RADAR
The Scoop
I scream, you scream, we all scream for plant-based ice cream.
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. For starters, that plant-based ice cream option comes with health benefits — a frozen treat with an almond-milk base can contain more calcium than whole milk, whereas many treats based on coconut milk contain less sodium than those with cow’s milk. Nutrition facts aside, plant-based ice creams reach a wider consumer base — notably, the 44 percent of Canadians affected by lactose intolerance, according to the non-profit Canadian Digestive Health Foundation. Non-dairy options allow this segment of the population to enjoy a range of ice creams, shakes and sundaes without suffering from the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance. The cherry on top? This healthy alternative is also good for the planet. The manufacture of plant-based ice cream means reduced methane emissions from cattle, plus less water usage compared to producing regular ice cream. And if renewable energy sources are employed (like solar or wind power), the plant-based treat can help reduce impact on the climate.
Ready to hop on the alternative-ice-cream train? Go ahead and visit a shop near you that serves plant-based ice cream. CAA
Try Dandy’s Artisan Ice Cream’s unconventional non-dairy flavours — say, Coconut Ash Honeycomb and Salted Chocolate Caramel Brookie — or opt for the vegan soft serve with weekly-rotating flavours at their flagship store in Regina.
Fable Ice Cream in Saskatoon features wide-ranging flavours that include six non-dairy options such as Tortoise Tracks, Cookie Dough and Gingerbread, available as scoops or take-home pints.