Ice cream has stood at the top of my dessert list for my entire life, and I’m not picky when it comes to flavors. However, I, in addition to almost 65 percent of the human population according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, have some difficulty digesting lactose. I eat a dairy-free diet, which is surprisingly easy given the number of vegan and dairy-free replacements for things like milk, cheese and most importantly: ice cream. Here are my top five dairy free ice cream brands that I would recommend to anyone, regardless of your dietary needs. 

#5: Halo Top Dairy Free

Base: Coconut

Halo Top rose to prominence as a low-calorie, low-sugar replacement for your typical ice cream. The dairy free version is definitely comparable to the original, but not to regular ice cream because of their weird texture. They use erythritol, a type of sugar alcohol, to make their signature low-calorie pints. This, as well as the rice protein concentrate and pea protein isolate, make for a chalkier and less smooth finish. Halo Top offers a huge array of flavors including Birthday Cake, Pancakes & Waffles, Oatmeal Cookie, Peanut Butter Cup and seasonal flavors. If you’re a fan of the original Halo Top and don’t mind the odd texture, then the dairy-free kind is worth a try. 

#4: Talenti Dairy-Free Sorbetto

Base: Varies

Talenti’s Dairy-Free differs from the others because it doesn’t have a milk base for any of its flavors. The fruit-based ones like Alphonso Mango and Roman Raspberry Sorbetto contain their respective fruits, and the Peanut Butter Fudge is full of peanuts instead of nut milks. The Peanut Butter Fudge is easily the best flavor because it tastes like a Reese’s Cup in ice cream form and is so rich. This ice cream feels fancy, which only adds to the enjoyment. 

#3: Breyers Non-Dairy

Base: Almond 

Breyer’s has expanded significantly over the past few years to accomodate a multitude of dietary restrictions with their CarbSmart, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO and Lactose Free, in addition to their two Non-Dairy flavors: OREO and Vanilla Peanut Butter Swirl. Even though there are only two flavors as of now, they are smooth and creamy enough to deserve the number three spot on my list. My dad ate a bowl of the OREO flavor, thinking it was regular ice cream, and was not even disappointed when I told him it was non-dairy. This definitely shows the quality of Breyers Non-Dairy if it can pass for regular ice cream without question. 

#2: Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy

Base: Almond

Ben & Jerry’s non-dairy ice creams have two choices for their base: almond milk or the newer sunflower butter. However, I’ve only tried the almond milk ones and they are really good. The non-dairy versions of Ben & Jerry’s classic flavors like Cherry Garcia and Coconut Seven Layer Bar are just as chock-full of the chunks and swirls that make the originals so good. These are much better when they can sit out for a little before consumption because almond milk-based ice cream takes longer to melt. Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy desserts taste just like their original counterparts, and if you have a favorite flavor, I would highly recommend the non-dairy choice as well. 

#1: So Delicious Dairy Free 

Base: Varies

So Delicious had no direct competition for the top spot on this list for a multitude of reasons. First, they are the most developed dairy-free brand for ice cream, as they offer bases made from almond, soy, coconut, oat and my personal favorite: cashew. So Delicious has the best variety of flavors to choose from, including Bananas Foster, Coconut Macaroon, S’mores and Blueberry Cardamom. The texture of each base is extremely similar to regular ice cream, and each is full of the ingredients that make the specific flavor unique. Their intriguing flavors and superb texture make So Delicious Dairy Free ice cream the best dairy alternative that even milk drinkers should try.