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.
Table of Contents
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.
1 Dear Bella Creamery
Los Angeles, CA
Originally coined Cocobella’s, Hollywood’s first all-vegan ice cream shop generates an instant sense of whimsy even before the first lick. The selection ranges from nostalgia-inducing classics such as Chocolatey Fudge to intriguing tastes like Jasmine Lychee, Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake, and Tiki Colada. You can get your scoops loaded onto vegan cookies or nestled into golden waffle cones.
FIND IT HERE
Frankie & Jo’s
2 Frankie & Jo’s
Seattle, WA
With a commitment to sustainability and flavor innovation, this Seattle-based shop crafts heavenly scoops that redefine the boundaries of vegan frozen treats. From Beet Strawberry Rose to Potato Chip Caramel Crunch, every lick is a delightful journey through imaginative flavors, all made with the finest organic ingredients. There are four brick-and-mortar locations throughout the city to get your ice cream fix, and you can find it in select grocery stores across Washington, too.
FIND IT HERE
Vaca’s Creamery
3 Vaca’s Creamery
Chicago, IL
This charming ice cream parlor is 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 Strawberry Basil, the menu offers a delightful array of flavors that capture the essence of the city’s culinary spirit.
FIND IT HERE
@thehungryjellybean/Instagram
4 Luv Fats
Austin, TX
At Luv Fats, they specialize 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 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
Creamo
5 Creamo
Los Angeles, CA
With a dedication to pushing the boundaries of flavor, this scoop shop features a mesmerizing array of unique and decadent creations. From its heavenly X-Ray Speculoos with swirls of cookie butter to the pop-punk named Paramoreo, each scoop is a blissful explosion of taste and texture that will leave you craving more.
FIND IT HERE
Urban Dessert Lab
6Urban Dessert Lab
New York, NY and West Hollywood, CA
Experience dessert innovation like never before at Urban Dessert Lab, a culinary playground boasting two locations: its flagship store in New York and a new outpost 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
7 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 Key Lime Pie to unique creations like Lavender Dream, Koko’s Ice Cream 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
8 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 three locations, the business has also recently begun offering franchise opportunities to continue expanding its vegan frozen yogurt empire.
FIND IT HERE
Niu Soft Serve
9 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 creamy pineapple to the delightful ube, each spoonful is a tropical escape for your taste buds.
FIND IT HERE
Hug Life
10 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. Step into this vibrant oasis and discover a world of extraordinary flavors that will make you fall in love with ice cream all over again.
FIND IT HERE
@its.jasminrose/Instagram
11 Like No Udder
Providence, RI
Like No Udder’s creative and delicious offerings range from classic flavors like Cookies ‘n Cream and Mint Chip to unique delights like Cherry Seinfield 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
@budsslc/Instagram
12 Monkeywrench
Salt Lake City, UT
This all-vegan dessert destination is a funky and vibrant 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
13 Awan
Los Angeles and West Hollywood, CA
This Indonesian ice cream window 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 dragonfruit, Balinese Vanilla, Frosted Pink Cupcake.
Find it here
Sugar Spell Scoops
14 Sugar Spell Scoops
Pittsburgh, PA
If ice cream cake is your thing, you need to head to Pittsburgh’s Sugar Spell Scoops. One of the menu’s standout stars has to be the Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake with chocolate ripple ice cream, fudge, whipped cream, buttercream, and a peanut butter magic shell drip. Our mouths are watering.
Find it here
Babes Ice Cream & Donut
15 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 tiramisu.
Find it here
Dreamboat Donuts & Scoops
16 Dreamboat Donuts & Scoops
Fort Worth, TX
At Dreamboat Donuts, you can find delicious vegan soft serve made with Oatly ice cream. Of course, it’s perfect on its own, but we recommend ordering a peach or apple fritter with a generous scoop on top for the ultimate indulgent dessert.
Find it here
Donut Friend
17 Donut Friend
Los Angeles, CA
Despite the name, Donut Friend 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.
Find it here
FoMu
18 FoMu
Boston, MA
FoMu has been making tasty, coconut milk ice cream since 2011. We love its new Honey Pistachio Shortbread ice cream, which doesn’t contain any actual honey. Instead, it’s made with vegan honey, as well as roasted pistachios, cardamom, and vanilla shortbread.
Find it here
Crème de la Crop
19 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 Shamrock Sundae and Brownie Batter.
Find it here
The Chilly Banana
20 The Chilly Banana
Philadelphia, PA
Vegan ice cream made from oats or cashews is delicious, sure, but frozen bananas do a great job on their own, too. And there is no better place to try banana ice cream than at The Chilly Banana in Philadelphia. Choose from tasty toppings like vegan marshmallows, graham cracker crumbles, and coconut whip.
Find it here
Float Dreamery
21 Float Dreamery
Philadelphia, PA
For super unique flavors, Philadelphia’s Float Dreamery is well worth a visit. Walk up to its ordering window and ask for the Ghoul Digger, with black chocolate gelato and strawberry jam, or perhaps the Cinnamoats with salted cinnamon oat gelato. You can’t go wrong—everything is totally delectable.
Find it here
Ice Queen
22 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 voted Best Vegan Ice Cream Shop by VegNews readers last year!). But for a taste of Ice Queen’s specialty, opt for the paletas, handcrafted Mexican-style popsicles. Choose between flavors such as piña colada, mangonada, and Oatchata.
Find it here
Happy Ice
23 Happy Ice
Los Angeles, CA
For a taste of classic Philadelphia-style water ice on the West Coast, head to LA’s Happy Ice. 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.
Find it here
Vegan Scoops
24 Vegan 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, keep going back until you’ve tried everything on the menu!
Find it here
Besties Vegan Paradise
25 Besties 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 monthly, 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
The Creamy Spot
26 The Creamy Spot
Atlanta, GA
According to The Creamy Spots, it offers the GOAP (the greatest of all pops). Choose from delicious options like Ice Cream Sandwich Minis in “the perfect harmony of flavors,” Sneeker Ice Cream Bar Minis, and so much more.
Find it here
Ice cream shops with vegan options
These national chains offer dairy-free options suitable for vegans.
Salt & Straw
27
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, Oregon, and Florida.
FIND IT HERE
Dairy Queen
28
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
29 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 several non-dairy options, including sorbet, Mint Chocochunk, Cookies ‘n Crème, and mangonadas, too.
FIND IT HERE
Ghirardelli
30
Ghirardelli
Multiple locations
Not just a chocolate shop, Ghirardelli offers an old-timey parlor experience with classic scoops and sundaes. Create your own shake or sundae with the raspberry sorbet or non-dairy Cosmic Bliss vanilla. Vegan-friendly topping options include strawberry sauce, pineapple sauce, diced almonds, sea salt, and sprinkles. Note: a cup is the vessel of choice here—the waffle cones contain dairy.
FIND IT HERE
Ben & Jerry’s
31
Ben & Jerry’s
Multiple locations
Due to limited space, you won’t find the 20 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
32Van Leeuwen
Multiple locations
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.
FIND IT HERE
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
33Jeni’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
34Perry’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. The chain partnered with vegan milk brand Elmhurst 1925 to develop a line of oat-based flavors under the name Perry’s Oats. Flavors rotate and more non-dairy options are available in pints.
FIND it here
16 Handles
3516 Handles
Multiple locations
This top-your-own soft serve shop has steadily offered an increasing variety of vegan ice cream flavors through a partnership with Oatly. From indulgent options such as Oatly Chocolate Cake and Oatly Cinnamon Bun to lighter, fruity flavors like Green Apple Sorbet and Strawberry Vanilla, 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
36Amy’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 smooth Oatly GoNana, spicy Mexican Vanilla, or decadent oat milk chocolate.
FIND it here
Cream
37Cream
Multiple locations
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
Malai
38Malai
Brooklyn, NY
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 reflect as much intention and creativity as the dairy-based options. Choose from pints with names like Royal Cinnamon with Black Salt Caramel, Spiced Peanut Crunch, and Pineapple Pink Peppercorn. And great news—these flavors ship nationwide.
FIND it here
Bruster’s
39Bruster’s
Multiple locations
This by-coastal creamery boasts multiple oat milk-based vegan flavors. It’s hard to choose between options like Triple Chocolate With Oreo, Banana Peanut Butter Ripple, and Peach Melba. We suggest you order multiple scoops. Note: flavors vary depending on location.
FIND it here
Rita’s
40Rita’s
Multiple locations
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 custard and Cream Ice options. Depending on the store’s specific menu, you can go fruity with flavors like Mango Peach and Mojito or opt for a bit of decadence with Chocolate Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter & Jelly.
FIND it here
Cold Stone
41Cold 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 apple pie filling, coconut flakes, 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
42JP 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
43Afters 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 ice cream or mango sorbet.
FIND it here
Wing Ice Cream
44 Wing Ice Cream
Honolulu, HI
Head to Honolulu’s Chinatown to try delicious Asian ice cream flavors like tom kha, Pineapple Thai Basil, and Yuzu-Cardamom—all of which are vegan-friendly and mouthwateringly good.
Find it here
Erewhon
45 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
46 Scoop 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), Choc PB Indulgence, and Cookie Crumble.
Find it here
Morgenstern’s Bananas
47 Morgenstern’s Bananas
New York, NY
When it comes to vegan ice cream, you’re truly spoiled for choice at Morgenstern’s Bananas. In fact, at this ice cream shop, dairy options are in the minority. Delectable dairy-free options include Midnight Chocolate and Salted Peanut Butter.
Find it here
Oatly
48 Carvel
Multiple locations
Earlier this year, 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
For more vegan ice cream, read:
Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
Sarah McLaughlin (@sarahmclaughlin) is the New Products Editor at VegNews and is always on the search for the newest innovations in plant-based food.
Tanya Flink is a Digital Editor at VegNews as well as a writer and runner living in Orange County, CA.
