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Plant-based ice cream offers a sweet treat alternative.

By Alexis Ramlall

Many plant-based ice creams utilize different base ingredients beyond traditional dairy, such as soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk and even avocado. | PHOTO: PAMELAJOEMCFARLANE/iSTOCK

FROM CROSS-COUNTRY FRANCHISES to mom-and-pop shops, alternative ice creams are showing up in ice cream parlours across Canada. Here’s the scoop on the plant-based trend and why you might want a taste. The emergence of plant-based ice cream delivers a delightful and extensive array of non-dairy choices, which caters to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a scoop of frozen dessert. What’s more, plant-based ice creams reach a wider consumer base — notably vegans and the 44 percent of Canadians affected by lactose intolerance, according to the non-profit Canadian Digestive Health Foundation. Non-dairy options may allow this segment of the population to enjoy a range of ice creams, shakes and sundaes without experiencing the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.

Ready to hop on the alternative-ice-cream train? Go ahead and visit a shop near you that serves plant-based ice creams. CAA

Chaeban's ice creamery is in a bright sunny space with wooden tables and hanging ferns.

Chaeban is an award-winning ice creamery boasting a wide selection of traditional and dairy-free alternatives with fun flavour names like Glen Coconut, Joe Mango-Nello and La Vida Lemon.

Six colourful scoops of ice cream sit in a tub.

Fête Ice Cream & Coffee’s vegan treats include dairy-free ice creams. The lengthy seasonal menu is subject to availability, but dairy-free Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream and vegan London Fog are always on offer at their café in Winnipeg.

A crowd of people are lined up around the block, waiting to enter Winnipeg's Sub Zero Ice Cream shop.

Sub Zero Ice Cream has been crafting cold treats in Winnipeg’s Elmwood neighbourhood since 1988. This women-owned shop offers a menu of non-dairy parfaits, made with vegan vanilla soft serve and toppings that include crushed peanuts, mango and toasted coconut. They also offer non-dairy sundaes, milkshakes and flurries.

A scoop of Oatmeal Apple Caramel Crunch ice cream in a bowl, from Winnipeg's Dug and Betty's Ice Creamery. An oatmeal cookie and a cup of apple sauce sit on the table next to the bowl.

Dug & Betty’s Ice Creamery, located in the heart of Winnipeg’s Saint-Boniface neighbourhood, serves small-batch, house-made ice creams and sorbettos, including vegan and dairy-free flavours such as Oatmeal Apple Caramel Crunch, Soy Chocolate Caramel Cookie Dough and Vegan Cookie Dough.