Top Dairy-Free Frozen Desserts at Grocery Stores You’ll Love

Going dairy-free doesn’t mean saying goodbye to sweet, creamy treats. Thanks to the rising demand for allergy-friendly and plant-based options, grocery stores are now stocked with a variety of dairy free frozen desserts that cater to every craving—from rich chocolate indulgence to fruity sorbets and novelty bars. Whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or just trying to avoid dairy, there are more delicious choices than ever.

In this article, we’ll explore the best dairy free frozen desserts at grocery stores, what ingredients to watch for, and tips on how to choose the tastiest and healthiest options.

Why Go Dairy-Free?

More people are turning to dairy free frozen desserts at grocery stores for several reasons:

• Lactose intolerance or dairy allergy

• Vegan or plant-based lifestyle

• Chronic health conditions like acne, inflammation, or digestive issues

• Personal preference or ethical choices

Whatever your reason, the good news is: you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or variety.

Types of Dairy-Free Frozen Desserts

Here are the most popular types you’ll find:

1. Plant-Based Ice Cream Alternatives

These are made with milk alternatives like:

• Almond milk – Light and nutty

• Coconut milk – Creamy with tropical flavor

• Oat milk – Naturally sweet and rich

• Soy milk – High protein and neutral

• Cashew milk – Ultra-smooth and buttery

Best Brands to Try at Grocery Stores:

• So Delicious – Coconut Milk Vanilla Bean or Oatmilk Snickerdoodle

• Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy – Chocolate Fudge Brownie made with almond milk

• Planet Oat – Cookie Dough or Coffee Fudge Swirl

• Oatly! Frozen Dessert – Chocolate, Salted Caramel, and seasonal picks

• Nadamoo! – Organic, small-batch desserts with coconut milk

2. Fruit-Based Sorbets

Sorbets are naturally dairy-free and ideal for fruit lovers. They’re made from real fruit purée, sugar, and water.

Top Picks:

• Talenti Sorbetto – Raspberry or Alphonso Mango

• Jeni’s Frosé Sorbet – Adult-friendly flavor made with rosé wine

• Häagen-Dazs Mango Sorbet – Simple, sweet, and flavorful

These are perfect for those who want a refreshing dessert without creaminess.

3. Dairy-Free Novelties and Bars

Craving something handheld or nostalgic? The freezer aisle has dairy free frozen desserts at grocery stores in the form of bars, sandwiches, and pops.

Popular Choices:

• So Delicious Dipped Bars – Vanilla coconut milk ice cream dipped in chocolate

• GoodPop – Clean-label fruit pops with minimal ingredients

• Coconut Bliss Bars – Organic and rich

• Jolly Llama Dairy-Free Cones – A perfect swap for classic drumsticks

These are fun and easy to grab-and-go, especially for kids or summer treats.

How to Read Labels for Dairy-Free Options

Even though something is labeled “non-dairy,” that doesn’t always mean it’s completely dairy-free. Here’s how to ensure you’re getting safe dairy free frozen desserts at grocery stores:

Look for:

• “Dairy-Free” or “Vegan” label on the front

• No milk, butterfat, casein, whey, or lactose in the ingredients

• Certified dairy-free symbols from allergen certifiers like Certified Vegan

Watch Out For:

• “May contain milk” disclaimers – often due to shared equipment

• Lactose-free doesn’t mean dairy-free—it may still contain milk proteins

• Hidden dairy ingredients like caseinate or ghee

Tip: Always double-check the label, especially if you have a severe milk allergy.

What to Consider When Choosing a Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert

With so many options, how do you choose the right one? Keep the following in mind:

1. Texture

Some plant-based milks result in icier textures (like almond or rice milk), while others—like cashew, oat, or coconut—produce a creamier scoop.

2. Flavor Strength

Coconut-based desserts often retain a strong coconut flavor. If you want something more neutral, try oat or cashew bases.

3. Nutrition

Not all dairy free frozen desserts at grocery stores are created equal. Watch for:

• Added sugars – Some contain more than 20g per serving

• Saturated fat – Especially in coconut-based products

• Protein & fiber – Oat and soy bases often provide more nutrients

4. Allergen-Friendly

If you have multiple food allergies, look for brands that are:

• Gluten-free

• Soy-free

• Nut-free

• Made in dedicated allergen-safe facilities

Budget-Friendly Tips

While dairy free frozen desserts at grocery stores can be pricier than traditional ice cream, there are smart ways to save:

• Buy store-brand versions – Many chains like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods 365, and Target’s Good & Gather offer excellent options.

• Look for sales and coupons – Sign up for brand newsletters or grocery apps.

• Portion smartly – Choose single-serve cups or novelty bars to reduce waste and cost.

• Make your own – Blend frozen bananas, cocoa powder, and nut butter for DIY “nice cream.”

Final Thoughts

Gone are the days when going dairy-free meant missing out on dessert. Today’s grocery shelves are filled with indulgent, allergen-friendly treats that taste just as good—if not better—than their dairy-filled counterparts. From rich chocolate ice creams to refreshing fruit bars, there’s a delicious variety of dairy free frozen desserts at grocery stores to explore.

Whether you’re new to a dairy-free lifestyle or a longtime pro, give these options a try on your next grocery run—you just might find your new favorite indulgence.

Hi, I’m Kristi—mom of three, former teacher, and the heart behind Utterly Us. Our journey through life with severe food allergies has reshaped how we cook, eat, and care for one another. I’m here to share what we’ve learned, offer hope, and remind you—you’re never alone in this