Also Read: Cool Off This Summer With This Homemade, Vegan Coconut Ice-Cream
No matter how much we love the good old-fashioned ice cream, not everyone can consume it without feeling pain in their stomachs. Some facts state that around 75 per cent of the world’s population is lactose intolerant. Besides, people have also started getting concerned about the treatment of dairy cows and the impact of the dairy industry on the environment. Keeping the scenario in mind, it is easily understood why the vegan ice creams are gaining popularity.
Now, many have a question about whether vegan ice cream is healthier. The answer to this is Yes. Basic dairy ice cream is made up of cow’s milk, heavy cream, and eggs while vegan ice creams are made up of plant products like coconut milk, almond milk, soya milk, cashew milk, pea protein, etc. Believe me, vegan ice creams are as tasty as the basic dairy ice creams but doesn’t impact your cholesterol level like the dairy one does. Another benefit of vegan ice cream is that it is the best substitute for lactose intolerant people. Not only it is animal friendly and eco-friendly but has fewer calories.
Now, not all vegan ice creams are healthier than those with heavy cream and eggs. There are certain things that are needed to be looked at if you are willing to choose vegan ice cream.
- It is always better to choose a vegan ice cream that is low in sugar. There is no denying the fact sugar can cause a slew of health issues whether it is weight gain, fatty liver disease, or diabetes. Sugar content can vary in different vegan ice cream brands. Some are high in sugar while some have low sugar content. When one has decided to switch to vegan ice creams, it’s better to choose ice cream with a sugar content of 10 gm or even less.
- Another common content that some vegan ice creams have is saturated fat which can lead to an increase in harmful cholesterol in the body. But we always have the option to check the contents before buying. It is advisable to buy a vegan ice cream that has 5 gm or even less saturated fat.
- Another component that may vary from brand to brand is calories. Some vegan ice creams have around 200 calories per serving while some offer 100 gm or even less calorie count per serving. The low-calorie count is always the best.
We also have a list of some top brands that offer delicious but healthy vegan ice creams. Have a look.
Papacream
Papacream won the PETA Food Awards in 2019. Papacream is not particularly a vegan brand but it offers a wide range of vegan and tasty ice cream flavours. Papacream’s vegan ice-creams a hit among local people because of serving ice creams with a low glycaemic index, making it a fit for diabetics.
White Cub
Founded in Delhi, White cubs was among the first dairy-free ice cream brands in the market. One of the oldest vegan ice cream brands, it has its outlets in Delhi, Gurgaon, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru. White Cub won the PETA Vegan Food Awards for consecutive two years.
Hangyo
This Mangalore-based ice cream company collaborated with the Government of India and launched two plant-based varieties. Though they have started, two of their coconut milk ice creams i.e., choconut delicacy and coconut delicacy are quite popular. ‘Hangyo’ means ‘come here’ in Amchi Konkani and it has its outlets in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
Nomou
This Mumbai-based ice cream company serves artisanal plant-based vegan ice creams which are devoid of artificial colours, preservatives or flavours. It has a vegan ice-cream ‘Fig & Walnut’ which was no added sugar. Figs have been used to sweeten this delicious vegan ice cream.
Minus 30
Minus 30 is a Delhi-based ice cream brand that offers vast flavours of vegan and sugar-free ice creams. Though not particularly a vegan brand, it offers a wide range of vegan ice creams Gourmet ice cream made with plant milk and stevia is a hit here.
There are many other brands that have been growing into the vegan ice cream genre and leaving behind the old dairy ice creams. Let us know if there is any brand which offers the creamiest and the tastiest vegan ice creams in your town.
