All the Best Places to Get Vegan Ice Cream This Summer

There is no season for ice cream—for those who truly love it, ice cream is a year-round treat. However, there’s no arguing that ice cream consumption increases during the summer—doubles, dare we say?—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 shops, but today, we’re celebrating the vegan options sprouting up in non-vegan sweet shops across the country. Here is where to get vegan ice cream this summer, no matter where you are. 

Baskin-Robbins

1. Baskin-Robbins

Vegans rushed to their nearest Baskin Robbins when the company released its first vegan flavor in 2019. Today, the 2,500-plus location chain has made four non-dairy flavors: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Extreme, Vegan Coffee Caramel Chunk, and an oat-based Non-Dairy Strawberry Streusel. Order in a cup or a vegan-friendly cake cone. 
Find it here. 

Van Leeuwen

2. Van Leeuwen

Both an ice cream shop and pint manufacturer, Van Leeuwen has multiple locations in New York, New Jersey, California, Texas, and Pennsylvania. The vegan options vary by season and location, but you can always find over-the-top plant-based flavors in rotation. Order a double scoop of Cookies & Cream Caramel, Oat Brownie Sundae, or Cookie Caramel Strawberry Jam in a cup and have your fill of vegan-friendly hot fudge, vegan whipped cream, and other tasting toppings.  
Find it here. 

Ben & Jerry’s

3. Ben & Jerry’s 

Due to limited space, you won’t find the 15-plus non-dairy Ben & Jerry’s flavors at the scoop shop, but you can rely on at least two. Typically, the shops are stocked with best-sellers, so you know you’ll get something good. Currently, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Change the Whirled, Cold Brew Coffee Fudge Chip, and Coconut Almond Fudge Chip are in rotation. Order in a cup or waffle cone and sweeten the deal with non-dairy cookie dough chunks. Note: always ask for the ingredient list if one of the sorbets catches your eye—many contain honey or other animal ingredients. 
Find it here. 

Koalified Vegan

4. Dairy Queen 

We’re still waiting on a vegan cookie dough Blizzard, 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 dairy-free chocolate coating. We appreciate the effort, but we still want that Blizzard. 
Find it here. 

Salt & Straw

5. Salt & Straw

Long lines amplify the pleasure of the experience, and that is certainly the case for Salt & Straw. The innovative ice creamery always has a line wrapping around the block. The chain typically carries two vegan flavors that vary depending on location—the company makes an effort to incorporate local food purveyors into their recipes wherever they set up shop. 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 cup or pint to go. 
Find it here. 

Happiest Vegan on Earth

6. Ghirardelli 

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

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

7. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

The buzzed-about Everything Bagel flavor isn’t vegan, but Jeni’s offers several that are. Options range depending on location, but just a few include Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns, Roasted Peanut Butter & Strawberry Jam, Texas Sheet Cake, and Cold Brew with Coconut Cream. Find Jeni’s in 12 states plus Washington, DC.
Find it here. 

Christine Tjahjadi-Lopez

8. Perry’s Ice Cream

This East Coast scoop shop and distributor has a few vegan options depending on the 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 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 Pancake to Peanut Butter Coffee Cake. 
Find it here. 

Haagen-Dazs

9. Häagen-Dazs

Häagen-Dazs launched its non-dairy flavors not too long after Ben & Jerry’s, but unlike its competitor, the company is no longer serving its creamy vegan flavors in stores. However, any vegan can walk into a Häagen-Dazs scoop shop and choose from a selection of fruity sorbets. Order in a cup or vegan-friendly waffle cone. 
Find it here. 

16 Handles

10. 16 Handles 

This top-your-own soft-serve shop has steadily offered an increasing variety of vegan ice cream flavors. From indulgent options such as Belgian Chocolate Fudge and Cookie Dough Craving to lighter, fruity flavors like Dreamboat Coconut and Key Lime sorbet, there is 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 carries a multitude of clearly-marked vegan flavors with oat and coconut bases. Dive into a scoop of smooth 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 chip or strawberry to sandwich between two gigantic, warm vegan cookies. Pro tip: most people pick just 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. Napkins are a must. 
Find it here. 

VeggL

13. Bruster’s

This by-coastal creamery boasts nine coconut milk-based vegan flavors. It’s hard to choose between the unique Graham Central Station, cool Mint Chocolate Chip, and refreshing Strawberry. We suggest you order multiple scoops. Note: flavors vary depending on location. 
Find it here. 

Rita’s 

14. Rita’s

Not ice cream and not shaved ice, Italian ice is something you have to experience to understand. All the Natural Ice flavors are vegan as well as the standard Italian Ice options (with the exception of the Chocolate Chocolate Chip). Avoid the custards and Cream Ice options. Depending on the store’s specific menu, you can go fruity with flavors like Kiwi-Strawberry and Mojito or opt for a bit of decadence with Chocolate Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter & Jelly.
Find it here. 

Tanya Flink is a Digital Editor at VegNews as well as a writer and fitness enthusiast living in Orange County, CA.

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