Vegan Ice Cream Dreams: Sweet, Creamy, and Guilt-Free Treats

Going on a diet of healthy vegan food is certainly not an easy thing to start with. Getting used to eating creamy dairy ice cream and then moving on to vegan ice cream or vegan gelato can be strange or unusual for some people. The question is, is consuming vegan ice cream suitable for your health? Do they have a texture different from regular ice cream, so it may taste weird? And most importantly, why should we switch to vegan ice cream? What are the benefits that we can receive by consuming vegan ice cream?

This article contains some interesting information about vegan ice cream that might entice you to switch from regular to vegan ice cream!

What ingredients are used in vegan ice cream?

Dairy-free ice cream is a dairy-free alternative to traditional ice cream, made without animal products. Moreover, instead of milk base and cream, it uses plant-based ingredients like coconut, soy, oat, cashew, almond milk or fruit purées. Therefore, vegan ice cream is suitable for people who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy milk. 

The ingredients mentioned can also prove that vegan ice cream is rich in healthy ingredients and brings various benefits to the body, such as containing more fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from natural plant-based ingredients. Many vegan ice cream products are made without artificial additives, synthetic colours, or preservatives, making them more natural.

Is vegan ice cream healthy?

Vegan ice cream with mint

Using vegan ingredients that have their benefits makes vegan frozen desserts healthy, such as vegan ice cream and vegan gelato. Consuming vegan ice cream also reduces the sugar content we usually eat compared to ice cream that uses excessive sweeteners. Changing our snacks and switching to vegan ice cream also helps us have a healthy diet. 

Generally, when we are on a diet, we crave a sweet treat, which must have a very high sugar content. Therefore, vegan sorbet can be a solution as a good vegan dessert that will not torture your diet because it has a good taste image and still fulfils your desire to eat sweet foods.

Top Reasons to Choose Plant-Based

Vegan-Friendly Option

Consuming vegan desserts like ice cream and vegan gelato means that we are eating a vegan-friendly sweet treat. Vegan food is not only vegetables and nuts; in the current era, it has developed and can be processed into ice cream, which is everyone's favourite. Eating vegan food also means that we are free from animal products, which gives us many benefits. 

For example, vegans are closely related to dietary principles and are suitable for people who want to diet by reducing the consumption of animal-derived products. In addition, vegans still benefit their bodies because they contain many healthy ingredients.

Natural Ingredients

Some natural ingredients in vegan ice cream are coconut milk, cashew milk, oat milk, soy milk, coconut sugar, cornstarch and some fruits if you want to add them to make various flavours. The ingredients mentioned are natural ingredients, which are certainly healthier because of lower saturated fat levels and zero cholesterol, in contrast to the usual ice cream, which, in addition to having a delightful taste due to sweeteners, is also high in fat and can lead to many diseases. 

These natural ingredients are also readily available, so you can try this dessert using a homemade vegan ice cream recipe from an ice cream maker. Making soy ice cream is easy, allowing you to experience eating homemade ice cream!  

Lactose-Free Enjoyment

Instead of dairy milk, we make ice cream using plant-based milk such as soy, almond, or coconut milk. This makes the ice cream lactose-free and suitable for those with lactose intolerance, as it does not cause digestive discomfort. Consuming dairy products can cause bloating, cramping, and digestive discomfort. 

Offering lactose-free ice cream means that vegan ice cream is suitable for consumption by various groups, such as vegans, lactose-intolerant individuals, and health-conscious consumers who prefer plant-based options.

Healthier Profile

Vegan sorbet may also be sweetened like regular ice cream, but with natural sweeteners such as cane sugar, coconut sugar, agave nectar, maple syrup, or date syrup. Some brands also use alternative sweeteners like stevia. However, remember that portion control is key, so we should also consume vegan sorbet in moderation as it still contains sweeteners. 

However, this doesn't change the fact that vegan desserts provide healthier benefits than regular ice cream because they offer lower calorie and fat content; alternatives present a more nutritious option for those mindful of their dietary intake.

Diverse Flavours

Like vegan gelato, you can experience various types of vegan ice cream from chocolate and vanilla ice cream to fruit-based flavours. Plant-based ice cream and vegan gelato offer many flavours to tantalise every palate. 

For example, vegan ice cream can be savoured with ingredients like vanilla extract, cocoa powder, fruit purees, nuts, seeds, spices, or extracts such as mint, coffee, or almonds, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. People will be more interested in trying it with various flavours. Vegan ice cream has no taste limitations because it maximises natural ingredients to create different flavours. 

The environmental problem with dairy

Various types of ice cream

The use of vegan food, which has skyrocketed every year, is also based on the environmental problem with dairy. Dairy farming contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, mainly methane, which is over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Methane traps heat and leads to rising temperatures. This also happens when producing vegan ice cream and gelato, which is everyone's favourite dessert, but it generally always uses dairy products.

The increased frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change can stress dairy cows, leading to decreased milk production and increased vulnerability to diseases. Efforts to reduce methane emissions in the dairy sector are expected to cost the industry at least $35 million annually, raising concerns about who will bear these expenses. Dairy farmers face pressure to meet emission reduction targets set by buyers, yet premiums for low-emission products have not materialised. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ice cream and vegan ice cream?

While traditional ice cream is known for its rich creaminess, non-dairy ice cream offers a plant-based, lactose-free, and often more sustainable alternative. The best vegan ice creams use high-fat plant milks (like coconut or cashew) to mimic the traditional texture.

Why do people eat vegan ice cream?

What is vegan ice cream made out of?

Conclusion

Dairy-free ice cream has revolutionised the frozen dessert industry, offering a delicious, dairy-free alternative to traditional ice cream. Made from plant-based milks like coconut, almond, soy, and oat, it provides a creamy texture and rich flavours without the drawbacks of dairy. Not only is vegan ice cream suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals and vegans, but it also comes with health benefits, such as lower cholesterol levels, reduced saturated fats, and natural sweeteners for a guilt-free indulgence. You should also try vegan gelato to enjoy an excellent vegan dessert!

Whether you want to make a healthier choice, reduce your environmental footprint, or enjoy a new, exciting twist on frozen treats, vegan ice cream is perfect. Next time you're craving something sweet, why not try it? Explore the best vegan food at Brother Bon and check out our interesting menu!