Ice cream without dairy? Absolutely. You can give up milk without breaking up with your favourite tub of chocolate ice cream. India’s plant-based dessert scene has options ranging from oat milk gelato and coconut-based scoops to vegan takes on familiar Indian flavours. The trick is knowing which brands actually offer dairy-free options, because not everything labelled “light” or “plant-based” is automatically vegan. On World Vegan Day, here are eight names to explore when your sweet tooth refuses to compromise.
World Vegan Day: 8 Plant-Based Ice Cream Brands In India
1. White Cub
If your idea of dessert involves a generous scoop rather than a lecture about healthy eating, White Cub is worth exploring. The brand makes dairy-free frozen desserts using plant-based ingredients, including almond milk and coconut cream. Its flavour selection has included Belgian Chocolate, Berrylicious and Badaam-Khajur, which combines the familiar nuttiness of almonds with the sweetness of dates.
The last one is particularly interesting if you enjoy Indian-inspired desserts but want something different from your usual chocolate or vanilla. It is a reminder that vegan ice cream can have its own personality rather than simply imitate dairy.
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2. 1.5 Degree
1.5 Degree brings a plant-based approach to gelato, sorbet and kulfi. Its oat milk-based gelato offers an alternative to traditional milk-heavy recipes, while flavours such as Alphonso Mango make the most of fruit that already tastes like summer in India. The brand also explores kulfi, giving dairy-free dessert lovers an opportunity to try something closer to a familiar Indian favourite.
If you are tired of seeing vegan menus begin and end with chocolate, this is a name to investigate. Check the current menu and ingredient details before ordering, since availability can vary on World Vegan Day.
3. NOTO
NOTO has built its name around lighter indulgences, and its vegan options make it relevant to anyone taking a break from dairy. Flavours previously offered in its plant-based range include Dark Chocolate, Mocha Almond, Salted Caramel, Pistachio and Choco Hazelnut. Think chocolate cravings, nutty flavours and a dessert that does not need to be plain to be dairy-free.
One catch is that, well, NOTO sells conventional ice cream too, so do not assume every tub is vegan just because it comes from the same brand. Check the ingredients before adding it to your cart.
4. Minus 30
Minus 30 is another brand to check if you like your desserts with a little more character. Its vegan offerings have featured ingredients such as almond milk, almond butter, vegan chocolate and fruit, with options for those who prefer chocolate-heavy treats as well as fruitier flavours.
Some products have also been marketed without added sugar, although that does not mean every item in the range fits the same nutritional profile. Since menus and stock can change, look at the current selection before getting your hopes up about a particular flavour.
5. Nomou
The name Nomou is a playful nod to a life without moo, and the brand focuses on artisanal plant-based gelato. Its range has included Vanilla Bean, Choco Chip and Salted Caramel, catering to people who would rather stick to classic flavours than experiment with an unfamiliar dessert. Nomou has described its products as dairy-free and refined-sugar-free, with an emphasis on avoiding artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.
6. The Brooklyn Creamery
Chocolate, brownies, mint and caramel are a pretty convincing argument for not giving up ice cream, and The Brooklyn Creamery has explored these combinations in its dairy-free range. Past offerings have included Mint Oreo Crumble, Coco Mocha Gooey Brownie, Belgian Nutty Brownie and Banoffee Crunch.
Coconut milk and coconut cream feature in its plant-based formulations, helping create a richer dessert experience. If you are the person who always orders the most elaborate flavour on the menu, this range is worth a look.
7. Go Zero
Go Zero caters to people looking for lighter frozen treats, with plant-based options among its offerings. Coconut milk is used in some of its dairy-free desserts, making the brand another option to investigate when you want something sweet without conventional dairy. The important distinction is that a low-calorie dessert is not necessarily vegan, and a vegan dessert is not automatically low in calories.
8. Benelato
Formerly known as Vegan Heart, Benelato makes plant-based gelato using ingredients such as oat milk and dates. Its reported flavour selection has included Belgian Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla Bean, Salted Caramel, Chikoo and Thandai.
The last two deserve special attention; chikoo brings a distinctly Indian fruit flavour to the menu, while thandai offers a festive twist that feels far removed from the standard supermarket ice cream aisle. Benelato has also offered bite-sized frozen treats for those who want a small dessert rather than a full scoop, and is a delight on World Vegan Day.
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All in all, we would say, check the ingredient list of each product, not just the brand name. Look out for milk solids, whey, casein and other dairy ingredients, and check allergen information if you have an allergy. Vegan ice cream has come a long way, but the best choice still depends on the flavour you fancy and what goes into the tub on World Vegan Day.
Cover Image Courtesy: 1.5degree/website
FAQs
Which brands offer vegan ice cream in India?
Brands to explore include White Cub, 1.5 Degree, NOTO, Minus 30, Nomou, The Brooklyn Creamery, Go Zero and Benelato.
What is vegan ice cream made of?
Vegan ice cream can be made using plant-based ingredients such as coconut milk, coconut cream, almond milk or oat milk. Depending on the recipe, it may also contain fruit, nuts, cocoa, natural sweeteners and other flavouring ingredients.
Is dairy-free ice cream the same as vegan ice cream?
Not always. Dairy-free ice cream does not contain dairy ingredients, while vegan ice cream should also exclude other animal-derived ingredients, such as honey in products where it is used. Check the full ingredient list before buying.
