Top vegan ice cream spots in Vancouver
By Roshni Riar, Staff Writer
I must be honestâI love ice cream but I hate the way it makes me feel.
This poses a bit of problem in the summer when all I want is ice cream after a long, hot day. A decade ago, that meant Iâd have to go to that one shelf in Whole Foodsâ frozen aisle and weigh my somewhat grim options, prepared to overpay and not really enjoy myself.
Things have changed, however. Nowadays, Vancouver offers endless options for vegans and non-vegans alikeâif you want to avoid dairy, Iâd wager that you can comfortably do so with little to no problem.
If youâre like me and just want a treat without needing to crawl into a hole clutching your stomach afterwards, then this list of my three favourite options for vegan ice cream is for you. Even if you donât feel that way, I guarantee youâll find something youâll like.
Umaluma
235 East Pender Street, Vancouver
@umalumagelato
Umalumaâs vegan gelato has the perfect texture and overall consistencyâof any frozen vegan treat Iâve ever tried, this by far has the best mouthfeel. Each flavour is made to stand out on its own or work well paired with an additional, totally guilt-free scoop. The shop in Chinatown offers over a dozen flavours on rotation with the opportunity to sample at least three before you take the plunge.
So, Iâm just going to say it: Vegan pistachio gelato. Thatâs right. Iâd personally never seen vegan pistachio gelato before but just knowing it existed was enough to sell me on Umaluma. Their âPunk Pistachioâ is made with directly sourced Sicilian pistachios and the gelato is nutty, sweet, and refreshing, yet also deep in flavour and nuance.
The gelatoâs mere existence coupled with the rich, pronounced, and overall outstanding flavour and texture have been drawing me in more regularly than maybe I should admit.
Given the array of flavours that Umalumaâs quaint, brightly coloured shop offers, if pistachio isnât for you, thereâs no need to worry. Their vegan gelato is made with a variety of bases including vanilla, chocolate, fruit, nut, and more. To see whatâs available before you pop by, be sure to check out their website for available flavours.
If you donât feel like making your way down to their storefront on Pender Street, Iâd recommend keeping your eyes peeled during your next trip to Whole Foods, since they sell pints of select flavours.
The only downside would be the priceâdepending on the flavours you select, the prices range from $8.00 to $11.50 for a double scoop. While it is pricey, I think itâs totally worth it for a special treat on a warm summerâs day.
Earnest Ice Cream
Three locations in Vancouverâ1829 Quebec Street, 1485 Frances Street, and 3992 Fraser Streetâand one in North Vancouver on 271 West 1st Street
@earnesticecream
I think itâs safe to say that Earnest Ice Cream is practically a Vancouver staple by now. Their non-vegan and vegan ice creams are all worth a trip to one of their many storefronts.
While the vegan ice cream selection is more limited than Umaluma, thereâs a constantly rotating board of multiple flavours so thereâs a strong chance that every time you visit, youâll be able to try something new.
The vegan Cookies + Cream is by far my favourite. Itâs a simple but nostalgic flavour and the bits of crunchy, chocolate cookie mixed throughout the sweet coconut cream base is delicious as an after-dinner treat.
Earnestâs Frances Street shop sometimes has vegan ice cream sandwiches availableâso if youâre ever in the area, Iâd highly recommend stopping by to see what they have in stock. Alternatively, if youâre feeling extra fancy, you could splash out for a sundae.
Earnest updates their website daily to list the available flavours, so if thereâs one that youâre specifically looking for, youâll know exactly which location to head to in order to cure that craving.
Earnestâs prices are reasonable and if you feel like buying a pint, be sure to bring back your clean jar once youâre done for $1 off your next purchase. Earnestâs pints are available in several stores across the Lower Mainland, from Donaldâs to Whole Foods.
Say Hello Sweets
Search for the cute, pastel-coloured ice cream truck!
@sayhellosweets
Getting yourself a sweet, refreshing treat from Say Hello Sweets is the perfect way to get back in touch with your inner childâwho didnât love hunting down the local ice cream truck in the summer heat with a handful of change?
Keep your eyes peeled for the adorable white and pink coloured truck riding around the city. You can find Say Hello Sweets often parked at farmers markets or street events but if youâre feeling really determined, Iâd suggest checking their Instagram to see where theyâll be when you need them. If thatâs not your speed, then check their website to see the many places around Vancouver that carry their ice cream.
All Say Hello Sweetâs ice creams are vegan, with a coconut milk base. If youâre lucky, you might be able to snag one of their highly sought-after Ice Dream sandwiches.
CafĂ©-No Lait is my absolute favourite flavourâwith medium roast espresso mixed into the ice cream base, a scoop of it is like drinking a sweet, smooth coffee. The creamy, sugary ice cream base is a great balance to the dark, rich coffee accent and makes for a great pick-me-up on a hot day. If coffee doesnât suit your fancy, then there are plenty of flavours to choose fromâstaples like Vanilla & Co and Chocolate Nirvana or more funky recipes like Stay Mallow (yes, with actual marshmallows) and Lemon Squeezy.
Prices range from $7 per Ice Cream sandwich to $11 for a cube-shaped pint. Scoops out of the truck are cheaper, varying by the flavour and if there are any special flavours being offered. Wherever you find Say Hello Sweets, youâre likely to find other local vendors with lots to offer, so I highly recommend seeking them out and making a day out of it.
