Few desserts hit the spot quite like ice cream. Cold, creamy and endlessly customizable, it's easy to see why people reach for it when a craving strikes. For those managing a dairy allergy, cutting back on sugar or just looking to mix things up, there's no shortage of ice cream alternatives that satisfy the same craving.
Whether you’re looking to curb your sweet tooth for health or personal reasons, you’re in luck. From fruit puree to creamy pudding, there’s something sweet for everyone.
What makes a good ice cream alternative?
A great ice cream alternative nails at least one of the things that makes ice cream so appealing, whether that's a creamy texture, a satisfying sweetness or that cold, refreshing quality.
Many are naturally lower in sugar or dairy-free, and most are easy to find or make at home. The right pick depends on what you're after, and luckily, there are plenty to choose from.
15 ice cream alternatives to try
Not all ice cream alternatives are created equal. To make it easier to find what works for you, we organized these 15 options into three categories.
Whether you're looking for something light and refreshing, completely plant-based or just a lighter take on the classic, you'll find something that fits.
Fruit-based | Dairy-free | Dairy |
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1. Frozen bananas
Fruit based
Best for: Vegan, lower sugar, dairy-free
Frozen bananas are an excellent ice cream alternative when you’re in the mood for something sweet. Freeze your ripened bananas, then blend or mash them to mimic the texture of ice cream. Or try dipping your frozen bananas in chocolate for an easy-to-make sweet treat.
2. Frozen fruit
Fruit based
Best for: Vegan, lower sugar, dairy-free
Frozen fruit is often overlooked as an alternative to ice cream. Place your favorite summer fruits, like mango chunks, grapes or watermelon, in the freezer and enjoy. You can eat your frozen fruit on its own or blend it for a smoother, sorbet-like texture. Try dipping individual pieces in chocolate and refreezing for a more indulgent treat. It's a simple, naturally sweet option that requires almost no prep.
3. Strawberry and banana puree
Fruit based
Best for: Vegan, lower sugar, dairy-free
Strawberry and banana puree is a great way to create your own fruit-based ice cream at home. Blend ripe bananas and strawberries in season until smooth for a naturally sweet, creamy dessert. You can mimic a thicker, icier texture by using frozen fruit. Enjoy it as-is or add your favorite toppings like granola, honey or a handful of nuts.
4. Sorbet
Fruit based
Best for: Vegan, lower sugar, dairy-free
Sorbet is a frozen dessert made from fruit juice or puree, sugar and water, with no dairy required. Blend your fruit of choice and freeze to create a smooth, refreshing treat at home or pick up a ready-made pint in just about any flavor. Try mixing fruits like blueberries and raspberries for a tart, colorful combination.
5. Popsicles
Fruit based
Best for: Dairy-free, customizable, lower sugar
Popsicles are a classic warm-weather treat and one of the most customizable ice cream replacements. While ice cream can be filling, popsicles are light and refreshing without sacrificing that cold, sweet satisfaction.
Make your own with fruit juice, yogurt or coconut water, and mix and match flavors until you land on a favorite. Store-bought options come in just about every flavor imaginable if you'd rather skip the molds.
6. Coconut milk ice cream
Coconut milk ice cream swaps dairy milk for coconut milk, making it a great option for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. The natural fat content in coconut milk gives it a rich, creamy texture that holds up well as a frozen dessert.
To make it at home, blend coconut milk with your sweetener of choice, pour it into a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm. Finish it off with granola, nuts, fresh fruit or whatever toppings you'd normally reach for.
7. Almond milk ice cream
Dairy-free
Best for: Dairy-free, vegan, lactose intolerance
Almond milk ice cream is a milk substitute that works for those with a dairy allergy or who are looking for a lighter option. It has a slightly thinner consistency than coconut milk ice cream, but still freezes into a satisfying frozen dessert.
To make it at home, blend almond milk with your sweetener and flavorings of choice, then freeze until firm. Eat it plain or top it with chocolate, sprinkles, nuts or anything else you'd normally add to a bowl of ice cream.
8. Avocado ice cream
Dairy-free
Best for: Dairy-free, vegan, lower sugar
Avocado ice cream might sound unexpected, but the naturally creamy texture of ripened avocados makes them a surprisingly good base for a dairy-free frozen dessert.
Blend your avocados with cocoa powder, vanilla extract and dairy-free milk, then freeze until it reaches your desired texture. The result is a rich, chocolaty treat that's completely plant-based. Top with nuts, shaved chocolate or fresh fruit to finish.
9. Shaved ice
Dairy-free
Best for: Dairy-free, vegan, light and refreshing
If you're looking for a light, refreshing treat, shaved ice is hard to beat. Finely crushed ice topped with flavored syrups makes for a simple, dairy-free alternative that's especially satisfying on a hot day.
It's lighter than most frozen desserts, so it's a good pick when you want something cold and sweet without the richness of ice cream. Find shaved ice kits and syrups through Instacart to make it at home.
10. Smoothies
Low-dairy
Best for: Dairy-free, vegan, customizable
Smoothies are a cold, smooth and refreshing ice cream substitute that can double as a snack or a quick meal on the go. Customize yours with nut butter, leafy greens, protein powder or fresh fruit, depending on what you're after.
For a thicker, more dessert-like texture, add frozen fruit or a frozen banana to the blend. Check out these smoothie recipes for inspiration.
11. Frozen yogurt
Low-dairy
Best for: Lower fat, lighter than ice cream
Frozen yogurt has a similar consistency to ice cream but with a lighter, tangier flavor. Yogurt is used as the base, often sweetened with sugar, fruit or other additives, giving it a familiar creamy texture with a bit less richness.
It comes in a wide range of flavors, from classic vanilla to cookies and cream to peanut butter, so there's no shortage of options. Top it with whatever you'd normally add to ice cream, and you won't miss much.
12. Greek yogurt
Low-dairy
Best for: High protein, lower fat
Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative to ice cream that works in many ways. Eat it chilled straight from the container, or freeze it for a thicker, creamier dessert-like texture. Mix in fruit, granola or different types of nuts for extra crunch and flavor. It's a simple, satisfying option that comes together in minutes.
13. Gelato
Low-dairy
Best for: Lower fat than ice cream, familiar texture
Gelato is an Italian-style frozen dessert that's similar to ice cream but made with less cream and no egg yolks. This dessert gets its creaminess from being churned at a slower speed, incorporating less air, resulting in a denser, smoother texture.
Gelato is a lighter option when you’re in the mood for something sweet but not as dense as traditional ice cream.
Gelato is an Italian-style ice cream that uses less cream and isn’t made with egg yolks. This dessert gets its creaminess from being churned at a slower speed, incorporating less air. Gelato is a lighter option when you’re in the mood for something sweet but not as dense as traditional ice cream.
14. Pudding
Low-dairy
Best for: Easy to make, kid-friendly, dairy-free option available
Pudding is a surprisingly satisfying alternative to ice cream that's easy to keep on hand. Serve your favorite flavor chilled or frozen for a texture that comes close to ice cream, then top it with chocolate chips, sprinkles or fresh fruit.
It's also a great way to make a box cake taste better if you have one in the pantry. If you're dairy-free, try substituting oat or coconut-based milks.
15. Whipped topping
Low-dairy
Best for: Light, no prep required, dairy-free option available
Whipped topping is usually the finishing touch on a dessert, but it holds up just fine on its own as a light, fluffy alternative to ice cream. Choose from dairy or dairy-free whipped toppings for an easy dessert. Top it with fresh fruit or chocolate chips to round it out.
Grab it now on Instacart
How to shop for ice cream alternatives
Shopping for ice cream alternatives doesn't have to be complicated. If you're picking up something frozen, take a quick look at the label for added sugar and check for dairy-free or vegan certifications if that matters to you.
Shelf-stable options, like pudding and whipped topping, are easy to find in any grocery aisle, and many also come in dairy-free versions.
For everything else, from sorbet to coconut milk ice cream to frozen fruit, you can browse and order frozen desserts through Instacart and get them delivered straight to your door.
A spoonful of ice cream alternatives
Now that you're more familiar with ice cream alternatives, you're ready to taste them. Remember that you can mimic the texture and flavors of ice cream with frozen fruit and dairy-free milk, all without skipping out on your favorite toppings. Shop alternatives to ice cream through Instacart and get a spoonful of sweetness delivered right to your door.
Looking for birthday cake alternatives? Try one of these dessert ideas to celebrate your loved ones.
Ice cream alternatives FAQ
What is the healthiest alternative to ice cream?
It depends on what you're looking for. Frozen fruit is naturally lower in sugar, while sorbet is dairy-free. Though it can still contain added sugar, so check the label.
What can I eat instead of ice cream if I'm dairy-free?
There are plenty of dairy-free options worth trying. Coconut milk ice cream, almond milk ice cream, sorbet, frozen fruit and popsicles are all naturally dairy-free and easy to find at most grocery stores.
Is frozen yogurt healthier than ice cream?
Frozen yogurt is generally lower in fat than traditional ice cream, but it can still contain a significant amount of added sugar depending on the brand and flavor. It's a lighter option, but it's worth checking the label for a clearer picture.
What is a good dairy-free ice cream alternative for vegans?
Sorbet, frozen fruit, coconut milk ice cream, almond milk ice cream and avocado ice cream are all fully plant-based options. Most are available at grocery stores or are easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
Can I make ice cream alternatives at home?
Yes, and most are simpler than you'd expect. Frozen bananas, sorbet and fruit purees require little more than a blender and a freezer. Coconut milk and almond milk ice creams take a bit more prep but come together easily with a few pantry staples.
