The 10 Best-Tasting Dairy-Free Chocolate Ice Cream Flavors, From Budget to Low Calorie

It’s been centuries since the very first recipe for chocolate ice cream was recorded (in 1693, in Italy, in case you were wondering) and today, the flavor remains one of the most popular in the US. In 2022, a survey by YouGov reported that more than half of Americans enjoy indulging in a pot of chocolate ice cream. There’s a reason chocolate ice cream has serious staying power. Well, there are many reasons. The flavor is rich and sweet, and the experience of eating it is comforting, indulgent, and pleasurable.

Hungry? We’ve picked out some of the top chocolate ice cream options below from brands like Oatly, So Delicious, and Ben & Jerry’s, who all make delicious dairy-free options. Throw on some Netflix, grab a spoon, and let’s dig in.

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What is the secret to good chocolate ice cream?

“Good” chocolate ice cream is subjective, but there are a few factors that most people can agree on. It needs the right amount of sweetness, for example, to balance out the bitterness of the chocolate. It should also have a velvety, smooth, creamy texture (for the best texture, consider letting the ice cream sit at room temperature for five minutes or so before you dig in).

While some like their chocolate ice cream as-is, others like chocolate chips, or pieces of brownie or cookie mixed in, too. And while many will always opt for a tub, others believe a bar is the best way to eat chocolate ice cream.

However, research from the National Frozen & Refrigerated Food Association suggests that for nearly 70 percent of Gen Z and Millennials, the best ice cream, whether it is chocolate-flavored or otherwise, is sustainably sourced. And for many, that means buying ice cream without dairy. This is reflected in the growth of the dairy-free ice cream market, which was valued at more than $685 million in 2023, and is set to to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 10.8 percent by 2032.

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“The Vegan Ice Cream Market is a rapidly growing segment within the frozen dessert industry, offering plant-based, dairy-free alternatives to traditional ice cream,” notes Custom Market Insights. “These products cater to consumers with dietary preferences, lactose intolerance, and environmental concerns.” It noted that a surge in demand for “innovative flavors” was another growth factor.

The best dairy-free chocolate ice cream

If you’re looking for the best dairy-free chocolate ice cream, you’ve come to the right place. After combing through countless Reddit threads and comments, we’ve compiled a list of the top flavors you need to try. We’ve tried to pick something for everyone, so whether you love a classic chocolate pint, a bar, or something with brownie chunks, we’ve got you.

Best oat milk chocolate ice cream:
Oatly Chocolate Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert

Oatly’s best-selling product is, of course, its oat milk. But the brand also offers other oat-based products, including whipped cream, custard, and, of course, ice cream (or as the brand calls it, frozen dessert,). Among the various flavors like Mint Chip and Vanilla, one of the best is Chocolate.

In one Reddit thread, one user described Oatly’s chocolate ice cream as “so delicious, very creamy,” a sentiment echoed by Which-Artichoke6470, who noted the “whip creamy” texture. However, another user pointed out that while delicious, “it’s not quite as creamy as traditional ice cream.” Despite this, the overall consensus is that Oatly’s ice cream is a must-try for dairy-free dessert lovers.
$4.99 at Target

Best all-around crowdpleaser:
So Delicious Cashewmilk Chocolate Cookies ‘n’ Cream

So Delicious has been supplying the world with dairy-free goodness since the 1980s, so it’s safe to say it knows a thing or two about making products that appeal to all different types of consumers. This is particularly evident in its ice cream range, which includes cashew milk flavors like Snickerdoodle, Salted Caramel Cluster, and the much-loved Chocolate Cookies ‘n’ Cream.

So Delicious’ flavors certainly have the Reddit seal of approval. One Redditor wrote: “Any of the cashew milk ice creams from So Delicious are amazing!” Another user revealed how Cookies ‘n’ Cream helped them through a particularly tough period in their life. “[It’s] so good,” they wrote. “I had to go on an intense elimination diet while breastfeeding and it sucked, but this was the one thing I ate then that I actually enjoyed.” Another fan started a Reddit thread just to rave about Cookies ‘n’ Cream. They said “PSA: The So Delicious chocolate cashew milk ice cream tastes like ice cream and a brownie had a baby,” before adding, “They didn’t name it So Delicious for nothing.”
$7.99 at Safeway

Ben & Jerry’s

Most nostalgic taste:
Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie

Ben & Jerry’s has been in the business of making dairy-free versions of its much-loved ice cream for several years now. In fact, since 2016, it has launched around 20 totally plant-based flavors, including a dairy-free version of its classic Chocolate Fudge Brownie. The original dairy flavor first launched back in 1991 with resounding success, making it a nostalgic treat for Millennials everywhere.

According to some Reddit users, the dairy-free pint isn’t quite like the original, but it’s still pretty good. “I loved the brownie part. I wish they had more,” wrote one Redditor. Another thread states: “They clearly put different types of brownies in the dairy and non-dairy versions. More fudge in the non-dairy, but less flavor in the ice cream.” Another user, however, is a big fan: “Idk about anything else, but the oat milk Chocolate Fudge Brownie from B&J is absolutely amazing. I definitely recommend trying it.”
$7.79 at CVS

Best low-calorie dairy-free chocolate ice cream:
Arctic Zero Purely Chocolate

If you want all the delicious indulgence of ice cream, but with fewer calories, then Arctic Zero’s range of fava bean-based flavors is well worth a taste. Each tub, from Pistachio to Cookie Shake, is just 160 calories. It also has two pretty decent chocolate flavors, too, in the form of Chocolate Peanut Butter and Purely Chocolate.

“Arctic Zero is easily the best non-dairy option for the calories,” says a Reddit user. “The Mint, Chocolate, and Cookie Shake ones are really good for being 160 calories per pint.” Another user said: “I’m one of the people that likes Arctic Zero, but really only the Pure Chocolate flavor. Whenever I want to sit down and eat a pint of ice cream in one sitting, that’s my go-to.”
$6.99 at Mollie’s Stone Markets

Trader Joe’s

Best budget dairy-free chocolate ice cream:
Trader Joe’s Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert Chocolate Fudge Oat Bars

To those who don’t want to break the bank in the name of chocolate ice cream, we say, fair enough. And we also say: have you tried Trader Joe’s frozen dessert bars? Next time you’re at the Tiki-themed grocery store, keep an eye out for these tasty non-dairy chocolatey ice cream bars, which you can take home for less than $3.50 a box.

Reddit approves of them, too. A user: “The texture is a tiny bit odd but overall these are great! They are exactly what I would expect and I definitely plan to buy more.” Another added: “This gives me major fudgsicle vibes and I’m here for it! I’m so impressed by how creamy this is for being non-dairy.”
$3.49 at Trader Joe’s

Best dairy-free chocolate gelato ice cream:
Gelato Boy Dark Chocolate Pint

Okay, so gelato and ice cream aren’t the same thing, but they share enough characteristics for gelato to be included in this list. Gelato is arguably the more sophisticated Italian cousin of ice cream—it’s silkier, softer, and lighter, and it also tends to be lower in fat than traditional ice cream. For more on the differences between ice cream and gelato, check out our guide to vegan gelato here.

When it comes to dairy-free chocolate gelato, Gelato Boy’s Dark Chocolate Pint (which, fun fact, is actually technically a sorbet, not that you would notice) is hard to beat. It’s rich, intensely chocolatey, and deliciously indulgent. “[Gelato Boy’s] dairy-free flavors are top-notch,” said one Redditor. Another added that eating Gelato Boy’s flavors is a “luxurious experience.”
$12 at Gelato Boy

Best ultra-dark dairy-free chocolate ice cream:
Jeni’s Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Truffle

For some, chocolate ice cream isn’t enough. Some of the real chocoholics among us want ultra-dark chocolate ice cream, and Jeni’s is happy to deliver. Made with a mix of coconut cream and cocoa, this flavor from the popular brand is deliciously creamy and seriously chocolatey.

“This has a rich chocolate mousse-like taste with a light texture. Delicious! Pleasantly surprised. Already bought two more,” said one Amazon reviewer. Some reviewers did note that the ice cream is a little hard to scoop, so consider letting it sit out of the fridge for a few minutes before you tuck in. Another trick is to run your scoop under some hot water, too.
$9.19 at Amazon

Best vegan chocolate ice cream bars:
Van Leeuwen Triple Chocolate Swirl Oat Milk Frozen Dessert Bars

This is another one for the die-hard chocolate fans among us. In these popular vegan ice cream bars, Van Leeuwen gives chocolate upon chocolate upon chocolate. They’re rich and indulgent—the perfect chocolatey treat.

“I am not a fan of oat milk but this changed my mind. The chocolate coating was crisp and delicious without the waxy texture,” said one Abillion user. “The texture of the oat milk ice cream was creamy and light. Swirls of chocolate ran through. I’m hooked.” Another added: “Oh my, these are so luscious! The ice cream is super chocolatey and creamy, but still somehow light and airy.”
$7.99 at Instacart

Best organic dairy-free chocolate ice cream:
Cosmic Bliss Chocolate Hazelnut Decadence

If you like to keep your grocery shop 100 percent organic, and you love chocolate, Cosmic Bliss is the ice cream brand for you. Its vegan pints are made with 100 percent organic ingredients, including coconut milk and vanilla extract. This deliciously chocolatey option is also made with organic hazelnuts and cocoa, of course.

The nuts add a delicious crunchy texture, according to Abillion users. One noted: “This vegan ice cream was so good!! I really loved the added hazelnut pieces for added texture and the hazelnut swirl was my favorite part of the ice cream.” One criticism is that the flavor of the coconut base is quite strong—but that could also be a strength, depending on your personal taste.
$8.89 at Instacart

Best dairy-free chocolate ice cream sandwich:
Tofutti Dairy-Free Chocolate Cuties

Ice cream made from tofu?! Yep, it’s a thing, thanks to Tofutti. The brand offers pints of its velvety tofu-based frozen treats, but its Cuties, or ice cream sandwiches, are particularly popular. They come in three different flavors, and two of them are chocolatey: the classic straight-up chocolate and the mint chocolate chip (the other one is vanilla).

“They taste just like real ice cream sandwiches! I bought the mint chocolate chip ones at the grocery store and they’re so delicious. I highly suggest them,” said one Redditor. One Amazon user also said: “These are small (about half the size of a standard ice cream sandwich) but very good. The taste is exactly the same as real ice cream, at least in my opinion. I will buy them again.”
$7.99 at Instacart

Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.