There is no season for ice cream—for those who truly love it, ice cream is a year-round treat. In fact, according to the US Census Bureau, the average American eats approximately 20 pounds of ice cream each year. 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 scoop around the corner.
We’re celebrating the vegan options sprouting up in both plant-based and vegan-friendly sweet shops across the country. Here is where to get vegan ice cream this summer, no matter where you are.
What is vegan ice cream?
Most ice cream is made with cow’s milk, but when it comes to making a delicious, indulgent frozen treat, animal products aren’t essential. Now more than ever, brands, ice cream shops, and restaurants are choosing to make ice cream with vegan milk options instead. Cashews, coconuts, and oats are all delicious and popular bases for vegan ice cream flavors. If you want to have a go at making your own vegan ice cream, we have plenty of recipes to try (like this one for chocolate chip oat milk ice cream for example, or this one for four-ingredient vanilla).
But let’s be honest, whipping up your own ice cream requires time and energy, and sometimes, it’s easier to grab it on the go. So with that in mind, here are some of the best places to get your scoop of vegan ice cream this summer.
Where to get vegan ice cream this summer
Whether you’re looking for an all-vegan scoop shop or a chain that offers plant-based options, there’s no short supply of vegan offerings at creameries.
Vegan ice cream shops
Head to these vegan ice cream shops the next time your sweet tooth comes calling.
Frankie & Jo’s
1 Frankie & Jo’s
Seattle, WA, and Larkspur, CA
With a commitment to sustainability and flavor innovation, this Seattle-based chain crafts heavenly scoops that redefine the boundaries of vegan frozen treats. From Beet Strawberry Rose to Date Shake, every lick is a delightful journey through imaginative flavors, all made with the finest organic ingredients. There are four brick-and-mortar locations (three in Seattle and one in Larkspur) to get your ice cream fix.
FIND IT HERE
Vaca’s Creamery
2 Vaca’s Creamery
Chicago, IL
Both of the locations of this charming ice cream parlor are a haven for ice cream enthusiasts and flavor adventurers alike. Vaca’s Creamery takes pride in using locally sourced ingredients to create its small-batch ice cream flavors, ensuring each scoop is a true taste of Chicago. From classic favorites like chocolate soft serve to innovative creations like Orange Creamsicle, the menu offers a delightful array of flavors that capture the essence of the city’s culinary spirit.
FIND IT HERE
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3 Luv Fats
Austin, TX
Luv Fats specializes in crafting dairy-free ice cream made from wholesome and nourishing fats, bringing a new level of creaminess and flavor to the vegan ice cream scene. From its decadent Sourdough Toast & Peach Jam to their irresistible Kenyan Chai, each scoop is an indulgent delight that will leave you craving more. Plus, the scoop shop (which is currently under renovation) offers torched marshmallow fluff as a topper for an even more indulgent dessert. Located in the vibrant city of Austin, Luv Fats is a must-visit destination for ice cream lovers seeking a plant-based twist on traditional favorites.
FIND IT HERE
Urban Dessert Lab
4Urban Dessert Lab
West Hollywood, CA
Experience dessert innovation like never before at Urban Dessert Lab, a culinary playground in West Hollywood, CA. This cutting-edge dessert destination is redefining the boundaries of sweet indulgence with its imaginative creations and avant-garde flavors. Choose between a trio of signature ice cream flavors, a selection of mouthwatering dessert sauces, and crumb coatings.
FIND IT HERE
Koko’s Ice Cream
5 Koko’s Ice Cream
Nashville, TN
Step inside this vegan haven and immerse yourself in a world of delectable treats that will ignite your taste buds. From creamy classics like Belgian Chocolate to unique creations like She’s A Peach, Koko’s Ice Cream, which has two locations in Nashville, offers a diverse menu that caters to every palate. Locally sourced ingredients and careful craftsmanship ensure that each scoop is a true delight.
FIND IT HERE
Yoga-Urt
6 Yoga-Urt
Multiple locations
Founded by Melissa Schulman in 2015, Yoga-urt offers a variety of organic, nut-based soft serve made fresh daily from the shop’s own housemade almond milk. Free of gluten and soy, rotating flavors include Vanilla Harmony, Lavender Blossom, Salted Caramel Zen, Coffee Karma, and Maple Banana Pancake. Now with four locations, the business is continuously expanding its vegan frozen yogurt empire.
FIND IT HERE
Niu Soft Serve
7 Niu Soft Serve
Honolulu, HI
With the warm ocean breeze and breathtaking scenery as your backdrop, Hawaii-based Niu Soft Serve invites you to indulge in a frozen delight like no other. Their signature soft serve creations, made from locally sourced coconuts, offer a taste of pure Hawaiian bliss. From the fruity mixed berry to the delightful ube, each spoonful is a tropical escape for your taste buds.
FIND IT HERE
Hug Life
8 Hug Life Ice Cream
Multiple locations
Southern California-based Hug Life’s vegan ice cream delights are made with wholesome ingredients and packed with flavor. From its creamy Vietnamese Coffee to their refreshing Matcha Monsta, each scoop is a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more. Each of its three scoop shops is a vibrant oasis that will help you discover a world of extraordinary flavors that will make you fall in love with ice cream all over again.
FIND IT HERE
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9 Like No Udder
Providence, RI
Like No Udder’s creative and delicious offerings range from classic flavors like Cookies and Cream and Mint Chip to unique delights like Almond Joyful and Thai Tea, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visit this beloved Providence gem and discover the joy of dairy-free indulgence that will leave you saying, “Who needs udders when you have this?”
FIND IT HERE
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10 Monkeywrench
Salt Lake City, UT
This all-vegan dessert destination is a funky, vibrant, and delightful haven for those seeking unique and adventurous flavors. Monkeywrench prides itself on pushing the boundaries of taste, offering an ever-changing menu that showcases its creativity and passion. From its floral lavender to its indulgent Banana Brownie, each scoop is a delightful surprise that will tantalize your taste buds.
FIND IT HERE
Awan
11 Awan
Multiple locations
This Indonesian ice cream shop makes deliciously indulgent, flavor-packed ice cream from simple ingredients like coconut cream, coconut water, and organic cane sugar. Its unique, must-try options include Balinese Vanilla and Dayglow Coffee. The popular chain has three locations in California in West Hollywood, Venice, and Los Angeles.
Find it here
Babes Ice Cream & Donut
12 Babes Ice Cream & Donuts
Sacramento, CA
Donuts and ice cream are a match made in heaven. For a delicious bite of both, head to Babes Ice Cream & Donuts. We recommend indulging in vegan flavors like Blueberry Cobbler and Lemon Bar Shortcake.
Find it here
Donut Friend
13 Donut Friend
Los Angeles, CA
Despite the name, Donut Friend, which has three Los Angeles locations, isn’t just about tasty doughnuts (although it certainly has those in spades). There, you can also find deliciously indulgent vegan ice cream sundaes, like the Taking Back Sundae, which features a donut sliced in half and covered with ice cream and your favorite toppings. For even more ice cream, check out Creamo, Donut Friend’s sister ice cream shop.
Find it here
FoMu
14 FoMu
Boston, MA
FoMu has been servicing Boston with tasty, coconut milk ice cream since 2011. Check out flavors like Grasshopper Pie, with minty green ice cream and chocolate sandwich cookies, or Black Raspberry Chunk, which features pieces of dark chocolate.
Find it here
Crème de la Crop
15 Crème de la Crop
Herndon, VA
At Crème de la Crop, vegan ice cream is crafted by Michelin-starred pastry chef Olivia Green, so of course, you can expect nothing less than pure perfection. We’re big fans of the ice cream cake jars, in particular, which come in flavors like Strawberry Passion Fruit and Brownie Batter.
Find it here
Ice Queen
16 Ice Queen
Portland, OR
Expect to find chocolate-dipped frozen bananas and Oatly soft serve “Thiccflurries” at this Chicana-owned ice cream shop (which was previously voted Best Vegan Ice Cream Shop by VegNews readers!). But for a taste of Ice Queen’s specialty, opt for the paletas, handcrafted Mexican-style popsicles. Choose between flavors such as Jamaica Mango, Mangonada, and Oatchata.
Find it here
Happy Ice
17Happy Ice
Los Angeles, CA and Northridge, CA
For a taste of classic Philadelphia-style water ice on the West Coast, head to Happy Ice in Los Angeles or Northridge. Or, find the truck roaming the streets! Who doesn’t love an ice cream truck, after all? Enjoy the nostalgia of queuing up at the Happy Ice truck, before licking happily on one of the brand’s delicious water ice flavors like Strawberry Lemonade, Sour Apple Crush, and Pineapple Potion. Plus, as an added bonus, you can choose to top your water ice with a swirl of dairy-free soft serve. Prefer just ice cream? You can also order its signature Sweet Bean Ice Cream.
Find it here
Vegan Scoops
18Vegan Scoops
Orlando, FL
This vegan ice cream truck in Orlando is the place to go for the ultimate coffee-flavored Cuban Cafecito scoops. The piña colada ice cream sundae is another must-try. In fact, we say just keep going back until you’ve tried everything on the menu.
Find it here
Besties Vegan Paradise
19Besties Vegan Paradise
Los Angeles, CA
This vegan grocery store stocks all of your favorite ice cream brands. But, while you’re shopping for your next pint, you can also enjoy Besties’ very own plant-based soft serve. Flavors rotate, but you can expect options such as chocolate, vanilla, cookie butter, and Better Than Dole Whip. Don’t miss Besties’ topping choices, either (magic chocolate shell, anyone?).
Find it here
Runaway Cow
20 Runaway Cow
Chicago, IL
Vegan ice cream fans are spoiled for choice at this popular Chicago spot. Opt for a classic banana split sundae, creamy soft-serve, a candy-topped Snowstorm, or maybe an ultra-indulgent shake. Want to go for a combination of everything? We’re not judging.
Find it here
Ice cream shops with vegan options
These national chains offer dairy-free options suitable for vegans.
Salt & Straw
21
Salt & Straw
Multiple locations
Long lines amplify the pleasure of the experience, and that is certainly the case for Salt & Straw. The innovative ice creamery always has a queue wrapped around the block. The chain typically carries at least 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 a number of locations, including California, Washington, New York, and Florida.
FIND IT HERE
Dairy Queen
22
Dairy Queen
Multiple locations
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 a dairy-free chocolate coating. We appreciate the effort, but we still want that Blizzard.
FIND IT HERE
Baskin-Robbins
23 Baskin-Robbins
Multiple locations
Vegans rushed to their nearest Baskin-Robbins when the company released its first vegan flavor in 2019. The 2,500-plus location chain has a few non-dairy options, including Cookies ‘n Crème and Lemon Sorbet.
FIND IT HERE
Ghirardelli
24
Ghirardelli
Multiple locations
Not just a chocolate shop, Ghirardelli offers an old-timey parlor experience with classic scoops and sundaes. Check out the chain’s vegan Hot Fudge Sundae, which comes with vanilla coconut ice cream, dark chocolate, almonds, cherries, and almond whipped cream.
FIND IT HERE
Ben & Jerry’s
25
Ben & Jerry’s
Multiple locations
Due to limited space, you won’t find all 19 non-dairy Ben & Jerry’s flavors at scoop shops, but you can rely on at least two. Typically, the shops are stocked with best-sellers, so you know you’ll get something good. 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
Van Leeuwen
26Van Leeuwen
Multiple locations
Both an ice cream shop and pint manufacturer, Van Leeuwen has multiple locations across the US, including in New York, California, New Jersey, Texas, and Pennsylvania. The vegan options vary by season and location, but you can always find over-the-top plant-based flavors in rotation.
FIND IT HERE
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
27Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Multiple locations
The once 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 Dark Chocolate Truffle, Texas Sheet Cake, and Cold Brew With Coconut Cream. Find Jeni’s in 12 states plus Washington, DC.
FIND it here
Perry’s Ice Cream
28Perry’s Ice Cream
Multiple locations
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. Flavors rotate, and more non-dairy options are available in pints.
FIND it here
16 Handles
2916 Handles
Multiple locations
This top-your-own soft serve shop offers an increasing variety of vegan ice cream flavors. From indulgent options such as Oat Milk Iced Latte and Oat Milk Mocha to lighter, fruity flavors like Green Apple Sorbet and Coconut Water 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 Creams
30Amy’s Ice Creams
Multiple locations
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 Mexican Vanilla or Pina Colada.
FIND it here
Cream
31Cream
Multiple locations
Don’t bother with a cup at this chain—this place specializes in ice cream cookie sandwiches. Choose a soy-based ice cream flavor 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
Malai
32Malai
Multiple locations
Those residing or visiting the greater New York area must take a trip to Brooklyn for this minority and woman-owned ice cream company. While a majority of flavors contain dairy, the dairy-free flavors, like Royal Cinnamon With Black Salt Caramel, reflect as much intention and creativity as the dairy-based options. Malai also has locations in Washington, DC and Philadelphia.
FIND it here
Bruster’s
33Bruster’s
Multiple locations
This bi-coastal creamery boasts multiple oat milk-based vegan flavors. It’s hard to choose between options like Cookies and Cream and Black Raspberry. We suggest you order multiple scoops. Note: flavors vary depending on location.
FIND it here
Cold Stone
34Cold Stone
Multiple locations
Cold Stone’s vegan flavor was a long time coming, but it finally landed in stores in 2022. The Silk Chocolate Almondmilk Frozen Dessert came by way of a collaboration with Silk—the behemoth of all things non-dairy. Anyone familiar with this chain knows that the ice cream is only half of the appeal—what makes Cold Stone unique and craveable is the medley of mix-ins. Vegan mix-in options include Oreos (both traditional and Golden varieties), peanut butter, nuts, rainbow sprinkles, and a handful of fresh fruit options. Here’s our go-to: Silk Chocolate Almondmilk Frozen Dessert mixed with Oreos, peanut butter, and bananas. It’s the ultimate chocolate-peanut-butter-banana indulgence.
FIND it here
JP Licks
35JP Licks
Multiple locations
Bostonians flock to this local favorite even in the midst of below-freezing temperatures. The upside: your double scoop lasts a lot longer in that kind of weather. Dairy-free flavors are on offer at all locations. Enjoy in a cup, as an afagoto, or a frappe.
FIND it here
Afters
36Afters Ice Cream
Multiple locations
This vegan-friendly chain developed a cult-following for its milky bun, a cross between a glazed doughnut and a bao bun. Afters would go on to debut a vegan milky bun at Coachella in 2018, but today, plant-based customers can treat themselves to vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie or Mango Sorbet.
FIND it here
Wing Ice Cream
37Wing Ice Cream
Honolulu, HI
Head to Honolulu’s Chinatown to try delicious Asian ice cream flavors like Tom Kha, Pineapple Thai Basil, and Mayan Xocolātl—all of which are vegan-friendly and mouthwateringly good.
Find it here
Erewhon
38 Erewhon
Multiple locations
Erewhon is packed with colorful smoothies, snacks, and plenty of fresh produce, but the store’s vegan ice cream is well worth a try, too. After you’ve stocked up on groceries, treat yourself to a well-earned creamy, dairy-free Cosmic Bliss soft serve, which is made with coconut milk.
Find it here
Scoop Deville
39Scoop Deville
Philadelphia, PA
Scoop Deville’s famously delicious soft serve is not just for those who eat dairy. Its tasty vegan options include flavors like Philly Samoa Lovin’ (which comes complete with salted caramel ice cream, chocolate chips, and toasted coconut), PB Crunch Time, and Cookie Crumble.
Find it here
Morgenstern’s Bananas
40 Morgenstern’s Bananas
New York, NY
When it comes to vegan ice cream, you’re truly spoiled for choice at Morgenstern’s Bananas. Delectable dairy-free options include Midnight Chocolate and Salted Peanut Butter Cup.
Find it here
Oatly
41 Carvel
Multiple locations
Carvel made headlines when it announced Oatly’s oat milk frozen desserts were coming to the chain. Located across 18 states, Carvel offers patrons Oatly soft serve and Oatly scoops. Flavors vary by location but expect options such as Oatly Strawberry Soft Serve, Oatly Cookies & Cream Scooped, and Oatly Chocolate Peanut Butter Scooped.
Find it here
This post was originally published on VegNews.com.