Scoop for scoop, Vancouver is a haven for ice cream seekers. We’re a city that celebrates the active lifestyle; from bike lanes and hiking to boutique fitness studios and run clubs.
With all of this movement and exercise sometimes a slower pace is needed to balance things out…because that’s what we’re all in search of after all. Balance.
This is where Vancouver’s love for Ice Cream comes into play. Through endless Summer lines that reach city block lengths to Winter cravings for ageless comforts, the ice cream joints are busy year long. With this, there has been a steady growth in the Ice Cream sector since Earnest Ice Cream paved the way for the local Ice Cream scene in 2012.
If the truth be told, not many of us can properly metabolize dairy. Dairy isn’t for everyone; whether it be for ethics, or health, or diet, or all of the above, or maybe none of the above. The plant based or 0% dairy options are growing. Here are our Top Spots for Vegan Ice Cream in Vancouver:
Earnest Ice Cream: The original player in the ‘modern’ ice cream movement in Vancouver. They started as a food cart at the Farmers Markets in 2012 and have since grown in to the most in demand scoop spot in town. They always have at least one vegan ice cream option, usually coconut based.
Chau Veggiexpress: One of the best spots for plant based food in Vancouver. Talk to any food lover and there’s a good chance that Chau is on their best-of-list. Beyond their amazing lunch and dinner options these guys knock it out of the park with their dessert. The Hazlenut Praline Vegan Ice Cream is hands down one of the best sweet treats in the city. Double down with their Hazelnut Praline Bar to make it even that much better.
Rain or Shine: Rain or Shine rivals Earnest for lineups during Summer’s peak ice cream season. Line ups like these are usually a good indicator of top quality product. Their vegan options rotate, but they always offer a 'Vegan Yumaste’ Sundae, which features their most current vegan scoop, plus vegan chocolate sauce and hazelnuts. Trust us, that you won’t regret ordering the Yumaste. It’s delicious.
Rain or Shine: Rain or Shine rivals Earnest for lineups during Summer’s peak ice cream season. Line ups like these are usually a good indicator of top quality product. Their vegan options rotate, but they always offer a 'Vegan Yumaste’ Sundae, which features their most current vegan scoop, plus vegan chocolate sauce and hazelnuts. Trust us, that you won’t regret ordering the Yumaste. It’s delicious.
Mister: One of the recent additions to the Vancouver Ice Cream scene. Mister’s offering is different then the usual scoop experience. There’s a bit of a performance that goes into the making of a cup of Mister Ice Cream. They make each serving per order, using liquid nitrogen. The liquid nitrogen creates an unmatched creaminess in texture due to the rapid freezing process, which prevents the formation of large ice crystals. Their vegan offering also rotates, but it is the most similar in terms of texture and flavour to its dairy full counterpart.
Nice Vice Creamery: Take your pick, because every flavour is 0% dairy. Nice Vice is Vancouver’s first dairy free ‘Creamery.’ They use everything from cashews to coconut milk to sweet potatoes to make their wide variety of vegan ice cream offerings. They also have a complimentary gourmet salt bar to top things off with the perfect hint of savoury. The flavours are amazing and it just happens to be all plant based.
Say Hello: A new Vancouver food truck also offering 100% dairy free offerings. They offer scoops and ice cream sandwiches. The best way to track this tasty food truck down is to follow them on Instagram or Twitter to see where they’re setting up shop.
Bella Gelateria: Winner of Best Gelato in the whole world a few years back. Not a bad credential to have. They’re sorbet offerings are all vegan and their waffle cones, which are delicious, are also vegan.
Fluffy Kittens Artisan Ice Cream: Located in Chinatown, Fluffy Kitten offers a ‘best of’ variety of locally made ice creams. They stock a delicious collection of artisan ice cream, gelato, popsicles and other frozen treats, including kombucha floats. Amongst their selection of curated treats from around Vancouver is a generous selection of vegan ice creams.
Virtuous Pie: A vegan’s dream. A plant based pizza and ice cream parlour. One stop shop for all dairy free, guilty pleasures. These guys are changing the game for what pizza can look like, plus their ice cream offerings use a unique variety of flavours, such as turmeric.
Vancouver is a city of ice cream lovers, and the options reflect the growing demand for one of the world’s most celebrated comforts. Next time you’re frozen treat cravings hit, give one of these dairy free scoops a go and you might just find your cravings change for these delicious plant based options.