Vegan Gelato Guide (Best Brands + Easy Recipe)
If you’ve always wanted to try creating velvety-smooth vegan gelato at home, just keep reading. From choosing the right non-dairy milk to infusing flavors with natural ingredients, you’re guaranteed to have a cool and creamy batch done in no time. Or, would you rather enjoy this delectable treat already made? No problem! You’ll know exactly which brands to look for when out and about at the store.
Get ready to experience the creamy goodness of this plant-based frozen dessert like never before! Time to go-go, Gelato!
Is Gelato Vegan?
Vegan gelato is a dairy-free and plant-based version of traditional gelato that does not contain any animal products (including eggs). Instead of dairy milk, this frozen dessert is typically made with vegan milks such as almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk. It may also use ingredients like coconut cream or nut butters (such as peanut butter) to achieve a creamy texture.
Vegan gelato can be flavored with fruits, nuts (like these yummy candied walnuts), vegan chocolate, or other vegan-friendly ingredients to create a variety of delicious, vibrant flavors.
What’s the Difference Between Gelato and Ice Cream?
Gelato and ice cream are both frozen desserts, but they have some key differences. Generally, gelato tends to be lighter and more intensely flavored than ice cream, with a smoother, denser texture. Here’s how they are different:
- Ingredients: Gelato typically contains less cream and more milk than ice cream, making it lower in fat. It also usually has less air churned into it during the freezing process, giving it a denser texture.
- Texture: Gelato is known for its smooth, dense texture, while ice cream is often fluffier and creamier due to the higher fat content and more air incorporated during churning.
- Serving Temperature: Gelato is served at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream, which enhances its creamy texture and intense flavor.
- Flavor Intensity: Because gelato has less fat than ice cream, its flavors can be more intense and pure.
- Storage: Ice cream is typically stored at colder temperatures than gelato, which affects its texture and creaminess.
While we already loved vegan ice cream, we are swooning for vegan gelato!
Best Vegan Gelato Brands
Discover the top vegan gelato brands that offer delicious dairy-free treats! These brands are known for their creamy textures and bold flavors. It’s time to find your new favorite vegan gelato brand and indulge in guilt-free sweetness.
DeeBee’s Organics
DeeBee’s offers a range of dairy-free gelato products made from organic and natural ingredients. Their gelato is free from dairy, gluten, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Their pops are also refined sugar-free. This brand is committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and supporting fair trade practices. Pops come in creamy and dreamy Pineapple, Lime, and Mango.
Gelato Boy
Gelato from Gelato Boy is made with natural ingredients and no dairy or eggs. They have classic and unique flavors that everyone loves. This company cares about the environment and animals, using local ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. Their vegan-friendly flavors include Dark Chocolate, Strawberry, Limoncello, Tropical Mango, and Triple Berry.
Love’s Ice Cream and Chocolate
Ship-to-your-door vegan gelato pints in flavors such as Lavender Blueberry, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Amaretto Cherry, Madcap Coffee, Dreamy Strawberry, Mixed Berry Crumble, Coconut Cream Pie, Dark Chocolate, Blood Orange Mango, Fresh Mint Chip, Peanut Butter, Key Lime Pie, Coconut Fudge Ripple, Peanut Butter Cookie, Black Forest Cake, Cardamom Orange Blossom, Coconut Chip, Mocha Hazelnut, and Chai Latte. Wow!
Nubocha
Nubocha offers a range of dairy-free gelato, which is made using plant-based ingredients. Their gelato comes in a variety of flavors and is known for its creamy texture and rich taste. Nubocha’s vegan gelato provides a delicious and cruelty-free dessert option for those looking to enjoy a sweet treat without animal products. Choose from flavors such as Cold Brew, Chocolate Arriba, Italian Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Peanut Butter, and Pistachio.
O’MY Gelato
Vegan gelato products by O’MY are a delicious and creamy dairy-free treat made from high-quality ingredients. They offer a variety of plant-based gelato flavors including Strawberry, Mint Chip, Cake Batter, Vanilla, Chocolate, and Coffee. O’MY gelato is free from dairy, soy, sugar alcohols, and inulin, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. Plus, their products are made with non-GMO, allergen-friendly ingredients and are certified vegan, so you can enjoy them with peace of mind.
Valsoia
The delightful vegan gelato products from Valsoia are dairy-free, creamy in texture, and rich in taste. Their gelato bars comes in various flavors, such as Vanilla & Almond, Vanilla Salted Caramel Swirl, Pistachio Swirl Mini, and Italian Mini flavors. Plus, their products are free from artificial colors and preservatives, ensuring a natural and delicious experience with every scoop. Also available in cones and sandwiches!
Wonderlab’s Doozy Pots
Wonderlabs crafts plant-based gelato with a unique blend of flavors and premium ingredients. Their range includes classic favorites alongside inventive options, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Indulge in creamy vegan options like Banana Cinnamon Date Swirl, Chocolate Mint Chip, Chocolate Raspberry Swirl, and Smooth Coffee. Renowned for their creamy texture and rich taste, Wonder Labs Doozy Pots’ gelato is a delightful indulgence that’s free from artificial additives, offering a guilt-free dessert experience.
Vegan Gelato FAQs
Generally, gelato has less air and less fat than ice cream, so it’s denser and smoother. Ice cream is creamier because it has more fat and air whipped into it.
Traditional gelato often contains egg yolks, but not always. The use of eggs in gelato can vary depending on the recipe and the region where it is made. Some recipes call for egg yolks to add richness and a smooth texture, while others are made without eggs for a lighter, more refreshing dessert. Vegan gelato, of course, is made without any eggs or dairy products
It is typically made from plant-based ingredients such as non-dairy milk (like almond, soy, coconut, or cashew milk), sugar, and flavorings. These ingredients are blended and churned to create a creamy, dairy-free frozen dessert.
VegNews has a helpful article about where to find dairy-free gelato in the US. Consider also using the Happy Cow app to search for “vegan gelato” or “dairy-free gelato” in your area.
No, Talenti gelato is not vegan-friendly. While they clearly label their dairy-free versions of gelato in green on the front of the container, their gelatos contain egg whites and egg yolks. They do offer dairy-free sorbetto, and several of those flavors are vegan. Just check the label, as some of the sorbettos contain eggs.
Vegan Gelato Recipe
After exploring the diverse array of vegan gelato brands available, why not try your hand at creating your own delicious frozen treat at home?
Below, we’ve included a simple yet indulgent dairy-free gelato recipe that you can easily whip up in your own kitchen. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll be able to enjoy the creamy texture and rich flavors of homemade vegan gelato whenever cravings strike!
Vegan Gelato
Equipment
- high-powered blender such as a Vitamix or Blendtec
Ingredients
- 2 (13.5-ounce) cans full-fat coconut milk, refrigerated overnight
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- To a blender, add the coconut milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Purée until smooth.
- Follow the instructions on your ice cream maker to create creamy vegan gelato.
- Enjoy immediately or transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze until ready to serve. If frozen, allow the gelato to thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to achieve a softer texture.
Notes
- Mix It Up: Create any flavor variety by adding in fresh or dried fruit, nuts, seeds, extracts, and any other mix-ins (such as vegan candy)
Nutrition
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Leave a Comment
This is the perfect dessert for me to make for Sunday family gatherings. The weather is getting warmer and I am sure everyone would love to have this as their dessert. Thanks for the recipe!
Perfect for this warm weather!
I was looking for a vegan gelato/ice cream recipe for a friend’s birthday. This was perfect — smooth and creamy. Thanks for saving the day!
So excited to try this one! Looks so easy!
This is such a great gelato recipe! I would much rather have a go at making my own than using store-bought. Can’t wait to have a scoop or three with a slice of warm apple pie.
Wow! This vegan gelato is SO yummy and really easy to make!
I’ve been dying to try vegan gelato! Can’t wait to make this recipe again. Truly delicious! Mmmm…
So easy to make. So delicious!!!
Such a delicious gelato recipe! Can’t wait to make it again.
This gelato recipe is the absolute BEST!