I Scream for Ice Cream!
So we’ve had quite a bit of fun researching for this post. Family and friends have been introduced to some new frozen delectables. Let’s start with good old-fashioned ice cream. You don’t have to swear off dairy right away completely to start making more animal-friendly choices. First step: think cage-free eggs, organic ingredients, supplied by local farms. Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream has a colorful web site that tells the story of ice cream from Cow to Cone that will get you thinking more about the whole process. The site also offers all kinds of cool features, including kid computer games like Eco-Mission that promote conscientious consumer practices. For some, it’s problematic that the parent company of Ben & Jerry’s is Unilever (not animal-friendly); but I encourage everyone to check out the web site – it really is informative and fun.
While “organic” does have some implications about animal treatment, however, it is far from a 100% cruelty-free guarantee. So if you’re ready to take the next step, there are plenty of delicious non-dairy options. When I treat myself to a summertime sweet, these are my top choices (some of which are in my freezer right now):
- Purely Decadent (by Turtle Mountain)
These non-dairy ice creams are soy-free, made with coconut milk. Dairy-free and also gluten-free. Chocolate Brownie Almond gets a huge thumbs-up from everyone who’s sampled for me. Turtle Mountain also makes a line of soy-based ice creams called So Delicious. I haven’t tried these — I’m not big on soy-based ice creams — but I know many people think So Delicious is… so delicious. - Rice Dream and Soy Dream
These pints of non-dairy frozen dessert are tasty – I get the Rice Dream vanilla every once in a while. Good for topping birthday cakes or pies! - Almond Dream Lil’ Dreamers
Made by the Rice Dream/Soy Dream brand, these little ice cream sandwiches are rich with flavor, thanks to the almond-milk vanilla. And they’re just 100 calories each, with 4 grams of fat. The perfect poolside treat – sweet, creamy, and easy on the thighs! - Rice Dream Mint Pie
Mint non-dairy ice cream between two oatmeal cookies, dipped in chocolate. NOT low-calorie. NOT low-fat. So save the mint pie for when you’re having a really bad day… or a really good day. Or if you have someone to split it with
Even as a kid, my absolute favorite summertime treat was, and always will be, an Italian ice. I still think there’s nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day. A special tip for New Yorkers: check out Caffé Dante on MacDougal for an excellent lemon ice.
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Don’t be fooled: The only truly cruelty-free "ice creams" come from plants, not cows. There are no happy cows on factory farms. Whether or not they’re pumped full of antibiotics and hormones, dairy cows are kept pregnant until their short lives are spent and they end up as the next hamburger on someone’s plate. Their calves are taken away from them when only a few hours old, and since there is no use for male calves on dairy farms, these poor little guys are shipped to auction with their umbilical chords still attached, and then locked in crates, unable to turn around or move about, and fed iron-deficient gruel so they can be slaughtered for veal while still babies. Under any stretch of the definition, none of this can be called "cruelty-free."
I agree with Ginger. There are no cruelty-free commercial dairy products. But Purely Decadent and So Delicious made with coconut milk ice creams are so good, they taste even better than dairy!
Hey, Ginger.
I totally agree with you! I do think, however, that when trying to affect this kind change, giving people a path is important. I think that’s the point here. Not everyone just gets it the way others do; some have to be led and convinced.
My old-world in-laws will never just "go vegan" but they will experiment with new things and starting with things that are an improvement for animals and our environment and a step in the right direction is the best way to go.
Years ago, I couldn’t get my father-in-law to eat anything vegan. This year, I got him to eat a vegan sausage and he liked it.
This week, he ate a vegan ice-cream sandwich.
Change is a process for some while a decision for others.