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Whether you’re vegan or not, who doesn’t love ice cream in the summer? And thanks to a few inventive scientists, it’s now possible to eat an entirely plant-based version of everyone’s favourite frozen treat.
Ice cream is usually made with milk and eggs. These two ingredients are what give standard ice cream its creamy texture, but they also make it unsuitable for vegans. As a retailer, you want to maximise your custom, so stocking vegan ice cream as an option is a good idea – especially considering the UK’s vegan food market has grown by 400% between 2014 and 2019.
Luckily, there are plenty of brands now making delicious vegan ice cream that tastes just as good as the non-vegan stuff. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular brands of vegan ice cream you can stock with Eden Farms.
How is vegan ice cream made?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the different types of vegan ice cream, let’s take a quick look at how the ice cream is actually made. The basic ingredients involved in the making of all ice cream types include milk, cream, sugar, and flavourings.
Vegan ice cream, depending on the manufacturer, swaps out these ingredients with non-dairy milk and other thickening agents. Some brands focus on more traditional non-dairy ice cream ingredients such as coconut milk. Others ignore ice cream entirely and make sorbet, which is usually suitable for vegans by default.
What are the benefits of eating vegan ice cream?
There are a ton of health benefits for your customers who might be making the switch to vegan ice cream. First and foremost, it’s a much healthier option than traditional ice cream because you’re cutting out the fats and excess calories that come with milk and eggs. Vegan ice cream is also a great option for those who are lactose intolerant since milk products are off-limits for them. Even for those who have mild reactions to lactose, vegan ice cream can offer a less troublesome alternative.
What’s the difference between vegan ice cream and regular ice cream?
If you’re new to the vegan ice cream scene, you may be wondering what the difference is between vegan ice cream and regular ice cream. There are a few key differences between the two, both in terms of the ingredients and the taste. For starters, vegan ice cream is made with different ingredients than regular ice cream. Vegan ice cream makers use soy milk, sugar, and corn syrup as a substitute for regular milk. Regular ice cream, on the other hand, uses cow’s milk and eggs as main ingredients for its creamy texture. The main difference between vegan and regular ice cream is the lack of dairy products and eggs in vegan ice cream.
Why is ice cream not vegan?
Since vegan ice cream is made with different ingredients than regular ice cream, it’s important to understand why regular ice cream isn’t vegan-friendly. Regular ice cream is made with cow’s milk (and sometimes even cheese!) as a primary ingredient. As we discussed above, cow’s milk is what gives ice cream its creamy texture, but it’s also what makes it not vegan. Eggs are another major non-vegan ice cream ingredient. Ice cream is commonly made with a mixture of cream and whole eggs, which give it a thick texture and make it creamy. So, there you have it! Now you know the difference between vegan ice cream and regular ice cream, and why regular ice cream isn’t vegan-friendly.
Which are the best vegan ice cream brands?
There are tons of vegan ice cream brands out there, but only a few brands have truly become household names in the UK. These brands include Ben & Jerry’s, Booja Booja and Swedish Glace. There’s also the plant-based alternative vegan Magnum, available here in a vegan alternative 20 pack for your customers to enjoy.
Why stock vegan ice cream?
Just like all other dietary options, vegans represent a real audience you can sell to. If you don’t have any vegan options, you risk missing out on trade that could rightly be yours – especially during summer. At Eden Farm, we provide a wide range of vegan options in both the ‘take home’ tub style that is so popular with customers as well as impulse purchases for your ice cream freezer. Click here to see our vegan range.
