Check out these nine places to find dairy-free ice cream in the Windy City!
Whether you’re a Chicago local or are just passing through, there’s enough non-dairy ice cream in this town to go around. From soft serve cones piled high with toppings and decked-out scooped sundaes to shakes, splits, and floats, Chicagoland has it all. Sweet tooths unite! For the deets on where to get these tempting frozen treats, check out our list of the best vegan ice cream Chicago has to offer!
Vaca’s Creamery
Noble Square
Get your vegan ice cream in the Windy City at Vaca’s Creamery. But this isn’t a one-and-done trip. There are so many plant-based desserts that you’ll need to frequent this place quite often for the full effect. Check out the dairy-free soft serve with a variety of sauces and toppings or go for a milkshake, sundae, or handshake during your first visit.
Vaca’s Creamery
Scoops Dessert Bar
Near North Side
This woman-owned vegan dessert bar is bringing gluten-free vegan treats to Chi-Town, and we are here for it! From baked goods and ice cream sandwiches to donuts and vegan ice cream cones, Scoops Dessert Bar has it all. Vegan ice cream flavors include Cookies & Cream, Mint Chocolate Chip, Maple Pecan, and Pistachio, to name a few.
Scoops Dessert Bar
Logan Vegan
Logan Square
There’s a new vegan ice cream shop in town, and she is sweet! Introducing Logan Vegan, your new plant-based dessert go-to. Pop in and treat yourself to a coffee, cruelty-free baked good, or a taste of house-made, small-batch ice cream. At this time, organic ice cream flavors include strawberry, chocolate, mint chip, and vanilla. Keep your eyes peeled as this establishment adds new ice cream flavors and meal offerings.
Logan Vegan
Sundae Stop
Lakeview
Vegan-Friendly
House-made vegan ice cream, anyone? Sounds and smells like a dream. Not only is this ice cream shop a win for many vegan Chicagoans, but it’s a point of pride for owners Jimmy and Jay. The duo conceived of Sundae Stop and opened in January 2020. Vegan ice cream flavors include mocha, ube, Key lime pie, matcha, and brownie chip, along with several fruity sorbets.
Sundae Stop
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Multiple Locations
Vegan-Friendly
Can’t decide on one vegan ice cream flavor? Great news—you don’t have to! We can’t help but ask for a double scoop every time we find ourselves at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. The Cold Brew with Coconut Cream and Texas Sheet Cake varieties are our go-tos! Bonus—both the cake and sugar cones are vegan-friendly—it’s giving one-for-each-hand vibes.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Black Dog Gelato
Multiple Locations
Vegan-Friendly
While not fully vegan, Black Dog Gelato serves up rotational dairy-free treats, including refreshing Dole Whip and dairy-free chocolate flavors. And with three locations, you don’t have to miss out on Black Dog Gelato’s plant-based goodies no matter what part of town you find yourself in. Find these frozen treats in Ukrainian Village, West Loop, and Logan Square.
Dairy Star Ice Cream
Lincolnwood
Vegan-Friendly
This family-owned Chicagoland staple is keeping it simple with the core classic flavors. Find vegan-friendly soft serve available in chocolate, vanilla, and twist. Enjoy your treat in a cup, cone, sundae, shake, float, or banana split. But don’t forget those vegan dips and toppings! Choose from cookies, nuts, chocolate, and fruit.
Realgood Stuff Co.
Multiple Locations
Vegan-Friendly
The juices, smoothies, and coffee might bring you in, but there’s no way you’re leaving without a vegan ice cream treat. Realgood Stuff Co. calls their dairy-free soft serve Noyo Froyo. It can be enjoyed in flavors like Blue Vanilla and Sweet Dreams. Add this frozen treat to a cup or cone and cover it in coconut flakes, chia seeds, and other tasty toppings.
Realgood Stuff Co.
Ben & Jerry’s
Multiple Locations
Vegan-Friendly
We all scream for Ben & Jerry’s ice cream! While all locations are independently owned and operated, the Navy Pier location is known for having dairy-free Strawberry Marshmallow, Change the Whirled, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, along with fruit sorbets. Whether you’re out on the pier as a tourist or eating your way through your home city, don’t skimp on this scoop shop.
Ben & Jerry’s
