugar Added cater to health-conscious consumers looking for lower sugar and calorie counts without sacrificing flavor.