National Ice Cream Day, right in the heart of summer, is the perfect excuse to indulge and there’s never been a better time to go vegan! While traditional dairy ice cream may be classic, it comes with health concerns. Fortunately, creamy, delicious vegan alternatives are now easy to find.
🥛 Why Skip Dairy Ice Cream?
- Lactose & Casein Sensitivities: Many people have trouble digesting milk sugars (lactose) or milk proteins (casein), which can cause bloating, cramps, and discomfort.
- High in Saturated Fat & Sugar: Milk-based ice creams are rich in saturated fat and refined sugar, contributing to obesity, heart disease, and blood sugar spikes .
- Ultra-Processed Ingredients: Even so-called “diet” or low-calorie ice creams often contain emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, and sugar alcohols, which may upset digestion .
🌱 Healthier, Delicious Vegan Ice Cream
Today’s vegan ice creams, crafted from almond, oat, coconut, cashew, banana, pea, or soy bases, deliver rich flavor and creamy texture with less saturated fat and often added fiber. They match dairy ice cream in indulgence without the dairy drawbacks.
🍨 Top Vegan Ice Cream Brands to Try
- Ben & Jerry’s Non‑Dairy: Oat and almond milk-based flavors like Milk & Cookies and Cherry Garcia.
- Halo Top Dairy‑Free: Lower in calories, with protein-rich plant-based ingredients.
- Jeni’s Non‑Dairy: Standouts include Cold Brew with Coconut Cream.
- So Delicious: Favorites like Salted Caramel Cluster deliver rich texture.
- Brave Robot: Uses precision-fermented dairy proteins for a truly creamy, dairy-free taste.
- Breyers: A classic brand with my favorite Cookies & Cream
📍 Jacksonville Vegan Ice Cream Hotspots
Dreamette Ice Cream (Springfield)
Located at 1401 N Main St, this spot offers a broad non‑dairy menu—from vegan parfaits and shakes to Orange Dole soft-serve (dreametteicecream.com). HappyCow reviewers say:
“The amount of vegan selections here is unreal… Everything tastes amazing.” (HappyCow)
San Marco Dreamette
Specializes in vegan soft-serve and Dole Whip-style options in cake cones, slushies, and shakes. Located at 1905 Hendricks Ave, their vegan vanilla and pineapple Dole Whip are crowd favorites (HappyCow, San Marco Dreamette). Reviews praise:
“They have orange and pineapple dole whip as well as vegan vanilla soft serve.” (HappyCow)
…and enjoy flexible toppings and large portions (HappyCow).
Mayday Ice Cream
This Florida grown small batch creamery features a dairy-free sorbet selection, including seasonal and boozy flavors. Located at 725 Skymarks Dr Suite 12, their ice cream is one to try (Maydayicecream.com) Reviews praise:
“You guys need to visit this place, it’s extremely good!” (HappyCow)
📍 Atlanta Vegan Ice Cream Hotspots
Eighty7sweets Vegan Ice Cream
An all-vegan, coconut-milk-based shop Located at 56 Broad St NW. Be sure to try the cookie bowl (eighty7sweets.com) Reviews praise:
“The ice cream was phenomenal not like anything we have had before.” (Google)
Big Softie
Has vanilla and chocolate flavors and a variety of topping. Located at 66 Georgia Ave SE, be sure to give their vegan brownie topping a try! (Bigsoftieatl.com) Reviews praise:
“I got peanut crunch. So good. Went twice in one week!” (Happycow)
🎉 Celebrate with Vegan Ice Cream This Year
- Host a tasting party with selections like Ben & Jerry’s, So Delicious, and Halo Top.
- DIY vegan ice cream at home—try coconut or oat milk with flavors like mint chip or vanilla bean.
- Support local businesses: Visit Jacksonville’s Springfield Dreamette or Atlanta’s Eighty7Sweets for indulgent vegan treats.
✅ Final Scoop
This National Ice Cream Day, choose a treat that’s delicious, kind to your body—and planet-friendly. With Jacksonville’s quality vegan shops and national brands, indulgence can be guilt-free!
📸 Snap your scoop, tag your ice cream partner, and use #veganizedliving!